MBA after BSN

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jun 23, 2016

The GPA requirement really depends on where you apply and what type of program (full-time, part-time, executive) you apply to. Where are you thinking about applying? What is your GPA? Almost everyone applying to MBA programs has experience, so experience alone doesn't offset low GPA unless you're applying to executive MBA programs.

My advice is to have an early game plan. You need to explain in a logical manner why you need a MBA at that time, and how courses in the program will help you achieve your future goals. So you also need to know your goals and they have to make sense. You also need to aggressively sell your experience and how your experience led to your decision to get an MBA. Having experience isn't difficult (everyone can get experience), but you need to elaborate on the quantifiable impact you've made for your organization or unit, and have the proof (meaningful promotions). Include some volunteer experience.

If your GPA is lower than average of the program you're applying to, you would want an above-average GMAT. GMAT is quite hard, far harder than TEAS V and even GRE according to many test takers who had taken both. Keep that in mind.

If your goal is to continue in health care admin after graduation, your background as a nurse will stand out. MBA programs are all about diversity and they are overwhelmed with cookie-cutter applications from IT folks, engineers, accountants, and financial analysts. So having a RN applicant would be a ray of sunshine for admission folks and your chances increase dramatically (in my opinion). But if your goal is to get into consulting, banking, finance, or other areas that aren't healthcare admin related, you're in direct competition with folks who are "numbers guys" and your GMAT will really have to be exceptional.

The above is pretty much only applicable to top-50 or so MBA programs. The low-tier MBA programs are not selective. In fact, MBAs are extremely saturated and MBA programs are dime a dozen and there's really no reason anyone cannot get into one. Remember that outside of top-30 (some even argue that it's top-10), ROI on those MBA programs are pretty much equal (equally low that is) and name recognition becomes irrelevant, so focus on getting into the cheapest program.

I also recommend going to a GMAT/MBA specific forums for questions instead of Allnurses. You'll find more info there.