Michigan NP Admissions

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Specializes in Surgery, ER.

I recently graduated from an accelerated second degree nursing program (ASD-BSN). I have been working in the OR since graduation in May 2014. I would like to pursue my FNP. I have spoken to several graduate program advisors in the Southwest MI area, and have been told that I need several years of med-surg experience and the average undergrad GPA is 3.8.

Unfortunately, due to the concentration/ intensity of my accelerated program, I graduated with a 3.34. My first degree is in engineering and my graduating GPA was 3.9.

Are there any programs out there that will accept my low GPA/ OR experience... or does anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve my opportunity to get accepted into a program? BTW, I really enjoy the OR, and hate the thought of leaving for a lateral nursing position in med-surg just to gain experience.

Any advise is much appreciated!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

Hi, welcome to Allnurses! I guess it is probably different in each school. Are there any nurses in the OR who have pursued that avenue?

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you can always try! there are a lot of great grad programs in the detroit/ann arbor area to choose from...

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

They are likely giving you average admission stats. If you look at admission requirements in all the well known FNP programs in Michigan (Michigan, MSU for example), your GPA meets criteria for admission. However, with the rise in popularity of the NP role, schools can afford to be picky and choose the applicants with the best stats. There are ways to make your application stand out even with a below average GPA.

One is your employment history. Unfortunately, OR background would not look appealing to program directors if you are seeking a role that requires interaction with patients and educating them about their health as their provider (FNP role). You'll need to accept the trade-off - transferring to a setting with face to face interaction with a diverse healthcare team and patient population. I personally feel that Med-Surg alone is not the end-all. There are many other bedside nursing roles that can enhance your skill in preparation for FNP program admission. Think ER, Urgent Care, primary care clinic, in-patient rehab, etc. These are all great starting points for a future NP role.

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