Need to find an accelerated BSN program that I can get into!

Hey, I'm along the same line as you are. I graduated with a 2.74 cumulative GPA, obtained a bachelor of science in Kinesiology. I slacked off big time my first 2 years in college. I signed up for an EMT-B training course and it starts this coming September. I have two years experience as a fitness center manager/fitness specialist and I'm going to volunteer this summer at a local hospital to gain some experience and hopefully increase my chances of getting accepted to Nursing school. I applied to a couple accelerated nursing programs in the state. I live in Pennsylvania

There are programs for those who want to go into nursing and have a bachelors already. You enter into an accelerated nursing program and end up with your masters. I believe it is a masters in nursing science--I am not exactly certain of the degree name. If you go to the board of nursing for your state and check what programs are authorized in you state,that should help.

Or You could get another bachelors in nursing, but you would be doing the exact same thing you would be doing in the masters in nursing science for people who have no nursing experience. The program works like this..for the first 1.5 years you work on your RN degree, take the NCLEX and when you pass and become an RN and you seamlessly continue with the masters in nursing science program.

The questions is, which do you want...the accellerated BSN program that will give you another bachelors or a masters degree. Tuition may be similar. Your nursing board's website should give you info about which programs are approved by the board.

I, like you, already have a bachelors, but I have been an emt and an LVN. My requirements are different and I need a distant learning program. Indiana State University is the program I selected, but it is not accelerated...other than it is an LVN to BSN program.

I'll be started the accelerated program at Drexel in the fall. I know they require a 3.0 culmulative GPA OR a GPA of 3.0+ over your last 60 hours of credits. Since you obtained a 4.0 becoming an EMT, they may take that into account. GOOD LUCK!

Accelerated pathway to a BSN is the way to go if you already obtained a Bachelors in another field. I believe that having a strong personal statement, networking(possibly knowing someone who teaches at a certain university you are applying to helps), and experience(that's why I choose to go for EMT-B, and volunteer at the ICU in a hospital). I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and knees crossed that I get accepted into nursing school. I really have no option but to go into nursing. I can't make a career out of being a fitness center manager.

Good luck though!

Be prepared to get on a long wait list at a community University or shell out some big student loans to get into a private University with that GPA.

I'm currently sitting at a 2.9 because there's an F where a W should be on one of my courses that I need to get fixed - but basically anything under a 3.5, especially in the science courses, is going to make you uncompetitive in public University programs.

EMT-B course is easy and probably won't matter - I passed my NREMT cert. with a 98 while in the military in 8 weeks of studying - on top of all the training the Army gave.

Please don't construe this as rude, just being honest with you on how they'll see it. If you've got the money than private schools will let just about anyone through the door willing to pay for it. If you don't have the money you have two options, either go and retake some of your science courses to obtain a better GPA - or get in line on a wait list.

Currently our local University's accept nobody with under a 3.5 GPA - get around 300 applicants per semester, and only accept around 90. Anyone with a 3.5 is put on a wait list and generally makes it next semester - anyone with a lower than 3.5 average is put on a wait list that is designed for entry based around other students dropping from the course early.

Keep in mind this is for an entry level BSN program - not an accelerated BSN.

Indiana-South Bend is near Michigan and with a good interview you may be able to get in.

I went through an accelerated program and I don't believe any of my classmates had under a 3.5, and the majority were much higher. That said, my program did give more weight to GPA in the prerequisite coursework than the GPA of the previous degree.

DirtyBlackSocks said:

Be prepared to get on a long wait list at a community University or shell out some big student loans to get into a private University with that GPA.

I'm currently sitting at a 2.9 because there's an F where a W should be on one of my courses that I need to get fixed - but basically anything under a 3.5, especially in the science courses, is going to make you uncompetitive in public University programs.

EMT-B course is easy and probably won't matter - I passed my NREMT cert. with a 98 while in the military in 8 weeks of studying - on top of all the training the Army gave.

Please don't construe this as rude, just being honest with you on how they'll see it. If you've got the money than private schools will let just about anyone through the door willing to pay for it. If you don't have the money you have two options, either go and retake some of your science courses to obtain a better GPA - or get in line on a wait list.

Currently our local University's accept nobody with under a 3.5 GPA - get around 300 applicants per semester, and only accept around 90. Anyone with a 3.5 is put on a wait list and generally makes it next semester - anyone with a lower than 3.5 average is put on a wait list that is designed for entry based around other students dropping from the course early.

Keep in mind this is for an entry level BSN program - not an accelerated BSN.

Disagree on the private school comment. Don't generalize and think that you can pay for your degree because you go to a private school. I'm going to one (for ABSN) and it was extremely difficult to get in to. Expensive, yes, relatively but not as expensive as some. But extremely competitive. It was a 2.75 to be considered for the program, but when it came time to evaluate for admissions, you had to have high grades in the prereqs and on TEAS and essay.

I'm currently in the accelerated BSN program @ Kent State University in Kent, OH.( outside of Cleveland, OH) You need to have a 2.5 in presq. and ur previous degree. http://www.Kent.edu/nursing have further information about the program and u should found contact information for the advisor name is Jay Hays.

Look into West Chester University in Pennsylvania. The list of pre-reqs is the smallest of any school in PA and they only require a 2.75 in the pre-reqs. Also, it says they want a 3.5 in your undergrad degree, but ive talked to several people who were accepted to the program this year and they did not have that GPA. The school is also one of the cheapest around by far! Good luck!

I went to Lakeview College Nursing a 16 month BSN program. There are two (2) campuses one in Danville IL the other in Evanston IL. Both campuses perform clinicals in Champange-Urbana and many student live there and commute. It is close to where you reside, at least in the midwest. I am from WA state where we have no programs like this.

The instructors are great, they know their nursing principals. It is a hard studying school, they take into account diversity of students not just book smart. It is on a point system now but there are exceptions and you can apply anytime. Last I heard there was no waiting list and start 2 time a year.

You can call and talk to an admission cordinator.

Go to http://www.lakeviewcol.edu to find out if this is a path you wish to take. College is regional and National accrediated. This college truly is a gem for the nursing profession.

Your undergraduate GPA is less than stellar but you already know that. While it may exclude you from some programs others are willing to give students another shot. If you have competitive GPA in your prereq courses (like 3.5+) and a strong interview you may be able to land a slot.

Michigan's programs are exceptionally difficult to get into at the moment. Since the economy here is so poor due to the auto industry's collapse many are unemployed and looking to get into nursing programs for a "guaranteed" job.

I'm going to be honest, with your GPA in your previous degree I would say UofM, State, and Wayne are not going to happen-- students with 3.5+ are being turned away left and right from those programs. Oakland University may be a possibility like I said if you've done well in your recent classes and prereqs and have a strong interview. UofD is less competitive, but their tuition is more expensive since they are private (and you mentioned tuition cost as a factor). What about Grand Valley? I don't know much about them but they do have a second degree program and I don't think they're as flooded with applicants as programs are here in metro Detroit.

I would call every single program in the state with an accellerated BSN program and find their exact requirements (or look on the internet I'm sure they're there too). Focus on programs that may realistically accept you, and knock out your prereqs with the highest grades possible. You can't change the past, but you can work your hardest to change your future.

Good Luck and keep us posted.:redpinkhe