Newbie here looking for guidance!

[LaurenceM]

Hi, I'm a new poster to this forum but I've been a frequent reader over the past few months. I'm determined to find a path in order to become a nurse. However all of the information that I've researched has left me in need of guidance!

Just to give you a quick background on myself; I'm 24 years old, living in Los Angeles California, I have a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University which I acquired in 2009. After experiencing the work field for 2 years I decided that it wasn't the right path for me. After consulting with family & friends, volunteering at a local hospital and my own extensive research I've come to the conclusion that Nursing is the path I want to take.

The problem is that I have a few obstacles ahead that I could use some help to overcome. For one, my GPA is relatively low. I graduated with an overall GPA of 2.86 (due to low grades at the community college I attended prior to SDSU). My upper division GPA (or the last 2 years of my coursework) held a GPA of 3.1 but was weighed down overall when my first two years were taken into account. I still have a few prerequisites to complete (Anatomy + lab, Physiology + lab, Microbio and Ochem), so I hope that they can raise my overall GPA over the 3.0 mark. However I'm still nervous that when I send my applications that I'll never get in anywhere due to my GPA.

Another problem i'm facing is that I can't find the quickest route to taking those prerequisite classes. Community colleges are packed and have cut classes since 2004 when I first attended. A counseler at Pasadena City College told me that I would have to take a full year of unrelated classes in order to gain enough registration priority to enroll in Anatomy/Phsio etc. Are there any private colleges/programs where I can take these prerequisite classes quickly? I've taken Anatomy and physiology before however the courses I took did not have a lab portion. I've also taken Intro Biology and Chemistry classes.

I also wanted to ask what colleges have an ABSN program in the los angeles area? I know of Mount St. Mary's and I intend to apply there. Are there any programs that anyone can recommend?

Lastly, are there any helpful words of advice or guidance that anyone could share for a person in my position. I really appreciate all of the help!

[Maseca]

I've heard several people complain about the overcrowded classes and difficulty in enrolling in prerequisite classes in community colleges, but that has not been my experience at all.

I started taking my prerequisites at Santa Monica College two years ago, and have not had a problem getting enrolled in any of them. You just have to do your research and enroll the moment your enrollment window is open. You might just want to go ahead and try getting in some classes, it might not be as hard as some people say.

As far as your GPA, I would definitely look at qualifications for each individual school you're interested in, as they all differ. For example, the program I've applied to doesn't look at your overall GPA at all, but rather your last 60 units. That helps me as my overall GPA is horrible (due to my first stab at college 17 years ago), but my last 60 units are about a 3.85. Talk to admission counselors, and get some advice from them too. Most of the counselors I've spoken too are happy to discuss your personal circumstance and provide guidance on how to improve your chances.

I'm not familiar with ABSN programs, because I'm focused on MSN-Entry programs. Have you considered that route?

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hi.

I'm a career changer as well. I don't have the website I usually give out to people who are looking for ABSN programs in their area. I'm on my iPhone answering your post, so I don't have that info readily available, but if you google ABSN programs you should find the website that list all ABSN programs in the U.S.

I'm in my third semester of my 15-month ABSN program and chose this route because the ADN programs near me were around the same price as the ABSN programs (I wouldn't save any money) plus hospitals in my area choose BSNs over ADNs grads. I didn't want to go the EL-MSN route because I want my MSN to be specialized (my goal is to be an NP) and hopefully get it paid for by my employer.

Now, I will give you a heads up that most of these programs require your first degree GPA to be a minimum of 3.0, but there is hope because there are a few that will take less than that, it's just a matter of finding them. You reside in California and what I hear from people on these boards is the nursing schools are full, which means a waitlist, some being 2 years long. Is moving an option for you? Your situation isn't horrible and not uncommon. I, like you, was desperate to get my prequisites done and at my CC those classes were full. I didn't let that hinder me so I searched online for all CC's that had an open space and got in that way. I remember driving between two different CCs just to take my prereqs but I made the sacrifice. Don't give up especially since you've made up in your mind to be a nurse. The journey isn't going to be easy, but it can be done.

[nursegirl75]

I did most of my pre-reqs online, and the one's that I needed to take in class, I made sure to call the person in charge of classes, and let them know how important it was for me to take the class. I was very persistent, and it always paid off. I would usually be given the code to enter the class online. So calling and being very nice and persistent is the key to get the classes you want. Since I was taking them online, I found many classes that I could take. Start early as possible when you enroll. CSUN also has an ABSN program :) gluck!

[LaurenceM]

I did most of my pre-reqs online, and the one's that I needed to take in class, I made sure to call the person in charge of classes, and let them know how important it was for me to take the class. I was very persistent, and it always paid off. I would usually be given the code to enter the class online. So calling and being very nice and persistent is the key to get the classes you want. Since I was taking them online, I found many classes that I could take. Start early as possible when you enroll. CSUN also has an ABSN program :) gluck!

Thanks for the help! Could you also point me out to where to take some prerequisites online? I need to find an online school where I can take Human Nutrition, Developmental Psychology, Philosophy and Religious Studies. I found a program through Southern California University where I can take my Anatomy, Microbio, O Chem and Physiology prerequisites on the weekends!