Non-nursing degree (low GPA/stats) to accelerated BSN program?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I fooled around in school, which brought down my GPA to a 2.65. I have no volunteer/research experience and no letters of recommendation--just a degree in Biological Sciences.

I've made my mind about Nursing and did some research. I found that people like me with a non-nursing degree can get their BSN in about a year through an accelerated BSN program.

With my GPA and low stats, it seems like a hard program for me to get into. I have a bad feeling that I might as well throw my degree down the toilet. AM I SOL (**** outta luck?) What are my options toward getting a BSN using the degree I have now?

All feedback is appreciated. Thanks guys.

mzchas thanks for your info on the NJ schools. I'm gonna look at them myself.

I'm in NY but open to moving. Most of the schools I'm looking at are from MA down to DC area besides one or two. So it's nice to know I'm not alone.

I have a 3.11 undergrad GPA

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This might be late, but I am currently in one of the accelerated programs listed on your list, Nebraska Methodist College. For those of you willing to re-locate I would definitely recommend this program. It's 15 months, and I graduate in 3 weeks. The minimum gpa to apply is 2.75 and an interview is required. Most people got accepted. I received my acceptance letter a couple weeks after my interview. They are expanding their program (my class started with 42). Retention is pretty high as well, and if needed you can easily transition into the traditional program. If you have any questions let me know.

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Hi! I got into the accelerated BSN program at the University of Pittsburgh with a 3.08 undergrad GPA, a 4.0 GPA on my prereqs so far, and a 1250 on my GRE. I think that applying early helps. The advisor I talked to when I was considering the program told me to apply in the fall of 2009 for admission to the program in the fall of 2010. They'll let you in even if you're still taking prereqs, you just have to have them finished by the time the program starts. As far as having a low GPA, I don't know about other programs, but I know that this one has a minimum undergrad GPA requirement of 3.0. I was nervous about that, because I didn't think that my 3.08 would be good enough, but it was! Good luck!

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Hi! I got into the accelerated BSN program at the University of Pittsburgh with a 3.08 undergrad GPA, a 4.0 GPA on my prereqs so far, and a 1250 on my GRE. I think that applying early helps. The advisor I talked to when I was considering the program told me to apply in the fall of 2009 for admission to the program in the fall of 2010. They'll let you in even if you're still taking prereqs, you just have to have them finished by the time the program starts. As far as having a low GPA, I don't know about other programs, but I know that this one has a minimum undergrad GPA requirement of 3.0. I was nervous about that, because I didn't think that my 3.08 would be good enough, but it was! Good luck!

Congrats on your acceptance to such a great program! That is FANTASTIC!!! :yeah:

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thanks! :)

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This might be late, but I am currently in one of the accelerated programs listed on your list, Nebraska Methodist College. For those of you willing to re-locate I would definitely recommend this program. It's 15 months, and I graduate in 3 weeks. The minimum gpa to apply is 2.75 and an interview is required. Most people got accepted. I received my acceptance letter a couple weeks after my interview. They are expanding their program (my class started with 42). Retention is pretty high as well, and if needed you can easily transition into the traditional program. If you have any questions let me know.

Hey AceStudent,

Would you be able to tell me what your schedule was like for the program? I was recently accepted but do not have any info on what the class schedules are like. .

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CONGRATS FuturecruzanRN :yeah: That is very exciting! Every semester will be different. You will probably be in classes everyday for most of the day 8-5pm, some days wont be as long. It's like a full-time job, but you will make it. The last semester (Spring) is basically a cake walk, and you'll barely have to come to campus. Also, every 8 weeks you will switch courses. It avgs about 18-21 credit hours a semester, but it is doable. Let me know if you have any other q's

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I hope someone still reads this thread. I hope someone might be able to help I have a few issues. My main problem is I graduated with a low gpa 2.7. I was recently married so relocating is not an option I now live in south jersey so anything in south jersey or Philadelphia are my only options. I took lots of science classes undergrad got C's in most. The prereq's I did not take undergrad I received A's but that was only 2 classes. I had a lot of distractions before now all of that is behind me and I am ready to work. I even have work experience as a nursing aide and still want to apply to programs. At this point I believe the "5" limit of science classes is up for me. If anyone has some advice or direction please help.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
I hope someone still reads this thread. I hope someone might be able to help I have a few issues. My main problem is I graduated with a low gpa 2.7. I was recently married so relocating is not an option I now live in south jersey so anything in south jersey or Philadelphia are my only options. I took lots of science classes undergrad got C's in most. The prereq's I did not take undergrad I received A's but that was only 2 classes. I had a lot of distractions before now all of that is behind me and I am ready to work. I even have work experience as a nursing aide and still want to apply to programs. At this point I believe the "5" limit of science classes is up for me. If anyone has some advice or direction please help.

I live in Jersey. Unfortunately, if you are looking into ABSN programs, you may be out of luck here. All of the programs requires your undergrad to be a minimum of 3.0. Some schools are very strict on that requirement. I would advise you to look into ASN programs in your area and start retaking some of the required classes. Also, look into their retake policy.

To find all the ABSN programs in Jersey: http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/accelerated-bsn/#new_jersey

I will be going to UMDNJ, starting January 2011.

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I hope someone still reads this thread. I hope someone might be able to help I have a few issues. My main problem is I graduated with a low gpa 2.7. I was recently married so relocating is not an option I now live in south jersey so anything in south jersey or Philadelphia are my only options. I took lots of science classes undergrad got C's in most. The prereq's I did not take undergrad I received A's but that was only 2 classes. I had a lot of distractions before now all of that is behind me and I am ready to work. I even have work experience as a nursing aide and still want to apply to programs. At this point I believe the "5" limit of science classes is up for me. If anyone has some advice or direction please help.

I am unsure what schools look like in New Jersey, but from what I have read it is possible to gain admittance into an accelerated program with ur cumulative gpa. However, if your science gpa isn't a 3.0 , it becomes exceedingly difficult. Good Luck though !

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Thanks sweetie, you were such a big help!

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It is possible! My undergrad GPA was ~2.6, since my goal at that point was merely to pass the courses, not excel in them.

I was able to get into an accelerated BSN/MSN program by doing very well in the prerequisite courses (4.0 GPA), getting extra letters of recommendation from my professors, and also doing very well on the GRE.

It will be an uphill fight, but if you can convince the college that you're serious about doing this, they will probably tell you what you've got to do to prove yourself.

Good luck!

I'm on similar boat. My undergrad GPA wasn't even 2.5. At that point in my life I was only interested in to learn something while I was working full time. Because I had other 2 other associates degree prior and working full time from associates degree I've achieved.

But after 20 yrs of worked in same field, I want to change my career and pursue for BSN. With low GPA from former BS degree and still need to take pre-requisite courses, is it possible to get accept to accelerate BSN program in NY state or CUNY ? Want to get BSN shortest time possible. Need some advise !! :)

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