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If I don't get into any nursing programs what other options are there left for me to do?

My school didn't require a competitive GPA beyond the 2.5... everyone waitlisted and got in eventually.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hi,

I understand you want to go to a specific school, but in nursing (as in life) you need to be flexible. Being open to the idea of getting your degree elsewhere will ease your anxiety and expand your choices. The most important goal is becoming a nurse, right?

First of, ensure the program is at least accredited... Search ACEN Accredited Nursing Programs

Second, visit the campuses with a friend. Do not be afraid of approaching nursing students to ask them their opinion of their nursing program. Even if there are other programs they would or would not recommend.

Apply to more than one school if you are concerned about your chances.

Stay positive! :)

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
If I don't get into any nursing programs what other options are there left for me to do?

Well, given that you're pre-nursing and you have 3 semesters before you can start applying, you must work your tail off so that you get the grades you're going to need and meet all the other requirements they'll have for entry to the program. Your preparation for getting what you want starts now!

Next, cast your application net far and wide. Do not limit yourself to a single program. A nursing license with a degree (even if it's ADN) is better than no license and no degree. You can upgrade later to BSN or higher if you want. Second, if none of the programs accept you the first time, take very careful note of application time frames and any "deficiencies" that you're advised about with denial of entry to any particular programs and work to correct those. Then when the application filing period opens again, you apply again. Then you repeat the process until you're chosen. I sent out 15 applications over 4 years (8 consecutive semesters) before I was accepted to both programs that I could apply to. If I'd been allowed to attend the local University's program, I would have applied there too.

Be flexible and don't give up. Be persistent and consistent and you'll eventually get in somewhere. You just have to make sure you have the academic "chops" to qualify.

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Keep applying and working on your grades. I know many colleagues of mine who waited anywhere between 1-3 years just to get in. That is, if you're willing to stay patient and persevere. There's also nutritionists, dietitians, social work, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, community health worker jobs if you're interested in exploring the diverse health care field.

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Do some research and apply to more schools. Some community college programs give better training and have smaller class sizes than prestigious universities in the same city. There are a lot of paths to being a nurse, including LVN to RN to BSN bridge programs. If your school's program is one where only 15% of students who apply get in, and you're not in that 15%, that doesn't make your path to nursing any less good or valid. There are also a lot of other health professions whose admissions aren't so combative.

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My school didn't require a competitive GPA beyond the 2.5... everyone waitlisted and got in eventually.

The community colleges in Jacksonville/surrounding areas are extremely competitive. The same area the OP is talking about moving back too. The lowest GPA taken for spring term at the community college near me was a 3.6. The lowest HESI(entrance exam) score that was taken was a 92.

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You are not alone!! I have the exact same worry at the moment. But you can always re-apply as many times as you want (or can afford)! That's what I plan to do, even though I seriously hope to get in the first time. I'm not sure where you are from, or what kind of program you are looking to apply to. But where I am, you NEED to have a BSN to be an RN and many of these schools offer accelerated programs for people who already have a degree in something else. Some of these programs require you to submit your CV/resume and outline your experience. So if this sounds like any schools you want to apply to, then focus on gaining a lot of clinical/hospital experience.

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Right now I currently have a 3.33 overall gpa! I was thinking about applying to a different school but I really want to do all of my 4 years at USF

Is this for an accelerated program? Not sure where you're from, but most schools only look at your GPA from your last 2 years or last year of undergrad.

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Find a community college with a waitlist system... they usually take everyone above like say a 2.5 GPA.

Not sure where. Ours won't even look at you if you aren't in the 3.2 MINIMUM. Those don't get accepted though. They may get lucky and get alternate. The average GPA at my school that is accepted is 3.5. I'm a little above that, but yeah, you don't want to go to a school that is taking 2.5s.

She's look at USF, which I'm familair with, and it's incredibly cometitve for admissions. She needs to boost that GPA in a big way. More than likely, going community is the best bet in her case. Dream schools are usually that because they are so desireable, but they are that way because they only accept and graduate the top students.

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