Nursing School Application Adivce?

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I'm not sure if I'm using this correctly, I just came across this site! So my apologies if there is somewhere else I should be posting this.

I currently have a Biomedical Science degree and graduated back in 2015. I have been working as a biopharma chemist for the past few years, but my dream has always been to go into medicine - NP to be specific. My undergrad GPA wasn't the most competitive as I worked a lot of hours to afford to put myself through school, looking back I wish I had found a better way.

My ending GPA was a 2.86. Since graduation I took courses like developmental psych, pathophysiology, statistics, and a few other courses, earning all A's through a different institution (4.0 GPA). So my question is, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should proceed with Nursing? I prefer to do it in a cost efficient way that won't take me years to achieve. So the two avenues I am considering are currently:

1. Search for ADN programs nearby and complete that, and proceed by doing ADN --> BSN bridge, and then BSN --> MNP. This route will probably take me 6-7 years and will potentially cost more. But I think it might be a quicker way to get my foot in the door.

2. Consider retaking my pre-req courses (to boost a B or two to A's) and apply for ABSN programs (which I hear are extremely competitive). I worry this option will take me longer because it's going to take some time to make my GPA competitive enough to be considered for this type of program.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Or has anyone been in a similar position?

Any advice is much appreciated!

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Hi Emily,

Have you heard of or considered MSN Direct Entry programs? These programs are tailored towards individuals such as yourself who have a Bachelors degree in something other than nursing and allow for you to get a Masters degree in the nursing. Most programs are accelerated and can be completed in 2 years. I am taking this route, most programs have 4-6 pre-reqs needed before applying, the programs I have researched do require a 3.0 GPA, but if your GPA is lower you would have to take the GRE. If you know about these I apologize for the extensive post, but it might be a quicker and possibly more affordable route, plus you will be much closer to your end goal by getting your masters instead of another bachelors.

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Hi,

I actually didn't know that was an option before you mentioned it! I've now begun looking into direct entry programs, I think you're correct about that saving me a lot of time. I do know that a lot of these programs require a > or = 3.0, but this route would make retaking certain classes worth it because then I wouldn't be spending the next 10 years in school to achieve an MSN. It's also nice the GRE is requested, I feel like that will help supplement the application, given I do well on it. Thank you for your help!

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Hi GoingtobeRN,

Something that had come up, and that I had been meaning to ask is:

Do you have to have PCE (patient care experience) in order to apply for BS --> MSN program? I have some pharmacy experience and some phlebotomy, but I wouldn't consider it substantial. I tried to PM you, but I guess it's not allowing me to.

Thanks!

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37 minutes ago, EmilyMW2020 said:

Hi GoingtobeRN,

Something that had come up, and that I had been meaning to ask is:

Do you have to have PCE (patient care experience) in order to apply for BS --> MSN program? I have some pharmacy experience and some phlebotomy, but I wouldn't consider it substantial. I tried to PM you, but I guess it's not allowing me to.

Thanks!

Hi!

It says I am not allowed to send private messages either, not sure what that is about, LOL. As far as my research has found, you do not need any type of PCE. I saw recently someone had made a post about coming from a degree in dancing and was accepted in a nursing program. I am currently working as a Patient Care Attendant, but prior to that my background was in social work. If I had not gotten the PCA position, I was going to continue looking for social work jobs to get me through my pre-reqs. From what I can gather, programs look at the individual as a whole, work experiences, volunteering, etc.

If you type in MENP or Direct Entry into the search bar on the side, if will bring up a lot of threads on the direct entry programs. If you want to look up by school then include what school e.g. MENP DePaul. This is how I discovered a lot of information. If you have other questions, I will be happy to help, I have been researching for almost 2 years and have decided to finally take the jump. ?

Sarah

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Okay, I know each program will differ on requirements but I was wondering about your experience and what you had come across. Sometimes I wish I had chosen an easier major and entered nursing by taking the handful or pre-requisites..rather than suffering through 4y of Biomed courses ? suffering isn't the right word I suppose, but as you know there are a lot of "filler" courses that are required for the degree, meh. I have some friends who are social workers, it's definitely a trying but rewarding career! Nursing is also!

I think my goal is to look at some of the more holistic programs, as I think that'll be my best chance rather than retaking 2 years worth of courses.

Thank you for all of the help and advice, like I said before I never knew a DE program was even an option. I guess since I can't message you, I'll refer back to this post if there's any other questions. I appreciate your help and best wishes with your journey! ?

Emily

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The programs I have close to me are in Chicago, and that is basically what I have researched, Rush, DePaul and UIC. It seems as time goes on, there are a lot more programs available. I hope you are able to find the best program for what you want, good luck also! ?

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