Nursing school roadblocks

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Specializes in EMT-P.

Before I state my question, I feel a little background is in order. I am 48 yrs old and for the past 20 yrs I was working in the electronics industry. I was quite good in this field and well paid, but I grew weary in my job and decided I needed a change.

I decided to get a degree, and I started out as a freshman at a JC. My choice of majors was biology as I thought this would be something I liked so I began to pursue this major. I completed all my gen eds and was close to completing my major pre-reqs required to transfer to my local University at which time I realized I did not want to work in a lab as this was similar to my previous career. Being that I was a Bio major I took a lot of bio classes like botany, zoology, human anatomy and Physiology I discovered that the human bio classes interested me very much and I seem to have an affinity to the study of human health.

With that said and a discussion with my very older sister (Sorry sis), who has a BSN and an MPH, she convinced me to go into Nursing.

So here is the thing. Here in San Diego, we have very few BSN schools to choose from (Some unaffordable like USD). SDSU is about the best shot I have for nursing school. This semester I started taking the missing pre-reqs for nursing needed to transfer from the JC to SDSU, and I will have them all completed by next fall semester which means I can't apply to nursing school till the following fall. So far no problem as I am chugging along. Here is the problem; the SDSU nurse program is highly impacted and only 100 applicants are accepted each fall so competition is fierce. I have been told that one must have an almost 4.0 GPA (Mine is 3.5) to get accepted.

Now if I started in the nursing major to start my GPA might not be so bad but bio major requires several harder courses like the 2 semester general chem course as opposed to chem100 required for nursing. Well during my coursework I got a C in molecular bio (Due to family reasons causing me to miss the final). I am told this C might be a coffin nail to me getting into nursing school, so at this point I wonder if I am wasting my time. I have two semesters of pre-reqs to take and would hate to find out it was all for naught due to a blemish in my GPA.

I would ask my sister about this but she is more of a public health admin person these days and has been out of touch with nursing for some time.

Any thoughts?

Also any SDSU alumni inputs would be great, we get so little advice at te JC.

Thanks and sorry this was so long, figured the more detail the better to get a good answer.

Michael

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Hey. I think you should definitely go for it. First of all, a 3.5 gpa is really good especially with a strong science background. I don't think your C in molecular bio will hurt you much because it is a very difficult course AND it is not a nursing pre-req. I got a C in Nutrition, a nursing pre-req for many schools and was recently accepted into a competitive nursing program. You have more pre-reqs to take and thus a chance to improve on your already great gpa. In other words, I think you are definitely ahead of the pack in a lot of ways and have a VERY good chance of getting into nursing school if thats what you want to do. Also, are you anchored to San Diego? There are a lot of other programs throughout California and the rest of the country if you are willing to relocate. And it wouldnt hurt to apply to a school like USD and see what kind of financial aid they offer. The only downside is a $50 application fee and you get a potential path towards your RN license and if nothing else just the confidence booster that an acceptance from USD would give you. Again, I think you are in a really good position to get in so just finish up ur pre-reqs and apply! Good luck.

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Specializes in EMT-P.

Thanks for the uplift. I am nailed to SD as I own a home here and my wife also has a job here. From what I am told, only 100 applicants out of 1000 each year get accepted and there are many High GPA students with previous LVN or ASN experience. I thought about USD if I can get one of those VA nursing scholarships, after all I am a veteran.

Thanks

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Can you re-take molecular bio?

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like sandman2855, i think you have a very good chance of getting into nursing school! i have a b.s. in biology with a minor in chemistry, and i'm really sweating getting into schools too! (i'm stuck in ventura county, so my college pool is also pretty small.) but, to be honest, i think colleges are looking for much more than a high gpa, particularly with the current grade inflation trend. because you are a veteran, you've had life experiences that other applicants haven't. it's important that you give some thought to what makes you a unique and qualified candidate, so that you will be able to articulate those qualities in your application. i would also suggest volunteering in a medical-related field if you have time. if nothing else, it will help you determine if nursing is right for you.

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I would definitely make the attempt. If you don't, you know it won't happen, so go for it. Also think you should see if you can repeat the course where you got a C. Good luck.

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Are you set on your first degree being a BSN? What about starting off with an ADN and then doing one of the online programs...I know a university here has a completey online RN to BSN program that you can complete in roughly 9 months. Just an idea...however; I agree with all the other posters...apply!! But don't just apply to the university...apply anywhere in your area with a program like Jr Colleges, Community Colleges..etc. An RN is an RN is an RN...of course the advances in degree will help with advances in the career but if youre looking for a quicker option than waiting until Fall 2011 consider the alternate route through the ADN...make sense?! Just my opinion!

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Your story is very similar to mine. I'm also a biology major and am now finishing up my associates. I had the same thought about being stuck in a lab all day having limited contact with people. It became a kind of depressing idea. After having my first A&P class I was so fascinated with the human body and what it can do. That is when it clicked that I should go into a medical field. I'm waiting on my acceptance but I've been told by many people that my teas score will get me in. :) Definitely go the LPN to ADN course at the local junior college if you can get in. You will be a RN when you pass your boards just like someone that gets their BSN. Then you can get your BSN while you work. Good luck to you!

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