OREGON Admissions process.. Help!

SVXPORT · Jun 28, 2011

What I did was read everything on the PCC Admissions web site:

http://www.pcc.edu/programs/nursing/admission/

I then added up my points based on GPA, work experience, and discretionary points.

For the 2011 cycle, the minimum points to obtain an interview at PCC was in the high 50s.

PCC accepted a class of 80 students from over 1000 applications.

CNA experience, previous BS degree, and foreign language are now vital for the application process.

SVXPORT

Miss_Wishful · Jun 28, 2011

Thanks SVXPORT.

I don't want to be pessimisstic, but I need to be realistic in whether or not this is attainable considering what I am up against..

Columnist · Jun 29, 2011

Moved to OR Nursing Programs Discussion forum for more responses.

airbender · Jun 29, 2011

People definitely get in with 3.6 - 3.7, but it's certainly no guarantee. Your best bet would likely be at the BSN programs - they tend to evaluate applicants on essays and life experience that is not quantifiable by points. I'd be sure to get all A's in the A&P series, and do well in other science and math courses - they are indicative (to admission committees, anyway) of likely success in a nursing program. It's definitely doable - I got into OHSU and PCC, but was wait listed for Linfield and U of P. People with lower GPA's than I had were accepted into Linfield - they have a reputation for choosing well-balanced applicants. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason, but strong grades in pre req sciences and good essays definitely are crucial. If it's what you really want to do, then go for it!

pdxMHT · Jun 29, 2011

I had a 3.85 w/ a prior B.S. and over 4000 hours of direct patient care and it took me 2 years of applying to get into a program... just to give you an idea of how tough it is to get into a program.

Ginnym1981 · Jun 29, 2011

I had a 3.67 overall GPA (private schools) at the time of applications and about 3.8 pre req gpa (this is what the OCNE schools look at) my CNA (but no working hours, volunteer experience nor prior degree).

I took all my pre req's MHCC.

The best thing you can do is get your CNA now. Work part time(or full time if you can) while taking your pre req's so you can build up experience. It will not only help you with the school's points system but give you a better understanding of being a nurse which will also help with future school interviews and essays.

Also get as many A's as you can in your pre reqs. Anatomy/science classes especially.

If you don't get an A in the first A&P then you may as well pay out of pocket to retake it. (You get 5 points for that A alone for the OCNE schools)

It's important to LEARN/understand and retain the information and not to be a "crammer" (I unfortunately was for the most part and I just know that this will bite me in the butt come fall) Study a bit each day.

Take a look at the immunization requirements and get started on them now if you can. There are clinics that will do them at a cheaper cost. (don't worry about the TB unless you're getting your CNA-you'll do that once per year)

Lastly, don't bother applying to the OCNE schools if you don't have all the pre reqs complete before fall term. (fall classes will count towards your application) You're basically throwing away your money (application fee) because not having the classes complete hurt your overall score and isn't enough points to get an interview.

That's about it.

This was my first year applying and I got waitlisted at Linfield and MHCC (should have been in w/all the points I had but my nerves got to me at my interview and I totally choked)

I got called off the waitlist at MHCC and I start in the fall.

My friend just graduated from Clackamas CC and she got in her first year of applications as well as 2 other friends I have (one in at Linfield and the other Walla Walla-PDX campus)

so it's totally possible.

Just do your research for each school, map out what you need to do to get accepted and plan your courses wisely.

(Take most if not all your anatomy classes before nutrition-it'll help)

Good luck!!

Miss_Wishful · Jun 29, 2011

Thank you for the advice Ginnym1981! I know it's definitely possible, but it can feel overwhelming. Like airbender said sometimes there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or a reason.. and I suppose pdxMHT is proof of that. I need to do my research and plan out my next year. Btw this site is sooo awesome! I didn't even know it existed until a few weeks ago - and I've found more information than even my advisor could provide me with.

RMS2014 · Jun 30, 2011

Hi Wishful! Have you heard about the accelerated Bachelor's programs? The majority of nursing schools nowadays have accelerated programs where you apply with any Bachelor's degree finished and then take a year to a year and a half to get your BSN. It sounds like you have done so much work on your Psychology degree that you should consider finishing that up at OSU and then apply to accelerated programs. True, the programs are extremely competitive as well, but if it were me I would hate to see those 80 credits go to waste. And you could try to incorporate the pre-req classes for the accelerated programs into your last years at OSU so that you're ready to apply during your senior year. You'd have two Bachelor's degrees done in 5 years' time. Just giving you some food for thought! The other thing I wanted to mention is, in terms of competitive acceptance rates, if you can go outside of the Portland Metro area for school, I HIGHLY encourage it. I'm 19 as well and I applied to OHSU Ashland, knowing that I had no shot at any of the Portland area schools, and it paid off - I was accepted. I had a 3.9 GPA in pre-reqs (I did my pre-reqs at WOU) and have good volunteer experience, but no CNA or previous degree (obviously), and my pre-reqs weren't even finished at the time of applying. I know lots of people with the same or better qualifications who applied to Portland schools, got rejected, and have to wait for next year. Good luck with your decision and believe that if you want badly enough to be a nurse that it will happen, regardless of competition. You'll get there!

jimithing112 · Aug 20, 2011

Ginny gave great advice, based on my experience with applying to OR schools. The OCNE CCs are pretty good about laying out exactly how many points you can expect to earn based on your grades and experience. When I was applying, I knew I had a better shot at Clackamas than the other CCs, just based on the slight differences in how they assigned points. Clackamas was my only interview and I'll start next month.

Another thing, and this may sound totally obvious, but make sure you're aware of all the programs in the area -- especially the difference between OCNE and OHSU's program at different schools. I still don't think I'm totally clear on that one. My apps were already in when I realized there were a few more programs around. Clark college in Vancouver has a great program, as I've heard, and they offer a BSN through WSU Vancouver. They also operate on a very straight forward points system for admission.

It sounds like you'd definitely have a competitive GPA for your applications, so don't get discouraged by the crazy admissions processes here. Do try to get some patient care experience, though! That will boost you even more. Good luck to you!

taz5869, RNC-OB · Aug 21, 2011

Well, here is what I would recommend since you're so young and haven't completed your pre-req's yet...

Transfer to Linfield and complete your nursing pre-req's there. It's expensive, but you'll be sure to get into the nursing program in a timely manner as soon as your pre-req's are finished and won't have to compete for a spot against people who are older/have previous degrees/are more diverse, etc. You won't have to stress about getting A's in all of your pre-req's, although I still highly recommend it - all you have to do is pass the classes and keep the minimum GPA requirement to be able to get into the nursing program. (Again, I still HIGHLY recommend that you get good grades, I'm just emphasizing the point that it's not critical that you get them because you'll basically already be accepted into the program). You'll end up getting a Bachelor's degree which is tremendously helpful in being able to find a job and move up in the workplace and you'll be able to pay off your student loans within a few years because you'll be making a great income. You will set yourself up for life!

If you were my child, I would strongly recommend this path. It's more expensive than going the community college/OCNE route, but it'll probably be faster and more do-able... and you won't have to worry about whether or not your application will be accepted. If you go the other routes you're going to be competing against people who have more life experience, have previous degrees, more volunteer experience, etc.... it's really difficult for someone so young to get accepted into the programs. But, if you go the Linfield route, once you're in the Linfield pre-nursing program working on your pre-req's you're in! I am 99.9% certain that you will not regret it if you truly are committed to becoming a nurse!

Here is the linfield pre-nursing info:

http://www.linfield.edu/advising/pre-professional-advising/pre-nursing.html

darling2014 · Aug 22, 2011

Hi Guys!
So.. I'm currently a psychology student at OSU, but I've recently decided I want to go into nursing (probably for mental health). By changing my major I would have about a year of pre-reqs at either PCC or PSU. My projected GPA would be anywhere from 3.5-3.7 (current OSU gpa is 3.65 and I'm at 80 credits, I am also aware of which courses are evaluated in determining my nursing gpa). I have no volunteer experience in the field, and I'm working toward my first degree. I've been researching how competetive Oregon programs are, and I'm almost deterred. Sounds like an impossible jump given my circumstances -- however I don't want to give up! I would take the OCNE path and apply at PCC, Linfield, OHSU, and various other community colleges. I'm only 19, but I'm wondering if it is worth the risk when acceptance is not guarunteed. I understand the MINIMUM requirements, but my question is this: What are the "real" GPA requirements for the said programs? And how is acceptance actually determined? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hi, here is the breakdown at Rogue Community College:

"Information About 2011 Selection Process and Points

Applicant pools vary from year to year, but students often ask about GPA ranges and points for students who are accepted into the program. In 2011, over 200 students applied to the RCC Nursing Program, with 194 meeting at least the minimum requirements and considered qualified. Of the top 85—those who went to the phase 2 essay session—the GPA range was 3.50-4.0 (the average of the GPAs was between 3.7 and 3.8). Of the 70 points possible in phase 1, the range for the top 85 was 51.21-65.00. After Phase 2 was completed, 36 accepted students and 25 alternates were identified from the top 85 students. Accepted students’ prerequisite GPA ranged from 3.51-4.0. The range of final selection process points among the 36 accepted students was 73.12-91.50."