Pmhnp programs that dont "emphasize" GPA

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 17, 2019

Hello CP1983

We moved your thread to the Student NP forum for the best response.

Good luck with your PMHNP career plans.

pro-student · Apr 20, 2019

Without improving your GPA, you are not likely to be admitted to a program other than a degree mill. I don’t know of any grad school that “emphasizes” GPA as the sole or primary indicator of an applicant’s potential but all reputable programs do have a floor of 3.0. The main reason is that in most quality graduate programs, a grade below a B (which is 3.0 on the GPA scale) is failing. Schools know that if you were unable to maintain a B average in the considerably less difficult undergrad courses, you are not likely to be successful as a grad student. So unless you are very close to a 3.0 and/or there are significant extenuating circumstances, your academic record shows you are unlikely to be successful and any school that would admit you it’s probably unscrupulous and unconcerned with producing a qualified graduate or anticipating that you will not finish the program but are willing to take your money in the mean time. It would be wise to honestly consider your strengths and challenges and whether advanced study in a reasonable goal.

One option, if you do choose to purse graduate education, is to take some grad courses as a non-degree student. This would allow you the opportunity not only to improve your GPA but also to help you evaluate whether grad school is a good choice and to demonstrate to admissions committees that you’re able to be successful in advanced nursing courses. If you choose courses wisely, they should also apply towards a degree if you are admitted.

As you may already be aware, if a school is not approved by the State of New York, you are not allowed to complete clinicals within the state. If you are near another state and are willing to get an RN license and commute, then that might be a viable option. Otherwise, you will want to consider programs that are located in or approve by NYS. (To my knowledge, Rush is the only online PMHNP program that is approved by NY but don’t quote me on that. Their program is also a DNP and probably not the best choice for you.) Best of luck in whatever you decide.

CP1983, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2019

12 hours ago, pro-student said:
Without improving your GPA, you are not likely to be admitted to a program other than a degree mill. I don’t know of any grad school that “emphasizes” GPA as the sole or primary indicator of an applicant’s potential but all reputable programs do have a floor of 3.0. The main reason is that in most quality graduate programs, a grade below a B (which is 3.0 on the GPA scale) is failing. Schools know that if you were unable to maintain a B average in the considerably less difficult undergrad courses, you are not likely to be successful as a grad student. So unless you are very close to a 3.0 and/or there are significant extenuating circumstances, your academic record shows you are unlikely to be successful and any school that would admit you it’s probably unscrupulous and unconcerned with producing a qualified graduate or anticipating that you will not finish the program but are willing to take your money in the mean time. It would be wise to honestly consider your strengths and challenges and whether advanced study in a reasonable goal.
One option, if you do choose to purse graduate education, is to take some grad courses as a non-degree student. This would allow you the opportunity not only to improve your GPA but also to help you evaluate whether grad school is a good choice and to demonstrate to admissions committees that you’re able to be successful in advanced nursing courses. If you choose courses wisely, they should also apply towards a degree if you are admitted.
As you may already be aware, if a school is not approved by the State of New York, you are not allowed to complete clinicals within the state. If you are near another state and are willing to get an RN license and commute, then that might be a viable option. Otherwise, you will want to consider programs that are located in or approve by NYS. (To my knowledge, Rush is the only online PMHNP program that is approved by NY but don’t quote me on that. Their program is also a DNP and probably not the best choice for you.) Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Thank you, pro-student for your response. There were personal reasons why I wasnt able to maintain my 3.0 GPA since midway through the semester, I was dealing with family issues. Nevertheless, I was very proud of myself to finish and did not allow my situation to dictate my future. At least, for now, I was able to obtain my BSN and work as a nurse.

I mean, if anything, I will just have to get a masters in nursing administration instead and see if I can prove myself in that manner. Maybe afterwards I can get into NP school.

Thanks again.

pro-student · Apr 21, 2019

I think you should absolutely be proud of your accomplishments and I hope I didn't sound like I was diminishing them in any way. I just urge you to be very thoughtful about your potential for higher level study. It's entirely possible that you could be a very successful student but school will want to see some evidence of that before they are willing to admit you. Like I mentioned, a great way to show that (and to help yourself gauge your potential) would be to take a few nursing classes as a non-degree student. You could also take any courses for college credit (for instance, if you are interested in substance abuse, take some college classes towards a CASAC certification) and, assuming you do well, increase your GPA that way.

Just please be honest with yourself. Because what would be so much worse than not getting into PMHNP school would be not being able to finish.

futureprovider · Apr 24, 2019

Hey there ! I would suggest taking some classes to boost your GPA, undergraduate or graduate relating to PMH or some type of rigorous sciences since you're doing NP. I'd take them from a reputable school. Online even if through an extension school (Harvard extension, ucla extension, for example). Then when applying make sure you submit an academic addendum fully explaining your low GPA. Being honest won't hurt you, but make sure you stress how you arose from your circumstances and is imperative that you show trending up grades(your GPA boosting classes ? ). I think if you do this it would be cheaper and quicker than a masters in something you have no interest in ! Good luck to you and you will get into the right program at the right time. Don't give up !

CP1983, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2019

12 hours ago, futureprovider said:
Hey there ! I would suggest taking some classes to boost your GPA, undergraduate or graduate relating to PMH or some type of rigorous sciences since you're doing NP. I'd take them from a reputable school. Online even if through an extension school (Harvard extension, ucla extension, for example). Then when applying make sure you submit an academic addendum fully explaining your low GPA. Being honest won't hurt you, but make sure you stress how you arose from your circumstances and is imperative that you show trending up grades(your GPA boosting classes ? ). I think if you do this it would be cheaper and quicker than a masters in something you have no interest in ! Good luck to you and you will get into the right program at the right time. Don't give up !

Thanks Futureprovider! I definitely dont want to give up but I did feel a it discouraged before. I am currently looking for a few classes at some universities at the moment. Nevertheless, I appreciate the advice!

anchorRN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Apr 28, 2019

Check out Eastern Kentucky University. They have a PMHNP program and you should meet their admission requirements with that GPA but they may require you to take the GRE. I am in their FNP program now and they are wonderful. Its a brick-and-mortar state school in KY but the program is 100% online. Also, they will find you clinical placement if you are unable to. I graduate May 2020 and am almost done with all the didatic work and will only have clinicals and practicum left. Also - they have a very high board pass rate. This university is not a diploma mill. I went there for my undergrad BSN and lived on campus and it was awesome.

CP1983, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2019

1 hour ago, anchorRN said:
Check out Eastern Kentucky University. They have a PMHNP program and you should meet their admission requirements with that GPA but they may require you to take the GRE. I am in their FNP program now and they are wonderful. Its a brick-and-mortar state school in KY but the program is 100% online. Also, they will find you clinical placement if you are unable to. I graduate May 2020 and am almost done with all the didatic work and will only have clinicals and practicum left. Also - they have a very high board pass rate. This university is not a diploma mill. I went there for my undergrad BSN and lived on campus and it was awesome.

Thanks for the feedback, anchorRN! Unfortunately, when I had called the KU, they told me that NY students are not authorized to attend their program and even others (something with NY regulations). But because of all these restrictions for NY students who cannot apply to non-NYS programs, I'm entertaining the thought of relocating. But I do appreciate your advice!

Clara Monsivais · Aug 7, 2023

Hi. Just came across your post. I'm in a similar situation in terms of my GPA. Have you had any luck getting into PMHNP school?