Pre Nursing looking for ABSN program - low gpa

Is there a possibility to retake the classes that caused your low GPA? I know nursing schools can be very competitive. Even if you have a great TEAS test score and essay, many schools will want to see that you have a decent GPA. It's their way of making sure you will make it through nursing school since it is very different based on study techniques and commitments.

Unfortunately you will likely struggle in finding an ABSN program that will accept you with a GPA that low. I don't say this to be mean, but to be realistic. Most ABSN programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered, and the actual acceptance GPA may be higher, much higher (average incoming gpa in my cohort was a 3.85). This is due to the fact that ABSN programs are accelerated and rigorous and want to see that you already have strong study skills and a history of academic success - as even those with previous success can find grades dropping in nursing school.

Your best bet is probably 1) retaking any courses that are pre-reqs for which your received a low grade and 2) applying to ADN or BSN programs that only look at pre-req grades and test score (many of the community college ADN programs only care about pre-req grades and TEAS/HESI scores, and don't care about previous degree gpa).

Why do you want an ABSN? Sorry, but your GPA does not predict academic success in an ABSN program. I did a 16 month ABSN and it was extremely difficult. No decent ABSN program will accept a student with a low GPA below 3.0. You might be able to retake some classes, but given your academic history, I would not recommend an ABSN. You can get an RN in 2 years at a community college, then do an online bridge to BSN.

I want to practice as an RN sooner than later and already have A Bachelors, that's why I'm exploring ABSN as a pathway. I earned an A in bio, chem & psych, and a B in microbiology. I plan to take A&P during the summer.

6 hours ago, verene said:

Unfortunately you will likely struggle in finding an ABSN program that will accept you with a GPA that low. I don't say this to be mean, but to be realistic. Most ABSN programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered, and the actual acceptance GPA may be higher, much higher (average incoming gpa in my cohort was a 3.85). This is due to the fact that ABSN programs are accelerated and rigorous and want to see that you already have strong study skills and a history of academic success - as even those with previous success can find grades dropping in nursing school.

Your best bet is probably 1) retaking any courses that are pre-reqs for which your received a low grade and 2) applying to ADN or BSN programs that only look at pre-req grades and test score (many of the community college ADN programs only care about pre-req grades and TEAS/HESI scores, and don't care about previous degree gpa).

Thank you for your suggestion. I've been checking out the admission requirements for ABSN programs and marking those that focus on the pre-req GPA. I earned an A in bio, chem & psych, and a B in microbiology. I plan to take A&P and statistics during the summer...and strive for an A.

I'm looking for the quickest route but I understand options are limited.

8 hours ago, NurseCheung said:

Is there a possibility to retake the classes that caused your low GPA? I know nursing schools can be very competitive. Even if you have a great TEAS test score and essay, many schools will want to see that you have a decent GPA. It's their way of making sure you will make it through nursing school since it is very different based on study techniques and commitments.

I got a B or higher in my science courses. I do plan to take more this summer - A&P and statistics. How else can I demonstract my academic skills besides getting an A in my remaning pre-reqs?

One school I applied to took your last 60 units into consideration, your Pre-Reqs GPA, and your GPA from your Bachelor's Degree. Most of the academic questions I encountered had to do mainly w/ my BS degree and not so much w/ the other classes I took in various community colleges over the years (the exception being the nursing pre-reqs).

The others on this board have given you some pretty solid advice and honest opinions. You might have some luck in a 2-year degree program at the community college level, but an ABSN will unfortunately be a long-haul w/ a 2.45 GPA.

Look into Indiana State https://www.indstate.edu/health/program/accelerated-2nd-degree-track-bsn

There is one application cycle annually for our Accelerated 2nd Degree Track for students who have earned a Bachelor’s in another field.
Applicants are ranked using three criteria:

Cumulative pre-requisite course GPA;

Science GPA (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology and their accompanying labs); and

Admission exam scores.

Averages for recently admitted students are:

Cumulative Pre-Requisite Course GPA: 3.41

Science GPA: 3.36

Kaplan Admission Test (KAT) Overall Score: 78%

15 hours ago, lifesaver808 said:

I want to practice as an RN sooner than later and already have A Bachelors, that's why I'm exploring ABSN as a pathway. I earned an A in bio, chem & psych, and a B in microbiology. I plan to take A&P during the summer.

An Associates Degree takes 2 years and will allow you to sit for NCLEX for the RN. You then do a bridge program to the BSN, which can be done online.

Most ABSN programs are 16 months, which is not that much shorter than an ADN program.

You can also look into BSN programs that will waive the general ed prereqs for someone who already has a bachelor's degree.

I'm suggesting other options in case you can't get into an ABSN program.

Good luck.

You could go for your LPN and later your BSN.

Yikes. I agree with most that with your GPA going for ABSN (and nurse anesthetist) is a big over zealous. Regardless of the circumstances, even your most recent science course were not too hot (B in micro). Please look into a community college or typical university route. It will give you the best hand at completing a program. Getting in a program is one heck of a feat, but staying in it is a total other world.

Everyone and their grandmother wants to be a nurse anesthetist... and usually they all say that before they even know what nursing really means! The road to a nurse anesthetist is a long and hard one.

A bachelor's degree in communication (a degree I highly dislike) is a cake walk compared to nursing school. I would prepare yourself for the amount of stress nursing school has on a person.

I'm sorry since I know I'm being negative but I think you need a reality check. I'm not saying it cannot be done but it's not as simple as your laying it out to be.

So for a contrasting opinion here... I was in a somewhat similar situation and I was admitted to 4 of 5 ABSN programs, and given a merit scholarship for one (to which I'll be matriculating to this fall). Some details--

1) I got my B.A. from a highly competitive, prestigious institution with a grade deflation policy. The school includes an explanation of this policy with their official transcripts. My GPA was 2.87 and I majored in Latin American Studies (biology minor). When my study abroad courses were factored in, I had 3.03.

2) I aced A&P (solid As) and had an "exemplary" score on the TEAS. All my other pre-reqs were at least a B.

3) I got my CNA license and have worked in direct patient care roles for the past two years, starting immediately after college graduation. The work gave me valuable insight into the healthcare industry and the role of nurses, in particular; both of which I used in my personal statement.

4) I was candid in my personal statement about my struggles in undergrad- I had an experience that led to PTSD, which led to some poor grades. I had a D in Developmental Bio (not a pre-req), for example. In the essay, I spun this as gaining empathy for the sick, physically or mentally. I also talked up my ability to maintain straight A's in the pre-reqs I took while working full time.

5) Similar to the above, I had an undergrad advisor who knew about my mental health issues and was extremely supportive. She wrote me a glowing recommendation.

I hope this helps ?