Hi Everyone! I am new to this site I must say. But I need advice as to what I should do to better my chances of getting into the BSN nursing program at the University of South Florida since my gpa is low. I have a 2.6 overall gpa currently and not sure what my pre-req gpa is but have not finished up all my pre-reqs yet. I only need to take A&P II and a three credit science course. I am going to retake A&P I since I got a C to try and help raise my gpa. Currently I am taking nutriton and microbiology am hoping to get As and Bs in the remainder of my classes to raise my gpa. I got all As and Bs in all the other pre-req courses just A&P I I got a C and A&P II I withdrew from as I wasnt prepared to take it. I really want to become a nurse. However I have accumulated over 100 credit hours and just now figuring out what I want as a career. Am I wasting my time or should I really persue this? Is it even possible to raise my gpa to a 3.2 with the few classes I have left to take?
Currently I am majoring in Elementary Education only because my gpa will allow me to get in the program. However, I am somewhat interested in teaching as well. Right now I only have 2 pre-reqs left to take for either degree. I know I will get into the education program as it is not competitive like nursing. I was wondering is it worth getting a degree in education while bettering my gpa then applying to nursing under the second degree sequence even though I really want to do nursing? I would hope to be teaching in the meantime. I am sure I will have over a 3.0 which is what USF require to be competitive for second degree sequence. Then I will have two bachelors degrees. Or should I forget getting my bachelors even though I have over 100 credit hours and become a LPN and then bridge over to RN then BSN or straight from LPN to BSN? Are there any accredited programs in Tampa that are inexpensive where I am able to do this? Do jobs like hospitals even recognize degrees from these schools? I've even looked into HCC but for an associates you have to have like a 3.5 gpa.
I thought of just changing my major to pre-nursing but before I can they want you to have a 3.2 gpa. I looked online and USF look for any medical work experience or volunteer work. I have had my CNA license before but they have expired. I never did any work though as a CNA besides the internship I did through my high school. I thought of retaking the certification exam but my husband does not like the idea of what the job entails. So I thought maybe I could volunteer at a hospital. In the meantime I have applied for a few jobs at the hospital on the business level that require customer service skills just to get my foot in the door but I haven't heard anything back yet. I don't know if because I am a leasing agent and that is more of a sales job.
I know USF will be having a meeting soon for all individuals interested in nursing to attend which I plan to do. I just have so many questions that I need answered now. Sorry that my post is so lengthy but I am really confused and tried to give enough details for you all to understand. Thank you all so much for all the feedback you all give!!!
