Nursing school suggestions for people with a low GPA

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I am a current student, I just finished a bunch of pre-req classes but my GPA has suffered extremely due to family complications. I have 2.45 GPA and am looking to get into a generic BSN program this fall. I don't have any other degree either. Anyone know of any schools that will accept students even if their GPA is that low? PLEASE HELP!! I'm in desperate need!:crying2::confused:

The best thing to do in your case would probably be to find a school where you can re-take pre-req's w/o a penalty for a higher grade. Reason being that i havent seen any programs that will accept anything below a 2.5 and most BSN programs are bumping to 3.0 min GPA. i would stay away from private schools if at all possible. there is just something that doesnt look good about paying tons of money for guaranteed acceptance into those schools. dont give up though, nursing has GOT to be one of the most STRESSFUL degrees to get but it pays off in the end with the quality of work, occupational variability and flexability. also there are plenty of schools that allow you to retake pre-reqs for a better grade. The rule I am operating under while in pre-req purgatory is anything under an A is unacceptable/unthinkable and i will study and commit myself to a class as much as needed to achieve that. Another thought as i am writing this is to also maybe choose a school that weighs other factors besides GPA alone. For instance alot of schools will consider some type of standardized entrance exam score or interview processes, work/volunteer experience etc... heck even ANOTHER (farout) option might be to go the EMS route to RN licensure. there does exist a bridge program from paramedic to RN through Excelsior college online or something like that (GOOOOOGLE). Kinda round-a-bout but hey, gotta do what you gotta do right?

can you tell ive got a "plan b"? haha :uhoh3:

Specializes in Surgical, Emerg, Medical, Community.

To be honest, I haven't heard either of any schools taking someone with a GPA that low. Minimum when I went to school was a 2.7, and that was back in 2007. Now, because everyone is looking to get into nursing, it has went up to a minimum of 3.0. There's people trying to get into University where I am and can't even get in with a 3.8. Bump up your marks... it's a pain, and it might take an additional year, but it's worth it.

I think the EMT-RN route would take even longer...becoming a paramedic is a full 2 years of school in itself.

A lot of private BSN programs around here have guaranteed admission as long as you have a 2.5 or 2.8 GPA. There ARE good private BSN programs...The problem is it's a lot of money IMO to pay for a nursing degree.

Around here a lot of ADN programs have a waiting list...As long as you have a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA you are guaranteed a clinical spot eventually, however it may take 2+ years to get off the waiting list. I know you said you wanted your BSN, but a lot of times with a low GPA it's a lot easier to get the ADN and then do the RN-BSN which can be done online in a lot of cases and is usually less competitive. The BSN programs around here you usually need at least a 3.8 GPA, but for the RN-BSN completion all you need is a 2.5 and you are automatically accepted...A lot of the BSN programs here, even if you retake classes they will take the first people who didn't have to retake anything. It's pretty competitive out there for the cheaper schools.

I would at least retake classes to raise your GPA to a 2.5 as most schools won't let you in without a 2.5.

There is a lot of good advice above. I would also suggest completing a CNA course (through a community college or your city/county's vocational program). Some significant work experience in direct patient care (as well as recommendations from RN who work with you in these settings) could add to your eventual application. This would also convince you if nursing is right for you.

I have evaluated many applications with low grades. But 1-3 years of full-time work experience PLUS recommendations from nurses I trust can help counteract a weak transcript. Plus, retake the pre-requisite classes and get strong grades.

I think the EMT-RN route would take even longer...becoming a paramedic is a full 2 years of school in itself.

A lot of private BSN programs around here have guaranteed admission as long as you have a 2.5 or 2.8 GPA. There ARE good private BSN programs...The problem is it's a lot of money IMO to pay for a nursing degree.

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Do you know which private BSN schools these would be specifically? I am very interested in hearing more about them. Thanks :)

Even if you had a 4.0 you would have a heck of a time finding a school that is taking applications for Fall 2011, it's just too late in the cycle.

Take this as a good thing and retake some classes this Summer and Fall to boost your GPA.

Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

get it to a 2.5 (overall AND the 4 sciences) and I'll give you the name of a Public BSN program in TX that will accept you. PM me...

Specializes in PICU.

- get your CNA or LVN and get some work experience

- take other classes to boost your GPA

- learn another language such as Spanish

-look into community colleges that work on the lottery system

get it to a 2.5 (overall AND the 4 sciences) and I'll give you the name of a Public BSN program in TX that will accept you. PM me...

which four science classes are you referring to?

I have completed Anatomy & physiology, Biology, General Chemistry, Intro to Organic and Biochemistry, and Nutrition

Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

A&P 1 and 2, Chemistry, Microbiology. They will accept your nutrition

get it to a 2.5 (overall AND the 4 sciences) and I'll give you the name of a Public BSN program in TX that will accept you. PM me...

TrilldayzSN - I can't PM yet because I don't have enough posts... can you PM me? I have a few questions about your school, specifically about prereq time limits. Thanks!

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