EmilyMW2020

Hi everyone, I've been struggling for awhile now to find the ideal path I should take to accomplish my goal of becoming an FNP. I've tried reaching out to friends, finding a mentor, arranged meetings with counselors, and have consulted a handful of online forums for guidance, but nothing. So I'm hoping maybe someone on here can give me some insight! Background: - Graduated with a BS in Biomedical science in 2015 with a 2.74 (not super competitive, I had no drive in my undergrad and have done a lot of goal searching since I was 21). My cumulative GPA is the stronger of my science and last 60 hours GPA. - I did work in a pharmacy during school and racked up over 300 hours of experience there. - Since graduation, I worked as an inorganic chemist, a clinical data consultant for a genetic testing company, and now currently a biopharma scientist. (never really escaped the science field, basically). - I've taken classes over the last 5 years while working full time (developmental psych, nutrition, medical terminology, infectious pathophys, etc - achieved A's in all of those courses) and have finally managed to get my GPA up over 3.0. - I have also become a certified EKG tech, phlebotomy tech, and am currently BLS certified over the last few years. - I am currently retaking Microbiology (got an A in the lab, but a C in the lecture during undergrad), but currently have a 95% and plan to also finish with an A. - I have shadowed PAs, NPs, and DCs over the years and have obtained letters of recommendations from them all. ** Now that you have some background info, I'm wondering what would be the best path to take to achieve my goal of becoming an FNP with my lower GPA. 1. Should I bother pursuing an ABSN? 2. Should I pursue a masters in Clinical Nutrition (which I'm also very interested in) as a GPA boost to apply for a nursing program. 3. Should I bother considering an entry to MSN bridge program? ** I'd prefer not to keep retaking pre-reqs if I can avoid it. I am now 27 and have spent thousands out of pocket and lots of time over the last few years retaking classes as a GPA boost. I'm ready to take the next step. I'm willing to relocate for programs, but if it helps narrow it down I do live in TN. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated! TIA!

Okay, I know each program will differ on requirements but I was wondering about your experience and what you had come across. Sometimes I wish I had chosen an easier major and entered nursing by taking the handful or pre-requisites..rather than suffering through 4y of Biomed courses ? suffering isn't the right word I suppose, but as you know there are a lot of "filler" courses that are required for the degree, meh. I have some friends who are social workers, it's definitely a trying but rewarding career! Nursing is also! I think my goal is to look at some of the more holistic programs, as I think that'll be my best chance rather than retaking 2 years worth of courses. Thank you for all of the help and advice, like I said before I never knew a DE program was even an option. I guess since I can't message you, I'll refer back to this post if there's any other questions. I appreciate your help and best wishes with your journey! ? Emily

Hi GoingtobeRN, Something that had come up, and that I had been meaning to ask is: Do you have to have PCE (patient care experience) in order to apply for BS --> MSN program? I have some pharmacy experience and some phlebotomy, but I wouldn't consider it substantial. I tried to PM you, but I guess it's not allowing me to. Thanks!

Hi, I actually didn't know that was an option before you mentioned it! I've now begun looking into direct entry programs, I think you're correct about that saving me a lot of time. I do know that a lot of these programs require a > or = 3.0, but this route would make retaking certain classes worth it because then I wouldn't be spending the next 10 years in school to achieve an MSN. It's also nice the GRE is requested, I feel like that will help supplement the application, given I do well on it. Thank you for your help!

I'm not sure if I'm using this correctly, I just came across this site! So my apologies if there is somewhere else I should be posting this. I currently have a Biomedical Science degree and graduated back in 2015. I have been working as a biopharma chemist for the past few years, but my dream has always been to go into medicine - NP to be specific. My undergrad GPA wasn't the most competitive as I worked a lot of hours to afford to put myself through school, looking back I wish I had found a better way. My ending GPA was a 2.86. Since graduation I took courses like developmental psych, pathophysiology, statistics, and a few other courses, earning all A's through a different institution (4.0 GPA). So my question is, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should proceed with Nursing? I prefer to do it in a cost efficient way that won't take me years to achieve. So the two avenues I am considering are currently: 1. Search for ADN programs nearby and complete that, and proceed by doing ADN --> BSN bridge, and then BSN --> MNP. This route will probably take me 6-7 years and will potentially cost more. But I think it might be a quicker way to get my foot in the door. 2. Consider retaking my pre-req courses (to boost a B or two to A's) and apply for ABSN programs (which I hear are extremely competitive). I worry this option will take me longer because it's going to take some time to make my GPA competitive enough to be considered for this type of program. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or has anyone been in a similar position? Any advice is much appreciated!