BeesMama,
I think the biggest question is what is your GPA for your last 60 college units? Western puts an emphasis on this, and really likes to see a strong upward trajectory for grades.
Western is a VERY competitive program, and they admit less than 10% of applicants. With that in mind, I honestly don't think that 3.2 and no healthcare volunteer work is sufficient unless your last 60 units are stellar. I don't want to be discouraging, but I want to give you realistic information.
Here's my background in a nutshell. My overall GPA is a pitiful 2.8, most of that from college 15+ years ago. I graduated with a BS in Public Health with honors in 2011, and my last 60 units are a 3.9. Western doesn't look at strictly prereq GPA (mine is 3.75 though), mostly last 60 units. I have over 1000 hospital volunteer hours, but all of that is from 15+ years ago. I've been employed full time as an executive assistant/paralegal for more than 10 years, and have been working on this career change while working full time. I'm also an Army veteran.
In my personal statement I really emphasized why my GPA sucked so much early on (single, 19 year old parent, etc.), why I want to be a nurse practitioner, and how I've proven my time management skills and academic skills have improved over the last 15+ years. I also discussed why I was interested in Western's program specifically, and why I would be a successful student there.
I hope that helps some. Please feel free to ask me anything, I'm totally an open book!
