arb29171

I'm a 32 year old pre-nursing student with a 3.3 GPA based on 51 credit hours. After working as a CNA off and on for years, I finally decided to bite the bullet and pursue a RN license. I need to get into a nursing program no later than next fall as I am running out of pre-BSN classes to take. I'm concerned that my age and GPA will prevent me from being accepted into a 4 year BSN program. If I go the ADN route, it will take me an additional year to get a BSN (i'll be 36!). I'm taking the TEAS after the holiday break and plan to apply to UNCG, WSSU, NCCU, WCU as well as Forsyth Tech. All NC programs. What are my chances of being admitted based on GPA alone? If denied admission, what are some good alternatives to nursing?

BEST OF LUCK!

Please let me know if you got in! If so, what was your cumulative GPA and TEAS scores? Also, is your GPA based on the mandatory prereqs only or the last 12 credits you took? For example, some of the prereqs I took recently are not required for entry to the program.

Please let me know if you got in! If so, what was your cumulative GPA and TEAS scores? I'm applying for the spring 2017 semester. Everyone is saying that it is crazy hard to get accepted into the ADN program at NOVA.

Technically, no. But you can easily invest 5-6 years to obtain a BSN depending on what path you take and the prerequisites that are required. ADN/ASN is typically only 3 years total.

Bottom line, not everyone wants a graduate degree. Many people would rather invest time and money in their families or hobbies. Especially when you consider the high cost of tuition - it's a racket! Nurses used to only need a diploma; now it's an ADN or BSN to do the same job. More and more nurses are functioning as doctors. If you decide on a medical career early in life and plan to attend college for 6-8+ years, you may as well go to med school. It's a big commitment.

I'm 32. All of my prerequisites are done. I have a few more pre-BSN classes I can take over the summer. Like I said, there's only one program close to home that I can start in the fall (late admissions). Otherwise, I'll have to wait another semester before I have more options.

Based on my observations while working in the health care field, it seems a lot of nurses are mothers who would rather get their degree as quickly as possible without having to spend the extra time, money and effort pursuing a graduate degree. Acquiring a BSN can be very costly and does not provide a higher income. Management positions are few and far between and require more dedication. A BSN definitely makes you more marketable, but doesn't necessarily compensate for experience. Some of the most knowledgeable RN's I know are non-graduates who have decades of experience in various specialty areas. I'm confused as to why hospitals are now requiring BSN degrees while claiming they don't have enough nurses to maintain a safe nurse-to-patient ratio. You would think if these facilities were understaffed, they would offer a better incentive for going back to school (higher pay or 100% tuition reimbursement). Seems like many hospitals are simply using the supposed "nurse shortage" as an excuse for not hiring adequate staff.

I missed the deadline to take the TEAS exam and my grades for last semester posted later than expected; therefore, there's only one nursing program close to home that I can attend during the fall semester. It's a two year ASN program. The only problem is it's a small town community college that does not participate in the federal student loan program. Would it be possible to complete one semester of NUR classes and then transfer to another college/university that offers federal loans? Has anyone ever done this? If so, how does it work?

2 years for ADN, 2.5 years for BSN. I would have to wait an additional semester to start the BSN program though.

I need expert advice from all you nursing grads! I'm confused as to whether or not I should pursue an ADN or go straight for a BSN. If I choose the ADN route, I'll start in the fall semester of this year. If I wait another semester, I can start at the junior level at a four year institution. Either way, I'll have my degree in roughly two years. What is the smartest option? I only have a handful of pre-BSN nursing courses left to take; one of which is required for admission to the upper division nursing program in the spring. I've heard the ADN to BSN bridge programs can be costly because you're not granted as much financial aid while you're working as an RN. However, ADN means you gain experience and better income sooner. Suggestions??? Thanks!

It's one of these small town community colleges in a poor area of the state. I'm guessing they don't have as many applicants because they do not participant in the federal student loan program which is the safest option for a full-time nursing student. Private loans have sky high interest rates, plus require a co-signer. I'm an older student so I'm not trying to gamble with my family's retirement.

I'm waiting to hear back from several nursing programs that I applied to for the fall semester. The program I have the greatest chance of being admitted to does not do federal loans which means I'd have to work at least part-time as a CNA to pay bills. Most programs recommend that you don't work more than 12-20 hours a week. I completed my prerequisite classes so I'll only need to focus on my nursing classes. I'm single with no children. Based on your experiences in the nursing program, is working doable or am I setting myself up for failure?

You are not too old. Nursing offers a lot of bridge programs (many online) that help you achieve your degree faster. I'm 32 years old, just completed all my prerequisite courses and am waiting to start the RN program in the fall. If you don't have a lot of money at your disposal, I'd recommend going for your ADN first at a community college that offers federal loans. If federal loans are not an option and you have to work to pay bills, make sure ALL of your non-NUR classes are completed first so you're not overwhelmed once you're in the program. Many big hospitals are willing to hire associate nurses as long as you agree to complete your BSN within 5 years. Getting your foot in the door as a CNA while in the nursing program will give you a greater chance of getting hired after you graduate. Some facilities also offer tuition reimbursement for employed nursing students.

That makes sense. My mom went to nursing school back before nursing entrance exams were required and more than half of her class ended up flunking or dropping out because a B was the absolute minimal score in order to pass (tests and all!). My last A&P instructor was very tough on her students and bragged that no one achieved an A in her class. Meanwhile, those who took the A&P evening class with the other instructor said they all received A's without having to do as much work. Really upset me to hear that, because I worked hard (could of done better) and still only managed a 79 average. Moral of the story, your grades don't necessarily reflect how much you actually learned which is why the standardized test scores are important when considering applicants. I hope if I do really well on my TEAS test, I'll still have a shot. Thank you for your input!