question about getting into a nursing program

3KittiesRN · Sep 2, 2007

Hello there!! I honestly don't think that upper level Bio classes will necessarily help you get into a nursing program. If it is a requirement for the nursing degree then I would take them, but if they are not, then I wouldn't take them.

Depending on what kind of program you are trying to get into (ADN or BSN), most schools look at your nursing prerequisites and your overall GPA. A lot of programs (here in California) go by a random selection method, and some do go by GPA. All programs, however, will look at your nursing prerequisites. A lot of programs take points off if you have to repeat any major science courses (A&P, Micro). My suggestion would be to finish your prerequisites and do the best you possibly can, especially in A&P because from my personal experience this is the base of knowledge you need for all of your nursing courses.

Apply to as MANY nursing schools as you possibly can, and just pray that you get in somewhere!!! If it was truly meant to be then you will get in somewhere!! But most of all DO NOT GIVE UP!!! I hope this helps, and keep us posted!! GOOD LUCK!!!

swatch007 · Sep 3, 2007

Hello everyone! I am currently taking the prerequiste classes for nursing school(i already have an undergraduate degree in accounting). anyway, i have heard stories of people being accepted to a program but not for the current year...they are waitlisted and allowed to come the following year since there are so many students applying to nursing school.
Currently I'm only taking the minimum prerequistes....A&P, chem, nutrition, psyhcology, microbiology. Do you think if I take some upper level classes, like maybe Bio for science majors, I will have a better change getting into more nursing programs.
thanks,
hushpupgrl

No need to waste your time taking "upper level classes" because they are not going to consider these classes when judging your application in nursing school. The best action to take is to make sure your pre-req classes GPA should be 4.0 or at least as close to this as possible. Some schools also require you to take nursing entrance examination in addition to their higher GPA requirement. Try to get a high score on that test.

I wish you the best on your journey.

Psqrd · Sep 3, 2007

If you have a degree already and its a bachelors, one suggestion I have is to check into masters programs. Here in Cali you take the NCLEX I believe after about 1 and half years (the nursing course work is completed) then you finish the masters portion while working as a nurse (RN). I do however believe that you still have to have the min. Pre Reqs. The reason I suggest this course is that I have heard that they are less impacted by the quantity of qualified students trying to get into nursing.P2

Music in My Heart · Sep 3, 2007

It may depend on the type of program to which you apply.

I got into a direct-entry MSN program. While they don't publish their selection criteria I think all of my upper division chemistry and biology classes did help make my case. Several indicators suggest that one of their major concerns was the likelihood that one will be able to complete the program on schedule. Having excelled at rigorous science classes certainly helped make that case.

I differ from the others; I think the upper division classes are a good idea.

For what it's worth, I got into the only program to which I applied.

Music in My Heart · Sep 3, 2007

If you have a degree already and its a bachelors, one suggestion I have is to check into masters programs. Here in Cali you take the NCLEX I believe after about 1 and half years (the nursing course work is completed) then you finish the masters portion while working as a nurse (RN). I do however believe that you still have to have the min. Pre Reqs. The reason I suggest this course is that I have heard that they are less impacted by the quantity of qualified students trying to get into nursing.P2

My DEMSN program (in California) is 18 months start to finish. Upon completion you're awarded an MSN and can sit for the NCLEX. It's 65 units in five semesters over 18 months.

I don't know if they're any easier to get in to or not. There may be fewer applicants (ours had ~105 qualified applicants for 24 seats) caliber of the competition is pretty high.

Psqrd · Sep 3, 2007

My DEMSN program (in California) is 18 months start to finish. Upon completion you're awarded an MSN and can sit for the NCLEX. It's 65 units in five semesters over 18 months.
I don't know if they're any easier to get in to or not. There may be fewer applicants (ours had ~105 qualified applicants for 24 seats) caliber of the competition is pretty high.

It was just a suggestion...I believe in evaluating all options available.

P2

justme1972 · Sep 3, 2007

It probably won't increase your chances of getting accepted unless your school has a point system that gives you additional credit for taking upper-level classes. However, it will make a world of difference in the time you have to dedicate to the program when the time comes.

I had ALL of my pre-reqs out of the way when I started the program, and the students that are taking full class loads are struggling. These two nursing classes are so mindboggling, I can't imagine taking them with another heavy course.

Music in My Heart · Sep 3, 2007

It was just a suggestion...I believe in evaluating all options available.
P2

It's a good suggestion, too. I was simply offering a first-hand perspective in the hopes of aiding in that evaluation.

For a very strong candidate, they are good choices because they are based on competitive admissions rather than waiting lists or lotteries. They also tend to look at professional history, the entire educational package, and life accomplishments.