RPN to BScN

xokw, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Hi,
I'm currently in the flex RPN program at centennial college. I'm about to end semester 1a and my average is currently is a 72% aka a 3.0 GPA I believe. I know I'm just in the start but I was wondering, does he program get harder? Should I have a higher average than this at this point? Is there room for improvement? I really want to bridge to RN after this. I currently have a 59.5 in anatomy but I have two tests left so I'm hoping to JUST pass that course.
Also, let's say I have a 70% average with no failures or repeats at the end of this program. 70 = 3.0 GPA. Will I FORSURE get into the bridging program? Or is it based on competition? I don't understand it.

Yes the program will get harder.

Missmissa · Nov 25, 2015

Colleges and universities seem to fail at giving a reasonable gpa average the student must achieve to get into these programs. A lot of them now from what I see and hear are even higher, but because you have the cut off gpa doesn't mean you will get in, unfortunately. Not just with bridging programs but will RPN programs, I know with Fanshawe on the website it said you had to get I believe a 3.0 average in however you completed the courses. When I was there, I had friends who couldn't get in with just that. It also depends on the school and how many people apply. I know if you go to a smaller campus, for example at Fanshawe their main campus is London, Rpn program is hard to get into. Although they also offer it at their Woodstock campus and their points system is lower, but few realize this.. Had a friend in this boat and just applied this year. Consider different campuses also.

loriangel14, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Yes it does get harder and many bridge programs require an 85% average from the RPN program to get in with no classes failed.

xokw, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Yes it does get harder and many bridge programs require an 85% average from the RPN program to get in with no classes failed.

Exactly. They might say that a 3.0 is the minimum needed to bridge, but if the bridging program has 100 spots, for example, the 100 applicants with the highest marks will get in. This could raise it to an 80% or an 85% minimum average.

As someone who did RPN and am now bridging, I can honestly tell you this: if you are struggling this much now, you will not make it in the BScN program. It is much harder. That is not meant to be negative or rude, just a reality. The RN programs are harder, the science is far more in depth, but also the expectations are higher in regards to your critical thinking, research and writing skills, etc. These are things that I didn't understand before beginning the bridging program, but we've had quite a few students leave the program due to failing classes, all of whom were 80%+ students in the RPN program.

I recommend getting a tutor ASAP to make it through the RPN program.

queeen · Nov 25, 2015

"Get a tutor to make it through the RPN program" lol, excuse me?

xokw, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

"Get a tutor to make it through the RPN program" lol, excuse me?

You stated you are having difficulty in anatomy, why wouldn't you use a tutor? They are an extremely valuable resource and most colleges offer tutoring services right on campus. Anatomy is a cornerstone of many other classes to come and it is important to have a good grasp on the concept.

I have many friends that use them for classes like A&P and Pathophysiology. I recommend these services to absolutely anyone who is struggling, whether it be for an entire class or one concept you are stuck on.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Nov 25, 2015

The bar must be set high. Nurses must be well-educated and have strong knowledge bases because what we do is critical to the health and well-being of our patients. Those who are accepted into nursing schools must be strong students with good grades in order to ensure the best possible candidates graduate into nursing careers. The other angle on this is that year after year, the number of seats in nursing programs have decreased while the interest in them has increased. All the more reason to set the bar high. A nursing degree is not comparable to an arts degree. Nurses hold the lives of others in their hands, quite literally.

loriangel14, RN · Nov 25, 2015

"Get a tutor to make it through the RPN program" lol, excuse me?

You acknowledge that you are struggling. It will only get worse if you don't get help. The program gets much more demanding and the bar for the bridge is high.

anxiouspn · Nov 29, 2015

OP, a tutor is an invaluable resource! I've sought tutoring for math and writing and my average is nearly 90. There's no shame in it. The program is not going to get any easier. If you haven't gathered a group of people study with, make that a priority as well. Honestly as soon as we started a study group, all our grades went up. Good luck!!

toronto_nurse · Dec 6, 2015

Hi,
I'm currently in the flex RPN program at centennial college. I'm about to end semester 1a and my average is currently is a 72% aka a 3.0 GPA I believe. I know I'm just in the start but I was wondering, does he program get harder? Should I have a higher average than this at this point? Is there room for improvement? I really want to bridge to RN after this. I currently have a 59.5 in anatomy but I have two tests left so I'm hoping to JUST pass that course.
Also, let's say I have a 70% average with no failures or repeats at the end of this program. 70 = 3.0 GPA. Will I FORSURE get into the bridging program? Or is it based on competition? I don't understand it.

Since you are currently at Centennial College as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA will no failed or repeated courses you will be admitted into the bridging program. Centennial students have priority as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA. Just notify the admissions personnel so you don't have to pay for the application. Your final consolidation is counted towards your GPA and is worth 40 credit hours so if you do well in that your GPA will improve.