Second Degree options.. oppinions needed!

iPink, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2011

First, check out all the ABSN programs in your area to verify their GPA requirements. If 3.0 is the minimum, ask if they have ever accepted students below that GPA who have done well in their prerequisite GPA.

Secondly, if that doesn't work out. Then look into CC's in your area regarding their ADN/ASN programs. Inquire about options for people who already have a college degree. I know in my area the CC offers accelerated ADN degrees for those who have their undergrad. If you choose that option, there are bridge programs for RN to BSN you can do afterwards. I believe they are 1 year in length.

If you don't like the two options above, inquire with the universities about their traditional BSN programs. Start with the school you graduated from.

Good luck.

delabeaux, MSN · Oct 24, 2011

... You should retake the classes where you earned your 2.8 and bump that sucker up...

spore2008 · Oct 24, 2011

@delabeaux: It would take about 18-22 credits of a 4.0 to pull up a complete undergraduate GPA of a 2.8 to a 3.0...I know this because I did it. There is no guarantee the OP will "ace" 5 to 6 courses. As well, this a substantial cost and time commitment. Not to mention she has already finished her prerequisite course work.

Different schools evaluate candidates on their own systems. Some schools will only look at the last 60 credit hours earned understanding some students did not do well in college initially. Other schools place heavy emphasis on prerequisite courses. To that end, if you have many prerequisite courses in the C range, I would think about taking them over again.

Are you tied to a specific geographic region? Many of the threads on allnurses describe the tough entrance requirements and small acceptance rates of some community colleges. I really do not know how competitive it is to gain entry into accelerated BSN programs. I do know that the tuition seems to vary wildly from school to school.

delabeaux, MSN · Oct 24, 2011

@delabeaux: It would take about 18-22 credits of a 4.0 to pull up a complete undergraduate GPA of a 2.8 to a 3.0...I know this because I did it. There is no guarantee the OP will "ace" 5 to 6 courses. As well, this a substantial cost and time commitment. Not to mention she has already finished her prerequisite course work.
Different schools evaluate candidates on their own systems. Some schools will only look at the last 60 credit hours earned understanding some students did not do well in college initially. Other schools place heavy emphasis on prerequisite courses. To that end, if you have many prerequisite courses in the C range, I would think about taking them over again.
Are you tied to a specific geographic region? Many of the threads on allnurses describe the tough entrance requirements and small acceptance rates of some community colleges. I really do not know how competitive it is to gain entry into accelerated BSN programs. I do know that the tuition seems to vary wildly from school to school.

I didn't say, 'Take credits until you get your GPA up'... I said RETAKE the credits you did crap in. Most colleges have 'grade' forgiveness and will replace and factor in an appropriate grade in it's place. An F can become an A. The impact is much more successful than trying to bring up a poor GPA by taking more classes...

Bob_N_VA · Oct 25, 2011

I think you have quite a bit of a head start on a lot of people thinking about nursing. You have a degree and plenty of practical experience as well as an EMT cert. If I were in your shoes I would look at all the programs in the area (diploma, ASN and BSN) and then what the timeframe is of each is along with entrance requirements. Due your due dilligence and then make a choice that best fits your current schedule and needs. Really, the important thing is to get the license and then if need be, you can always do an RN-BSN or RN-MSN program later. Chances are you will be one of the few folks in your class not worried about getting a job at the end of school.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2011

The accelerated programs probably are "that" competitive because there are so few of them. The BSN is the way to go for a career track, but if you need the RN license now and the associate's degree route is available then take it. You can get a BSN later from a real school online. It'd be more cost and time efficient to go straight for the BSN to begin with it, but if that option isn't on the table then take the ADN, pass the test, and immediately enroll in a RN-BSN program from an area university (not U. Phoenix, etc.). Have you already taken all of the general prereqs like A&P, etc? If you don't get in with your first sweep then you might retake those and apply, but I wouldn't waste time retaking anything now. Get those applications out so you can start in January. Why waste time?