I have been considering going to Nursing School for some time and have begun to take the pre-req's. The more I read on this forum, the more concerned I get about my ability to even get into a program. My concern comes from the fact that everyone seems to have a 4.0, or close to it. I am hoping to get into an Accelerated BSN program. I already have a B.A. degree in Psychology from a large state school. My undergrad gpa was a 3.7. This put me in the top 12% of my college which had about 25,000 kids in it. I thought I did pretty well until I started reading these message boards :) I am about to finish up my law degree ( I am specializing in Bioethics). I ultimately hope to be both a Research Nurse and a consultant to law firms in legal malpractice cases. I have only completed two pre-reqs- both of which were taken in undergrad. So far my pre-req gpa is a 3.5.
To make a long story short, I am concerned that because I do not have a 4.0 I will not get into any programs. I am trying to figure out how everyone could have gotten a 4.0 in College? My brother goes to OSU Medical School and he had a 3.5.... Anyways, I am really anxious to start a new chapter in my life. I am a childhood cancer survivor so I think I can pretty much do what I put my mind to. The question is whether or not these grades will be sufficient?
Ohiogirl - as you've seen, you do NOT *need* a 4.0 to get into nursing school. So don't let your GPA stop you from applying to nursing school, if that's what you want to do.
I've got to ask, though, what about getting some work experience first before heading back to school for what sounds like a third degree? With your current credentials, you could probably get involved in the type of work that interests you, that is health care research and medical-legal issues, without a nursing degree.
Legal nurse consultants draw upon their expertise that has been gained by practicing nursing *for several years* so it would be quite awhile after obtaining your nursing license before you could market yourself as such. "Research nurse" is a catch-all category for nurses who happen to work in research. They may be functioning as a nurse in an inpatient research study, they may be functioning as research study coordinator (nursing degree not necessarily required), they may be functioning as the PI for study about nursing care (more likely as a professor at a uni), or more.
Just food for thought! You must be a very bright and motivated person to be where you are today!! Best wishes!
Specializes in Case management, occupational health.
My school has a very specific formula for who gets in, out of a possible 100 points.
GPA is the highest on the list, but also ACT/SAT scores factor in, specific grades in specific courses ties in with an A giving you 5 points, a B 1 point a C negative 2 point, anything below that a negative 5 points. If you have a prior degree in a scientific field that also gives you several points. While everyone that I know that got in had a 3.75 or better, it would be possible to get in with a lower GPA depending on your status in other areas.
Don't give up before you ever try, you will always wonder what if?
Thank you all so much for your posts. I think I will go ahead and take all of my pre-req's, apply to 15 schoos, and pray for the best. Since I have another graduate degree I could always find a job with that if all else fails. As I stated before I am a cancer survivor and during law law school my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. After having half of my immediate family come down with cancer (including myself) my heart just changed. Although I enjoy law school and think I could make a difference, I sort of had this change of heart as to what direction my life should be heading in. Whatever I end up doing, I hope all I learn will help me reach my end goals. Thank you all again for being so helpful!
Definitely go for it. We have a Direct Entry MSN program at the University of Virginia, and over 1/3 of our students have graduate degrees in other areas (PHD, MD, JD, MBA, MPH, etc). Our faculty and admissions committee have liked the diversity that other degrees and professional work experience brings to the class.
jjjoy, LPN
2,801 Posts
Ohiogirl - as you've seen, you do NOT *need* a 4.0 to get into nursing school. So don't let your GPA stop you from applying to nursing school, if that's what you want to do.
I've got to ask, though, what about getting some work experience first before heading back to school for what sounds like a third degree? With your current credentials, you could probably get involved in the type of work that interests you, that is health care research and medical-legal issues, without a nursing degree.
Legal nurse consultants draw upon their expertise that has been gained by practicing nursing *for several years* so it would be quite awhile after obtaining your nursing license before you could market yourself as such. "Research nurse" is a catch-all category for nurses who happen to work in research. They may be functioning as a nurse in an inpatient research study, they may be functioning as research study coordinator (nursing degree not necessarily required), they may be functioning as the PI for study about nursing care (more likely as a professor at a uni), or more.
Just food for thought! You must be a very bright and motivated person to be where you are today!! Best wishes!