Stuck on getting an ABSN or BSN? Please help!

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I currently have my associates degree and my college GPA is a 2.98 and the only science class I have taken so far is Bio1 & the lab which I got a C in. I also took Bio2 & the lab but withdrew because I was taking 4 other college classes at the time. Would it be better if I get my bachelors degree and take my nursing pre-reqs and do an ABSN program or should I just focus on my nursing pre-reqs and apply to a BSN program instead. Idk which one is better since I already have a C & low gpa.. And yes I know my gpa is low and im starting off bad, but I plan on doing really well to boost my GPA! Is it even possible to bring my gpa at this point, will a nursing school even accept me? Please help....

I would focus on brining up the GPA.. re take some courses where lower marks were earned. Then apply for the BSN program when you are eligible.

Usually ABSN program are more competitive and it would stand to reason if you had to drop BIO 2 because of your heavy course load at the time... you may find the course load of the ABSN far too heavy.

Best of luck.

ABSN is more designed for someone who already has a bachelor's degree, not associates, and most schools actually require one. But if you can get into an ABSN, you're going to have to take all the general education classes anyway before you start the nursing, so just go with a traditional BSN program.

Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

From a financial perspective it makes no sense to go get a bachelor's degree in another field and then complete an ABSN program - particularly as after having 1 bachelor's degree you will no longer be eligible for federal financial aid for a second. If you know you want to get a nursing degree - it makes a LOT more sense to get into a BSN program initially.

I would strongly recommend bringing up your GPA as both BSN and ABSN programs are competitive (with ABSN often more so). Additionally do not rule out ASN programs particularly if the school offers a RN-BSN bridge or partnership with a school that does.

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