SUPER low GPA

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2017

Your GPA is so low that it is apparent that you have failed most of your classes. Here's the good nrws-you can retake those same classes now, get terrific grades and wipe the bad grades off. Then, when you have done that, petition for an academic renewal. The old classes will no longer count at all.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 3, 2017

I think you should retake all your science classes and any nursing specific prerequisites.

caliotter3 · Jan 3, 2017

THANK YOU all your insight!!! Can some explain the difference between LPN and ADN?? How long they take and all that jazz?? You guys are very very helpful!!

An LPN program, whether it is from a community college, proprietary school, or vocational training school, prepares one to take the licensing exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or Licensed Vocational Nurse in TX or CA. An ADN (or ASN) RN program in a community college or proprietary school prepares one to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse.

You should contact a guidance counselor at each of the local programs to ask specific questions (after you have explored websites or printed info). Ask about academic renewal, as previously mentioned here. Essentially you would be starting over, which is what you would want to be doing anyway, to pursue an RN education.

If you find that you can not work your way into an RN path, you might want to consider the LPN route. Once you become an LPN, you can enter an LPN to RN bridge program.

Extra Pickles · Jan 3, 2017

THANK YOU all your insight!!! Can some explain the difference between LPN and ADN?? How long they take and all that jazz?? You guys are very very helpful!!

LPN means licensed practical nurse. Practical nursing programs are available through vocational schools, Tech schools, sometimes community colleges. They are not degree programs, meaning that at the end of each of these programs there is no college degree awarded but rather a certificate of completion. Graduation from a program such as this allows the graduate to sit for the NCLEX PN exam, the licensing exam required for someone to become a licensed practical nurse.

ADN stands for associate degree in nursing. Sometimes called ASN, associate of science in nursing. Is an associate degree awarded to someone who has completed the requirements for a college degree with a nursing major. Graduates of these programs, who possess an ASN / ADN are eligible to sit for the NCLEX RN, the licensing exam required to make one a registered professional nurse.

LPN programs can take anywheres from 10 months to two years it seems. There is little standardization among programs, they vary greatly from region to region and school to school. Quality of education varies, just like quality of education varies with RN schools. However a school must be approved by the state Board of Nursing to allow graduates from these programs to take the NCLEX.

An associate degree in nursing, well it is a two-year degree, usually requires anywhere from a year to 2 years of prerequisite courses prior to admission to the nursing program itself. It is a little misleading to call it a two-year degree since three to four years is the norm to obtain one.

cariboulover · Jan 3, 2017

I had no idea academic renewal was a thing! Do all schools do that? How long does it take to get academic renewal? Not sure if you know any of that, but if you do, I would love if you could share your knowledge.

Semper_Gumby · Jan 3, 2017

THANK YOU all your insight!!! Can some explain the difference between LPN and ADN?? How long they take and all that jazz?? You guys are very very helpful!!

LPN programs are usually about a year's worth of nursing classes. ADN programs are usually about two years' worth of nursing classes. This does not include the time spent on prerequisite coursework, which can take a year or longer. Another poster explained the licensure differences for you.

You'll need to do very well on your prerequisites and probably retake some of the general studies coursework (English, etc.) to get acceptable grades and to help bring up your GPA. I recommend taking a look at the programs around you and contacting advisors there who can give you program-specific advice.

tweedleD · Jan 3, 2017

How many classes and were they pre reqs. from the RN program? Some F's can be dropped. I would talk to a counselor. I had a rocky start early in my academic career. Once I decided what I wanted to do I received A's and B's. I'm currently entering an ADN program this spring.

It also depends on who is offering the program. For example, my program does a lottery and they assign points for different criteria's.

I wish you good luck.

kashellw · Jan 4, 2017

I applied to an ADN program. Private school. Not for profit. My gpa sucked but no rereqs are required. Only a high school diploma. I did extremely well on the Hesi. But I have to agree with the others. You may have to start in an lpn program. That was my only other option. I got lucky. My school graded us on the Hesi score, personal statement, and interview. I did well on all. So I was accepted along with 23 other students. My program is costly. But I'm excited. You can turn this around. Either take some time to get your gpa up, which could take forever. Or find a lpn program. Work hard. Get licensed and immediately get into an RN program. Best of luck. If u want this, u will do what's necessary. Do NOT be discouraged. We all make mistakes. I start school jan 9th. And I'm 28. Almost 29.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

Retake your bad classes, don't goof off. I can't sat that you won't get into a BSN school because it is possible that you could if you hunker down. You will not be able to get any C's at all.

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

Academic renewal usually takes 2-6 weeks depending on how often the committee at you school meets. But they want to see that you are achieving really different outcome.

CU_hopeful · Jan 5, 2017

I will tell you it's TOTALLY possible IF your heart is 100% in it. I'm living proof! I goofed off my first time around in college too, had a lot of problems that I didn't cope with very well and had a GPA that looked a lot like yours. Check with your school to see if the grade from your first class is dropped when you retake the course. Luckily my school did that. If it was a third time retaking, they averaged all three grades together. I had to retake almost every course that I had ever taken but in 3 semesters I brought my GPA up to a 3.4. It wouldn't have come up so fast if they didn't replace my grade though. I finished all of my pre-reqs and completed an Associates of Science with a focus in Pre-Nursing at a Community College. I applied to a university and was accepted the first time. Now I'm going into my 2nd semester in a BSN program. When I applied, I also wrote a letter explaining my previous grades and I had scored really high on my Kaplan. You can totally get a BSN without having to go to LPN school or get an ASN first, you just have to be willing to do the work.

Schwabee524 · Jan 5, 2017

That is where my GPA was when I decided to take a break from school. When I was ready to come back to school, I came back and put my all into it. It took 5 years, but I raised my overall GPA from 1.7 to 3.2 and now have a degree in elementary education. I am currently in the process of applying to two very competitive nursing programs. Nothing is impossible if you try hard enough. Give it time and work on repairing your GPA on step at a time. It's not a quick process, but definitely worth it:) Good Luck!