Teacher wanting RN... Help!

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Hey everyone!

After seven years of debating I finally have realized how much I NEED to be a nurse. I first started college in 2009 as a pre-nursing major and wasn't yet mature enough to get the grades. So I got a B and C in the two A&P courses, a C in developmental psych, a C in BIO 182, and As and Bs in everything else. I ended up changing to be a biology major and received my BS in Biology with an overall GPA of a 3.35. While I was in my senior year I taught a microbiology lab at the university for a year and worked in a biochemical research lab. I really shaped up my grades in the upper level courses as I got my act together, with As in courses like Infectious Disease, Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry. Since graduating I have been a science teacher for a very highly ranked charter school company and am in my third year teaching. I love teaching but I know that nursing would be where I would truly thrive. However, unless I get on a 2-3 year waiting list for an associates program at the community colleges (waiting is not an option since my husband needs to get his phd when I am done schooling and before kids), I don't know if I can even get in with my GPA. I feel as though I have great professional experience (although not medical) but I just feel like it won't be enough. What is my best course of action?

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Look at the requirements for the programs that you're interested in. The programs in my area were focused on the grades in my prereq classes and my TEAS score.

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Since you have a BS already, the associates degree may not be your quickest path to being a nurse. you should look into Accelerated BSN programs for people who already have a bachelors degree. They are usually 1-2 years. You may have to take some of your classes (A&P) again to raise your gpa.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Since you have a BS already, the associates degree may not be your quickest path to being a nurse. you should look into accelerated BSN programs for people who already have a bachelors degree. They are usually 1-2 years. You may have to take some of your classes (A&P) again to raise your gpa.

This. You might be able to get into an Accelerated BSN program since you already have a BS. You may be able to get in a lot quicker instead of waiting for an ADN program. And if it's financially feasible, the BSN route is the way to go. A lot of hospitals are pushing for BSN-prepared nurses or will hire ADNs that are currently in school pursuing their BSN. If you go for your ADN, future employers may ask why you didn't pursue your BSN right off the bat since you already have a BS degree. Just something to think about.

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I absolutely would prefer to do an Accelerated BSN. That for sure is my first choice. I am not sure however if my GPA would gain me entry into a program. I know there are some technical schools that will take in anyone who is willing to pay their tuition, but I have not yet seen one of these programs that is less than 50k. Does anyone know a GPA and financially

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Crap it posted before I was done :/ ...GPA and financially friendly program? I am willing to move out of AZ to get this done!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Traditional BSN is an option also. Usually less expensive than ABSN

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At this point I'm open to many options. However, I am more concerned about the lower GPA keeping me from being accepted.

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