Tips on how to get accepted into an Accelerated BSN program

[nornelas]

Hi everyone,

First of all, let me thank all of the active members on this site for sharing their insight and replying to others in need of answers. I am actively researching the field of nursing and trying to figure out what program is right, and feasible, for me. I have a BS in Communication from an accredited 4-year University. I have always had a passion for nursing, but honestly did not have the motivation when I was 18-19 years old. My freshman and sophomore year of college I had an average of a 2.3 accumulative, then started to get my act together by junior and senior year and never feel below a 3.3. I have been a working professional since I graduated, but am finally throwing in the towel and going after what my heart desires-nursing. I will begin taking night classes at the end of August in order to complete all of the prereq's. I know that the accelerated nursing programs are incredibly competitive, and my undergraduate GPA is definitely going to hurt me. So aside from doing exceptionally well on my prereqs, PLEASE let me know any additional advice that will help me get into these programs! I am mainly looking at schools in the Denver, CO area, but am open to other locations.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this! Please let me know your thoughts. I'm trying to stay as optimistic as possible with this process! :)

[One1, BSN, RN]

Volunteering in a hospital or other healthcare setting or becoming a CNA/EMT and working in healthcare prior to applying to nursing schools will definitely boost your resume. Also, it allows you insight into the real world of healthcare (versus "Scrubs" and "ER") and helps you to determine if this field of work really is for you.

[BeachsideNic]

Get A's in your pre-requisites and score as high as you can on your TEAS. If you show that you are a better, more focused student today than you were years ago, then you have a good chance of getting in to a program. I wouldn't recommend trying to get into any Master's entry programs, because they do look heavily on ALL past grades, and have zero forgiveness regardless of how old the grades are.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

All programs are a little different: some will look at extracurriculars, admissions essays, recommendations, some will look at just grades (cumulative or last 60 credits). My first degree I graduated with a GPA of 2.8- and had so many Fs on my transcripts I had to actually break them all out to count them because I'd lose track. I got As in my prerequisites and my overall cumulative GPA still wasn't much higher than a 3.1. The school I went to only looks at grades BUT they weigh the last 60 credits and prerequisite grades heavily and I was accepted.

I'd go to this website and start combing through the accelerated programs and see what their requirements are. Some won't care that you've grown and are a more conscientious student now, but many will (either by looking at grade improvement or taking in to account volunteer work etc). http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

[nornelas]

Thank you for your advice! The website you gave me is awesome. It's good to hear that there is still hope for even though my undergrad is a bit unfortunate.... Thanks again :)

[nornelas]

Thanks for the feedback! I was thinking about looking into an administrative position at one of the hospitals nearby...would that be helpful on top of volunteering say 1 day per week? Thanks!