Troubled student, looking to get into nursing in the future...

[sbeleno]

Hey there,

My name is Miguel (yes, a wannabe male nurse!) and I am currently attending Simon Fraser University (in their Biomedical Physiology program). Ever since high school, I know I've wanted to have a career in the medical field (hence why I am in my program right now) but was always unsure what career path to take. Long story short, I'm about to complete my first semester of my first year in university, and I am transferring to BCIT to finish the 3 required courses so that I could apply for their nursing program. I was just wondering HOW competitive and selective are the admissions committee at BCIT? I've read that there are many applicants with more credentials than what I have, such as a bachelor's degree, work experience, etc... Would I even have a shot of getting a spot? As far as grades go, Ill most likely end up with a 3.5+ GPA for my current courses at SFU, and my high school grades were not spectacular, but not terrible at all (88%+). I'll have 14 credits after this semester at SFU and then plus 12 credits at BCIT (once I've completed it)... so a total of 26 post-secondary credits, 8 more than the requirement at BCIT. As for related experience, I do not have any experience working in a clinical environment/hospital setting, but I do plan to volunteer/shadow at Children's hospital regularly since my mom would be able to hook me up with a position there (she works there). I've had 3+ years working as a kickboxing instructor (w/children and adults) and I've served at a local homeless shelter for almost 2+ years now, so I enjoy being around people, no matter how old they are and what their background is.

So my questions are:

After I've completed the 3 courses at BCIT (of course I will be aiming to achieve a high GPA in those courses), and have volunteered my ass off in hospitals, DO I HAVE A CHANCE?

IF no, what would be the best plan (less time and money consuming)? Those 3 courses at BCIT will count towards my SFU degree, so if I don't get accepted into the BCIT nursing program, should I just take more classes that also count for my degree in SFU, and try to apply again after accumulating more post secondary credits and hours of volunteering?

I've already said to myself that I don't want to strive to become a doctor anymore, and that nursing is the career goal now. period. I don't want to be switching career paths and wasting my time and money. I'd love it if someone could just tell me to be hopeful and to encourage me to keep going!

Hopefully, someone can help me out with my problem!

Thank you all so much for your time!

-future male nurse (well, hopefully)

[jyyw]

BCIT works on a point system. They award highest points to GPA, then to work experience, then to completion of their LIBS courses.

It really depends on the applicant pool as it varies for each intake. You do sound like you have lots of great work experience (their program also considers paid work experience, doesn't have to be in a clinical environment) and a fairly good GPA. So why not!

Have you considered Langara? It is based only on GPA, so if you are worried about work/volunteer experience, I would look at Langara as an option. At Langara, applicants with a completed bachelor's degree or higher are given preferential admission.

[sbeleno]

Wow a reply! thank you so much for the much needed info. So basically I just need to maintain a high GPA in order to be "considered"? That makes me feel a lot better. And I have checked some other nursing schools that I will be also applying to when I apply to BCIT, so I increase my chances by doing that. About the bachelor's degree, that's the thing! I don't have one completed, so I am a little nervous that not having a bachelor's degree in anything will hurt my chances of being accepted into any nursing school. I appreciate the reply! Confidence booster indeed.

[jyyw]

It really does help to have more postsecondary credits. In the BCIT January 2017 thread, someone e-mailed an advisor and was given info that for the most recent intake, shortlisted applicants had between 45-60 postsecondary credits. I do believe the age group for BCIT's Nursing program is in the higher 20s to 30s.

And don't worry, not everyone who gets accepted into nursing school has a bachelor's degree. :) Focus right now on getting good grades in the prerequisites because at the end of the day, academic performance is really the primary thing that schools look at.

Work hard!

[cmb16]

I agree with jyyw, with looking at Langara as an option! I'm in the process of applying to nursing schools and am hoping to get accepted, despite not having a ton of work experience, or the highest GPA, let alone a bachelor's...

[Darista]

Hi,

Search for the "BCIT 2017 January intake" thread, that's a big one with lots of useful information. I've been accepted recently, for the January intake. I do have bachelor, however it's not obligatory. Admission Committee says, that an average successful applicant would have 45-60 post secondary and related work experience, which you have already,with good gpa (not specified, but those with low gpa wouldn't be shortlisted)

I believe it doesn't hurt to apply, and you can always reapply

[c0nw]

Hi :)

I may not be of any help, but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone! Haha i'm a 4th year biomedical physiology student at SFU who finally decided to consider careers. Except I chose to start/finish the nursing pre-reqs at langara next semester. And I don't plan on finishing that bachelors degree from SFU.

I'm assuming you're taking the anatomy course(s) at BCIT then? (I don't think you would be taking bpk326 right now in your first year). SFU anatomy was a tough one. Good choice getting out of SFU early with your mind set!

BCIT definitely has a great nursing program. But you could also apply for langara or douglas college as a backup plan. Just make sure the courses are transferrable with their requirements.

Good Luck!