Two health degrees, but recent drop in GPA (accelerated BSN or ASN)?

[Kiki1989]

Hi! I am a senior at the University of Florida about to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior. I have planned for a year now to use my good GPA and the fact that I'll have these two degrees to get into an accelerated BSN program. However, I don't know what my chances are of getting into an accelerated BSN program because my GPA dropped, I'm projected to graduate with a GPA between 2.95 and 3.0. Despite this low GPA, would the following help me in anyway get into an accelerated BSN program?

• Average on the pre-requisites
  
• Two bachelor degrees in health related fields
  
• Internship working at the Veteran Affairs Hospital with the department of nursing education and patient education
  
• Volunteer with hippotherapy sessions (physical therapy via horseback riding)
  

I'm not sure if I would be accepted into any programs such a low gap, so would it be worth it to become a CNA to gain more experience, and then apply next year or would it be better for me to start from scratch go a state college/community college to get my associates of nursing degree and after working for sometime make the transition to work towards a BSN in programs that are tailored specifically for that.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[stephenfnielsen]

It's kind of a curious thing, but often times it is easier to get into a BSN (or accelerated) than an ASN (ADN) program if you have a less than perfect GPA. Many ASN programs use a very objective acceptance policy based entirely on GPA. A lot of BSN programs on the other hand are more subjective, they will take your previous experience into consideration. You need to have the pre reqs done for sure, and then you need to convince them in some way that you can handle the rigors of a nursing program.

I would highly recommend an accelerated BSN over an ASN. Very, Very few ASN grads are finding jobs these days. The smart ones are going straight from an ASN to RN-BSN program, but that takes a good 3-4 years total, while an acc BSN prog will only take you 1.5-2 years.

Good luck!

[CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

If in doubt, contact the program director of your local accelerated programs. Ask them what you might do to improve your chances of getting accepted to the accel programs. It might involve additional letters of recommendation, or proving that you can earn A's in difficult prereq courses.

Good Luck!