What ABSN Programs will accept a low overall GPA of 2.5?

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I'm currently 35 years old. I recently resolved to attempt a career change to Nursing. I wish I'd thought of this earlier in my 20s! I am hoping it's not too late. I don't want to believe it is, and I'm definitely doing my best to make it work.

However, it's beginning to feel a shot in the dark. I am coming across a few disappointing hard truths, and many barriers to entry.

1) I can only afford to take at the most 14 to 15 months off unemployed to devote to Nursing School. Therefore, I'm only seeking ABSN programs.

2) I have to work full-time (unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees to pay rent & cover the costs of living) while fulfilling 1 prerequisite course at a time for admissions to a Nursing Program.

3) This is the most disappointing reality: I have a low cumulative post-secondary work GPA of only 2.5. Even if I fulfill prerequisite courses with high marks, the highest I can attain is 2.75, or 2.8.

Does any one know of any ABSN programs that will accept a low cumulative GPA? Or allow me to petition the requirement with extenuating circumstances? I entered community college at the age of 16 as a young teen mother struggling to juggle a full-time school load, full-time work, and motherhood.

I don't think believe my undergraduate GPA is a reflection of my ability to be a compassionate nurse! Neither is it a reflection of who I have become today, and what I'm capable of now as a student. Also, if given the chance to ONLY focus on school, I'm confident I can hit high scores!

Any suggestions, or advice would be appreciated.

Please help. Thanks!

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Specializes in CRNA.

Don't be discouraged with a low GPA. I started off with a 2.25 from my first time through school. Just do well on all your prerequisites, that is what most programs look at. I had my GPA up to a 2.70 by the time I was accepted to nursing school and did very well in my prerequisites.

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Specializes in Inpatient Psychiatry.

ABSNs are full-time, incredibly rigorous, year-long programs. They are highly competitive, and you most likely wouldn't be able to work and attend school and clinicals and maintain a decent GPA and be a present parent and girlfriend and stay sane at the same time.

If you have a program near you, I would suggest going the ADN/ASN route. It's a two-year program with more flexibility to work while attending classes and clinicals.

(NOTE: I am saying this as a person who met with advisors of both ABSN and ADN programs. I opted for the ADN, since I have to keep the lights on and mortgage paid and family fed while going to school.)

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Specializes in ICU.

They are all extremely competitive to get into. You need to find some programs and look at their requirements. Some ASN programs will have a min gpa to apply, but will go off a points system. They assign points to certain prereqs based off of grades and an entrance exam score.

You need more than compassion to become a nurse. You need to make it through the prereqs and programs which are very vigorous. I graduate in a few weeks. I'm 40. I'm also a single mom. I was fortunate that I did not have to work during the prereqs.

Can I ask why you are wanting to make the switch?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Sorry if it seems all of us are providing discouraging feedback, but it's based in reality. Accelerated programs have higher GPA requirements for admission because these programs are best suited for people with very good academic skills - and the best indicator of this ability is cumulative GPA.

Based on your comments, I believe you may not have a realistic understanding of the knowledge & skills required for professional nursing practice. Although "compassion" is certainly an asset when it comes to patient interaction, nurses are first and foremost knowledge workers - whose clinical reasoning is based in a comprehensive grasp of life sciences. Nursing education is based on a cumulative curriculum in which those pesky math and science courses serve as the basis for subsequent courses. Nursing programs generally have more stringent grading policies & very limited options for students who don't meet performance/grade expectations.

On a more positive note, nursing is not the only 'caring' profession. If you are unable to surmount the barriers to a nursing education, there are other options such as social work & counseling that may interest you.

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Hello NurseGirl525,

Thanks for replying! Sorry for the delay in my response. I've mostly been studying & working this year.

It's inspiring to hear you're 40 years old, a single mom, and now graduating from a nursing program. How did you juggle it all? How did you pay for school? Which ABSN program did you graduate from? What's your story? I would love to hear it.

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