What are my chances of getting into an Accelerated Nursing Program with a 3.1?

Jay_LPN · Aug 4, 2013

They usually only count the pre-requisite courses.

I cannot come to an answer regarding odds of acceptance. But if your GPA improves when you recalculate with only the relevant prerequisites, it would be worth considering. At my particular school, anything less than a 3.7 GPA is iffy for the RN program. Some years the cutoff is even higher. If they have an LPN program, I would look into that. Provided it offers college credits, you can bridge to RN in the future. A lot of people do this to get their foot in the door.

Swellz · Aug 5, 2013

When I applied to my school, there were 2 different programs - a one calendar year program and a two year program w/ a few graduate courses. I applied to the former, but my GPA was a 3.2 and was told at the interview I would only be considered for the latter. So it wasn't the timeframe I wanted, but I still got in with that GPA.

danedsel · Aug 5, 2013

As you probably already know, most schools look at only pre-requisite courses and test scores as grounds for acceptance/rejection.

However, having a BS in Health Science, being a certified MA and working as a CNA for 4 years might help give you an edge. Accelerated programs are much more condensed and move quicker than other programs lasting 15 to 18 months depending. They require more pre-reqs which you've probably already done and are a more natural choice for students already in the allied health field, either academically, professionally or both.

I was originally rejected by a school with a 3.1 GPA and above average TEAS scores, but was also considered out-of-state even though I lived there.

Accelerated programs tend to be more competitive due to the smaller size and fewer of them offered. Talk to an adviser and find a way to get all your work history and certifications more prominently noticed in applying.