Where do I apply?

Neveranurseagain, RN · Oct 8, 2008

I'm beginning to believe that if you want to become a RN here in the USA you need to move to the Phillipines or Mexico and go to school there. They have many nursing programs that produce students who are "American trained" as do other countries. That is what some MD's do when they are unable to get into an American Medical School. My OB/GYN went to Medical School in Mexico as he was turned down here in the USA.

http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2007/09/to_stem_nursing.php

http://www.uag.edu/medicine/?gclid=CMmmuL6vmJYCFRxNagodO3sn6g

Jules A, MSN · Oct 8, 2008

Hi,

It is my understanding, at least in my area, that getting into a BSN program is way easier than getting into a CC's ADN. I'd put on my professional attire and interview a few schools. Definitely speak with the nursing staff not the general school advisors, and see what their feedback is with regard to your chance of getting accepted. Do not give up, it isn't impossible, check out the student section here there are tons of students right here in the USA. :)

KLB00 · Oct 8, 2008

I don't know where you are from or how far you're willing to move, but do some research and look around you can find a place to go.

The school I am going to here in Iowa is a BSN, few prereqs, no waiting lists, and they don't even really look at your gpa. They pretty much let everyone into the program. However we did start with like 30 something people and went to 16 after one year.

There are a few private schools out there like this, you just got to look for them.

fmrnicumom · Oct 8, 2008

I looked at various programs for years while I worked on my prerequisites and made sure other things were in order. I ended up choosing a BSN program because there was no waitlist and with the waitlists the CC's here had, I'd actually finish my BSN before I'd even start at some. With my program, there are basic requirements you must meet, but who is accepted each semester varies depending on the applicant pool. For some semesters, the lowest accepted GPA was 3.5, for some it was 3.0. I think also many schools look at things other than just grades, such as an essay or personal statement, letters of recommendation, etc.

I agree it would be good to go talk to the nursing departments. They'll know better what you will need and be able to tell you exactly what they are looking for. While I never retook any classes, I did have a slew of W's from when I was younger due to family problems. I never had to explain them. If you talk to the nursing departments, you can explain your situation. I know several students who didn't do very well at first, but who decided school was important and turned things around. They're all doing very well in nursing school now!

Good luck to you! :)

ontocrna · Oct 9, 2008

Not endorsing this as ethical, but have seen students that have done it this way. Take all your prereqs but one at one school and then transfer to another community college for your last prereq. Get a 4.0 in the last prereq and you have a 4.0 GPA. All the other stuff just shows up as transfer credits and don't factor into your GPA for that school. That 4.0 GPA is what is used to get into the nursing program. This is how the younger kids coming out of highschool have been getting into programs with point systems that weigh more points for students with health work experience or previous bachelor's in other areas. They can compete with giant GPA's. And honestly, the people that come in through the back door are just as successful in the program as the second degree students. They just outsmart the point system.