Where do I start, nurses?

Rdy4Nursing · Aug 13, 2010

Most of the programs are all about GPA's and prereq's. It sounds like your GPA is probably low so here's what I would do...First pick your top 3 school choices (its very competitive right now so you want to have options to increase you chances of getting in) - Next, most schools have their selection criteria posted on their websites. Go through each and write down all the prerequitisites you have/need as well as the minimum allowable GPA. For the prereq's you already have, if you got below a B on any of them, I would take them again - this will help your chances of getting in as well as increase your GPA. For any that you do not currently have you should take them and do your best to get A's and B's. Once you have that done if your GPA is near a 3.0 then you should be ready to apply. If not, you might want to take some elective courses that you know you can get an A in to help boost your GPA - believe it or not Tennis classes or even a basic computer classes are available at most community colleges and are worth 3 credit hours and can really help boost your GPA quickly (as long as you get an A).

As far as LPN vs. RN, its really a matter of choice, LPN's only take 1 year to complete and usually are a lot easier to get into, but the pay is a usually less and most LPN's don't find work at the hospital. RN pays more and are more readily hired at hospitals but it is much harder to get into and it is a 2 year program. One thing to note: most schools have a LPN to RN transition program, you can get into the LPN program easier, be done in one year and then after you've worked in the field for a little bit you become eligible for the transition program which only takes one year as well. Lots of options! If your still not sure, and even if you are I also recommend that you talk to a Nursing Program advisor at one of your school choices. They will look at your student records and help you come up with a game plan that works for you. Hope this helps - Good luck! :)

NHanCI · Aug 23, 2010

Thank you so much for your insight!! My current GPA is 2.793 even with the with the past withdrawals.. I'am really considering the LPN route just to get my feet wet.. But unlike community colleges, vocational/technical schedules are limited.. Another obstacle I gotta work around..