Which schools to apply to? What are my chances?

[carolynpo]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and have been surfing the previous posts and found a lot of useful information. I thought I would mention my situation to see if anyone is in the same boat or has some insight as to what I should do.

I am currently 24, have a BSc in Applied Animal Biology from UBC, 77.2% average in last 30 credits (I think that's a 3.3 gpa?) and want to ultimately work in the mental health field. I do not have any experience volunteering in a clinic or hospital, only volunteer experience with the Kelty Mental Health Center in BC and with the UBC Mental Health Network.

From my research, most jobs that are in the mental health field require you to be a registered nurse or a registered psychiatric nurse - but I am hesitant to do the RPN because it would prevent me from working in other areas of nursing (if I didn't enjoy psychiatric nursing) whereas a RN can work in the psychiatric ward.

I am not entirely worried about the length of time of the program, although obviously a shorter route would be desirable. My concern is my living situation, I would like to take advantage of the 3 places I could be living, rent-free.

So far I'm considering these options:

- U of C (degree transfer route) - I have family I can live with in Calgary.

- Mount Royal University

- University of Manitoba - My parents live in Winnipeg.

- Any school in Vancouver/Lower Mainland - although most schools seem difficult to get in and I don't think my average is high enough.

I haven't seen much talk about U of M on here, does anyone have any opinions on it?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

-Carolyn

[Fiona59]

It's a myth that Reg. Psych Nurses are restricted to psych/mental health units.

I've worked with them in LTC, Sub Acute and Women's Health.

[Novo]

I did some of my undergrad at UofM, the nursing program is very compepetive because all the premeds who dont get into medicine use it as a plan B. The cut off this year was 3.5 and it goes up .1 every year so highly likely it'll be 3.6 next year (based on your last 60 credits.)The cutt off at mt royal 3.7-3.8 (2012) but they only use your last 4-5 credits but I found it frustrating as they tend to give highschool students preference as they can apply for early admission and by then the seats are full.UofC was more straight forward but when applied the told me 3.7-3.8 but I've heard its gone down a little since.Not sure about any other schools you've posted. I would try applying to Grant Macewan university in Edmonton the cut off is 3.0 in the last 24 credits and then admission is based on how early you apply. They also have the psych program here and its 2.7 in the last 24 credits.

[sunship88]

At UBC the average GPA for those who got accepted in my intake year (2011) was 78%. So you're not that far off. They look at your volunteer and work experience as well, and your work in mental health would be an asset.

I would highly suggest doing RN over RPN. I have two jobs as an RN, one in mental health and the other in acute med. It gives you more flexibility in case you decide to change specialties later on. Plus you can only work in the western provinces as an RPN. UBCs program is only 2 yrs which is nice :)