Will becoming a CNA help me get in to nursing school?

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Need some advice...

I plan on applying to nursing schools next year for an Accelerated BSN. I do not have work experience in the healthcare industry, just volunteer experience from the past.

Also, my GPA is not that great. I had a really hard time freshman year because I had to work full-time. Every semester after freshman year, my GPA was anywhere from 3.3 to 4.0. But because of my freshman year, my total cumulative GPA ended up at 2.98...

I still need to take all the prereqs which will take me about a year (I'm doing most of them online).

However, I really do need to work at least part-time before I go to school. Given my situation (low GPA, non-science/medical background), do you think it would increase my chances of getting in to Accelerated BSN programs if I got a CNA certification and then worked as a CNA? I know the pay is low compared to what I am doing now, but whats more important to me is gaining experience and of course, what will give my application a good boost. I'm currently interviewing for admin/patient care roles in doctor's offices, but if a CNA is more beneficial I will 100% do that. And most importantly, I could get a preliminary feel of nursing!

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My school considered only GPA of the hard sciences. Other schools give credit for healthcare experience, entrance exam scores, or even speaking a second language. Check with the school(s) you're interested in to see how to best increase your chances.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to prenursing forum

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My school considered only GPA of the hard sciences. Other schools give credit for healthcare experience, entrance exam scores, or even speaking a second language. Check with the school(s) you're interested in to see how to best increase your chances.

Yes every school seems to be different. I'm looking at schools in the Northeast and Florida. I went to one of the top universities in the country, so schools up near me understand I went to a very academically demanding school. In Florida? Not so much haha.

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I believe it depends for every school on what they may consider but it still won't hurt to become a CNA and gain some healthcare experience for when you officially become a RN.

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Thank you all for your input! It does seem like most schools (especially in the northeast) really look at prerequisites and personal statement for Accelerated BSN and Second Degree BSN, since those are more of a recent reflection of academic ability. I graduated 8 years ago, so for almost all the schools I'm applying to, I would need to retake all the prereqs. I'm debating if I want to get a part-time job or if I want to just focus on prereqs full-time and maybe volunteer. I have found some jobs (like admin roles in doctors offices) but the pay is horrible and I wouldn't be able to take as many courses while working. So in my case I guess my best bet really is to just speak with an admissions counselor at every place I plan on applying, and ask based on my particular situation.

I live in New York, so most schools have admission deadlines of Feb and March for Fall admission.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Not necessarily, every school is different. BUT... it will help you get started on the floor. Working as a CNA while in nursing school is very common and helpful to you. You get to see many things you won't see in the books. Also, you may find a nurse that is willing to teach you some skills of the trade as you move along. Making it easier for you to transition into the RN role once you get your license.

Cheers !

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Not necessarily, every school is different. BUT... it will help you get started on the floor. Working as a CNA while in nursing school is very common and helpful to you. You get to see many things you won't see in the books. Also, you may find a nurse that is willing to teach you some skills of the trade as you move along. Making it easier for you to transition into the RN role once you get your license.

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, but I think I need to clarify my original question--BEFORE applying to schools, in that, is it beneficial from an admissions process to get in to school?

Let's say if money weren't an issue, would it be better to focus on acing my prereqs and maybe just doing volunteer work? Or working full-time in a medical/healthcare role before applying? Is it really necessary? I'm asking bc if I do work full-time, it would take me MUCH longer to complete the prereqs. So if working isn't going to help my application and just delay me getting in to school, then I'm wondering if it's really worth it...

Would

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