With my mediocore GPA, is nursing school even possible?

badgerstudent · Jun 29, 2008

It's possible. The last 60 credits of coursework you do are the most important, so you can do as best you can in the pre-reqs you need and then apply to BSN programs. Furthermore, you could apply for entry into ADN programs which are less competitive (but have waitlists most of the time) then upgrade to a BSN later.

morningstarRN, RN · Jun 29, 2008

I think you might make it in with that GPA as long as you do well in the pre-reqs. If not, like the other person who posted mentioned, you could do an ADN program and then bridge to BSN. If you feel like this is your calling you will find a way even if it takes a little longer. :)

dimpalz25 · Jun 29, 2008

It's possible. The last 60 credits of coursework you do are the most important, so you can do as best you can in the pre-reqs you need and then apply to BSN programs. Furthermore, you could apply for entry into ADN programs which are less competitive (but have waitlists most of the time) then upgrade to a BSN later.

Thank you so much for your replies. Maybe I will apply to BSN and ADN programs when the time comes. That's probably a good idea anyway. I guess if I'm being honest, I'm a little concerned about the earning potential with a BSN RN vs. a ADN RN once I graduate.

I'm working in my field right now (technology), and even though I constantly feel like I'm in the wrong field, I'm used to making X amount a year at this job. But I'd rather be doing something I have a passion for than something I can't stand! So I guess I'll start training myself to live on a tighter budget now so I can prepare myself for the decrease in salary.

dimpalz25 · Jun 29, 2008

Oh and so you mean, say if I have 20 hours of pre-reqs to take......they will take those 20 hours plus the last 40 hours of my undergad courses and average out a GPA? Or did I just get that completely wrong! lol

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 29, 2008

I guess if I'm being honest, I'm a little concerned about the earning potential with a BSN RN vs. a ADN RN once I graduate.

Uh.. you really know nothing about nursing!!! It is OK, you have come to the right place....

FYI, many places do not pay anything more for a BSN vs. an ADN New Graduate Nurse. My hospital pays 25 cents more per hour for a BSN. ADNs can make up the difference in pay picking up an extra weekend shift. There are lots of threads on this topic.. just keep shearching.

BTW, welcome.

BLESSINGME · Jun 29, 2008

Hi,
I received my bachelors degree 2 years ago and graduated with a 3.0. Recently I've realized my passion and desire to go into the healthcare field doing nursing. I want to get my BSN. I'm planning to take my prerequisite courses this fall...(I need to take A&P I and II, Microbiology, and a psychology course). After that I will take the NET and try to do really well so that I can apply for Fall 09 or Spring 10.
I'm reading people getting rejection letters with high GPAs and it's a little intimidating to me at the start of this new journey. Should I even begin this process? Are my chances of getting accepted into a nursing program slim to none? Give it to me straight..no chasers.
~dimpalz

Please keep in mind its where you apply to. Yes, ns are competitive but some too competitve. I agree you'll make it with little suggestions. :cool:

JettaDP · Jun 29, 2008

A 3.0 may not be the best but it isn't horrible either. You just need to nail the pre-req's. If you do that, I think you will have a chance. But it also depends on your location and the different schools you will apply to. As someone mentioned, some schools will be extremely difficult to get into and some won't. Also consider getting into a school that isn't competitive. If you go to one of these schools you are guaranteed to get in. The only problem with that is you could sit on a wait list for 2-3 years before a spot opens up. Personally, given your current GPA, I would nail to pre-req's and apply to competitive school.

At my school, you have to have a 2.5 to be admitted but in reality the lowest GPA to be accepted is a 3.6. You're not far off from that. Just work really hard. You can do it!

shrimpchips, LPN · Jun 29, 2008

it isn't impossible, but it also depends on your school. my school is very competitive and you have to have at least a 2.75 pre-req gpa, *but* they only admit you based on your science gpa. 3 years ago they admitted people with a 3.0+, the year after that it was a 3.3+ and this year it was around a 3.3 - 3.4+. it changes every year. but don't let this discourage you!!! try to find a school that isn't very competitive with their admissions and look into how they admit applicants. not all schools admit students based solely on their science gpa - every school is different. also, work really hard on those pre-reqs! they're tough classes (imo a&p i & ii are really tough) but you can do it if you have good study habits and such. utilize your resources - search online for things you don't understand or buy some extra books/notecards/study aids from a bookstore. try to make a friend or two on the first day of class and then you can help each other study. two (or more) minds can be better than just one!

hope this helps and best of luck! :heartbeat

JustinTJ, ADN, BSN · Jun 30, 2008

It really depends on the school. For mine, GPA only counts for 4 of 32 possible points. As long as you have a minimum 2.5, you can get in by doing well in other aspects of your application.

I got in first shot with a 2.99, but I scored 98th percentile on NLN entrance exam and had every single pre/co-reqs done.

RXtech · Jun 30, 2008

Check around at all the schools in your area. They all have different admissions criteria. Some schools look at GPA exclusively, but for others GPA is only one thing they look at. For instance, my school admits on a points system and you get points for your GPA but also for many other factors.

Also, since you already have a degree, check into the accelerated programs. Some of them don't have as many applicants, so they aren't as competitive.

Good luck! :)

rtbcsu · Jun 30, 2008

I noticed your location is Georgia. I had a 3.0 in my first degree, made all A's in the pre-reqs I was missing, and was accepted by 2 of the 3 schools I applied to in the Atlanta area. So do well in the pre-reqs and on admissions tests, sweat the details on the other parts of the application (essay, resume, recommendations), and don't miss any application deadlines. Good luck!