How To Become a Nurse With a Low GPA

For some, good grades seem to come easy. For others, each report card comes with trepidation and disappointment. If you want to be a nurse, you may worry your less-than-stellar GPA will hold you back. But don’t worry! You can still become a nurse with a low GPA and we want to show you how.

Choose the Right Nursing Program

Many universities have varying minimum GPA requirements for admission. Yes, numerous four-year programs require a 3.0 or higher, but plenty will let you in with a 2.7 or lower. The chart below offers some examples:

Opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing

Prospective nurses have more than one path to their goal. Programs to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) typically take four years, cost more, and are more competitive than their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) counterparts.

ADN programs take less time to complete and many set their minimum GPA lower than BSN programs. Once you have your ADN and a couple years of solid nursing experience behind you, you can get your BSN later through an RN-to-BSN program.

Rely on Your Personal Essay and Recommendations

GPA doesn’t offer the whole picture of any student’s ability, and admission administrators know that. If your GPA doesn’t quite meet the minimum standard for your favorite program, you can still apply.

Make sure your admission essay paints a vivid picture of your motivation to become an excellent nurse. Ask your high school teachers and extra-curricular leaders to write recommendation letters outlining your strengths and abilities. With the right combination of factors, your GPA doesn’t have to hamper your nursing dreams.

Earn Certifications

If your GPA is keeping you from getting into your desired nursing program, you can try climbing the ladder a different way. Get some healthcare experience by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). With this certification, you can work in a medical setting, gain some expertise, and build up your resume. Nursing programs may put less emphasis on a low GPA if you have current medical experience.

You can also apply for an LPN program, which stands for licensed practical nurse. This 2-year program teaches the basics of nursing and allows you to care for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Once you have some experience with this license, BSN nursing programs may be more likely to accept you.

Start in Community College

If your high school GPA is lacking, you can do some prerequisites at your local community college. Earn a higher GPA in these courses, and nursing programs will take that into account.

Most nursing programs require general education courses like English, math, and chemistry. Try to make sure the courses you take will transfer to your nursing school of choice. But if they don’t, it’s still worth taking these classes to boost that GPA.

Join a Nursing Program Waitlist

If your nursing program doesn’t accept you right away, they may add you to a waitlist. Most prospective nursing students stay on waitlists for at least a few years.

While you bide your time, you can also take action in other ways we’ve already mentioned, like taking community college classes or working as a CNA. Waitlist placement is free and can get you closer to your nursing goals, even with a lower GPA.

Volunteer in Medical Settings

Another great way to build up your value as an applicant is to volunteer in a medical setting. The Red Cross offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities like recruitment, blood donation coordination, disaster relief, and special events. They can also place you in a nearby veterans hospital as a volunteer.

In a local hospital, you may be able to help at a registration desk, man the counter at the gift shop, assist with community services like food drives, and many other administrative tasks. Not only will you get to know the healthcare culture, but you’ll show your future nursing program that even though your GPA may not be the highest, you’re serious about your career.

Speak With an Admissions Counselor

College admissions counselors serve as a great resource if you’re not sure where you stand. These professionals know their college or university requirements, staff, and admission process well, and can help you make decisions that will bring you closer to your goals.

They can point you towards community college courses that will work toward your nursing degree and give you tips specific to that program. You can schedule an appointment, send an email, or try calling to tap into their expertise.