How to Get Into Nursing School With a Low GPA

Having a low grade point average (GPA) shouldn’t hold you back from becoming a nurse. While a lower GPA won’t help your cause, the good news is that there are some avenues to nursing school for those whose high school transcripts may not be perfect - but who are serious about a career in patient care.

Nursing School Requirements: The Basics

There are multiple pathways to becoming a nurse, including various types of nursing degrees, all with increasing levels of complexity and professional possibilities.

LPN Diploma or Certificate: This program typically lasts for 1-2 years and prepares individuals for jobs as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). LPNs deliver patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that qualifies graduates to work as Registered Nurses (RN). Community colleges often accept students regardless of GPA, and pursuing an ADN and then transferring to earn your BSN can be a useful option for those with low GPAs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program that is the most common nursing degree and the degree preferred by larger healthcare employers, preparing graduates to work as Registered Nurses (RN). Many BSN programs require a 3.0 GPA.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A 1-2 year program for those looking to become Nurse Practitioners (NP), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), nurse educators, or nurse managers.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN): A 3-4 year program for those looking to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) or clinical researchers.
Ph.D. in Nursing: A 4-6 year program for those looking to become clinical researchers or nurse educators.

While many nursing jobs may sound similar, there are important differences. LPNs and RNs, for example, differ substantially. In short, LPNs deliver patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician, while RNs have more autonomy and a wider scope of practice.

Do Nursing Schools Admit Students With Lower GPAs?

Yes, some nursing schools admit students with lower GPAs. Community colleges often accept students regardless of GPA. Pursuing an LPN or associate degree in nursing (ADN) and then transferring to earn your BSN - the most common nursing degree and the degree preferred by larger healthcare employers - can be a useful option for those with low GPAs. Four-year colleges and universities may also admit students with a lower GPA, but most have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Nursing schools with low GPA requirements include Miami Dade College and the University of Washington, which tout a relatively low minimum GPA of 2.0. Some four-year institutions even have open admissions policies, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s degrees with a high school GPA at or even below 1.0. But these programs are the exception to the rule, and it’ll be difficult to find a requirement lower than 2.0 at most universities.

Strategies to Get Into Nursing School With a Lower GPA

Nursing is a profession with life-or-death responsibility, so many nursing schools are highly selective. However, a low GPA coming out of high school won’t doom your chances of becoming a nurse. You may initially need to pursue an LPN certificate or ADN rather than a more advanced degree, but the profession is still within your grasp.

Here are the top steps you can take to pursue your dreams of getting into nursing school with a low GPA:

Ask for Extra Credit: If you’re still completing your final year of high school and don’t think you have a competitive GPA for nursing school, you should consider asking your teachers for extra credit! While it may seem daunting, your teachers support and help you reach your goals. They understand the importance of your grades and how they will influence your career trajectory. Accordingly, if you explain your circumstances, the grades you need, and your willingness to complete extra assignments, they’ll likely offer you some advice or options. The worst that can happen is they’ll say no, and then you can proceed to the next steps.
Assess Your Options: Higher-ranking nursing schools have higher expectations of candidates. While most nursing schools require a GPA of at least 3.0, more competitive ones may expect GPAs of at least 3.8. If your GPA is well below these requirements, consider looking for schools with less competitive requirements. Consider the type of degree you pursue. While BSNs can open more doors for you and lead to higher pay, Associate’s Degrees in Nursing typically have lower GPA requirements, ranging from a minimum of 2.0 to 2.8. Suppose you’re concerned that attending a lower-ranking nursing school will impact the quality of your education. In that case, these programs still offer the skills and experience needed to prepare for a career as a nurse!
Create a Stellar Application Otherwise: Your transcripts aren’t the only application materials you’ll submit for admissions committees to review. You’ll also likely submit a personal statement, other essays, a document detailing your volunteer or work experience, letters of recommendation, SAT and ACT scores (GRE scores are for MSN programs), and a statement of career goals. In short, your GPA isn’t the only aspect of the application that matters. Write a personal statement that tells a unique story about you, what nursing means to you, and the type of nurse you hope to be. You should also focus on proving you’ve already begun interacting with patients can prove your GPA doesn’t reflect your ability to thrive in the medical field! You should also request recommendations from mentors that can attest to your excellent patient care and teachers that can vouch for your academic potential.
Understand That Sometimes the Right Path Is Not the Easiest: When reflecting on which nursing school to apply to, consider pursuing other certifications or degrees before applying. These certifications can get your foot in the door, give you clinical experience, and make you a better candidate for nursing school. Admissions committees focus more on your grades during these programs, value your dedication to the field, and appreciate your eagerness to begin honing the skills necessary to succeed in nursing. Some certifications you may pursue before going to nursing school are:

Read also: GPA for MSU Admission
- A Certified Medical Assistant (CNA) Certification: Takes four to 12 weeks and allows you to gain experience assisting and working under registered nurses
- A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree: Typically lasts 12 to 18 months and allows you to work as a nurse under the supervision of registered nurses
- A Home Health and Personal Care Aide Certification: Training programs for HHAs and PCAs can range from 75 hours to several months, depending on state requirements and program specifics

Pursuing these alternate paths may not have been your original plan to become a nurse. They still allow you to accomplish your ultimate goal of becoming an outstanding nurse-it just might take longer!

Consider a Gap Year: You can take a gap year if you’re set on obtaining a nursing degree and don’t want to pursue other pathways first. You can pursue meaningful work or volunteer experience to strengthen your application and make the admissions committees more inclined to overlook your low GPA. You may also enroll in general education classes at your local community college to help boost your GPA and make you a more competitive applicant.

Explain Your Circumstances: Let the admissions officer know what factors beyond your control - like a medical issue, childcare responsibilities, or work obligations - led to your low GPA. While this may not persuade every program to give your application a chance, it could make a difference in some instances. College application essays offer another path to explain your low GPA. If your program of choice requires recommendation letters, implore those writing your letters to explain why your GPA may not match your academic prowess. And be sure to emphasize any non-academic activities that may help make your case. None of these methods are foolproof, but they could help.
It may be worth applying to nursing programs with higher GPA standards than you can meet. Programs may weigh GPA less than other proportions of your application, so if you can make a convincing case that your GPA does not reflect your abilities as a student or future nurse, that argument could propel you toward acceptance.
You might also take cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid classes. Basic life support (BLS) is the preferred type of CPR for those pursuing healthcare. Check with your local hospitals or American Heart Association (AHA) organizations for classes.
Additionally, consider applying to institutions with lower or no GPA requirements. For example, some community colleges have open admissions policies, meaning you can enter an associate degree in nursing program with any GPA. These schools simply require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED. Some four-year colleges and universities also have open admissions policies, meaning you may have a chance to pursue a bachelor’s with a high school GPA below 1.0.

How Important Is Your GPA for Nursing School Admissions?

Numbers play an essential role in the selection process. Out of other application requirements, your GPA and test scores are the only tangible factors admissions committees can use to compare you to other students. Accordingly, your GPA is important for nursing school; high GPAs can fortify any nursing school application.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

By leveraging your non-nursing college education, accelerated nursing programs make it possible to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) within a compressed time frame. For instance, we’ve seen Accelerated BSN programs that take as few as 12 months to complete. Many accelerated nursing programs follow a blended learning model that combines online coursework with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations. However, some nursing schools offer fast-track nursing programs where you complete all the curricula in person. These programs cater to individuals with a non-nursing college education. No matter the learning modality accelerated nursing programs are rigorous and require you to approach your education as if it were a full-time job. While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this does not mean you would receive a lesser nursing education with these programs. It simply means that these schools take a holistic approach to the admissions process far beyond GPA.

Additional Ways to Improve Your Application

Retake courses: Retake courses you did poorly in the first time around, and/or take new courses you can ace (even general education courses like volleyball, nutrition, etc.) to bump your GPA back up to 3.0. If you’ve already completed these prerequisites but received low grades, consider retaking them with the support of a tutor or study partner to improve your performance.
Seek out nursing schools that look at GPA in different ways: Some accept GPAs as low as 2.5, some only consider your GPA for nursing-specific prerequisites or during your last 60 hours of coursework, and some schools ignore your GPA altogether as long as you've completed the prerequisites.
Address specific reasons for low GPA: Was your GPA low because of a specific reason? For example, because you spent a semester caring for your late grandmother, or had to work two jobs because your financial aid fell through? Write a letter explaining those circumstances-and the steps you've taken to overcome the situation and become an ideal student-and submit it alongside your application.
Volunteer: Volunteer wherever you can to get additional health care experience: Red Cross, hospitals, retirement homes, volunteer first response teams, Habitat for Humanity, etc. Do a great job. Then ask them to write you a recommendation letter.

Credit by Exam: An Efficient Alternative

Whether you're an LPN, RN, or non-nursing degree candidate, the quickest-and cheapest-way to get your BSN degree is to consider credit by exam: a system that helps you test out of college courses while earning the same credits. At Achieve Test Prep, they'll research your school options, determine which already-completed classes can earn you credit, and pinpoint the classes you still need. Then they'll identify which of those classes qualify for credit-by-exam. After a few weeks in one of their test prep courses, you take one exam for each credit-by-exam class. Pass that exam, and you receive the same credit you would have earned taking a traditional semester-long class-only you've done it in a fraction of the time and at a far lesser expense. Their prep class schedules are flexible, and you can attend online through our live virtual classes, where you get the same qualified instruction, but with the convenience of being in your own home.

FAQs: Getting Into Nursing School With a Low GPA

For any remaining questions about how to get into nursing school with a low GPA, read on to find your answers.

Read also: Decoding Brown GPA

What is the minimum GPA for nursing school?The minimum GPA is around 2.0, typically for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs or less competitive institutions. Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, though a few accept applicants with GPAs as low as 2.5.
Can I Go To Nursing School With a 2.0 GPA?Yes, you can attend nursing school with a 2.0 GPA, though your options may be limited.
Can You Get Into Nursing School With a 2.9 GPA?Yes, getting into nursing school with a 2.9 GPA is possible. As many schools have a minimum requirement of 3.0, you may still be granted admission if you can prove your academic potential through the other application components, including your test scores and letters of recommendation from your teachers.
What Is the Easiest Nursing Program to Get Into?Rasmussen Nursing School, Aspen University, and Middle Georgia State University are among the easiest nursing programs to get into, with 100% acceptance rates.
How Much Does My GPA Matter for Nursing School?Your GPA plays a crucial role in the admissions committee’s selection process. Nursing school is known to be rigorous and competitive, and your GPA gives schools direct insight into your academic potential. As such, focusing on your grades and maintaining a high GPA is important.
What to Do if You Have a Low GPA for Nursing School?If you have a low GPA and want to enter nursing school, focus on improving other parts of your application. Start by retaking prerequisite courses to boost your science GPA, gaining hands-on healthcare experience (like working as a CNA or HHA), and scoring well on entrance exams.
What Is a Competitive GPA for Nursing School?A competitive GPA for nursing school is typically 3.0 or higher, especially for BSN programs.

Utica University's Approach to GPA Requirements

At Utica University, you’ll need at least a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 from your prior college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You must also meet other admission requirements to apply to Utica University’s ABSN program. For example, you will need a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 65 college credits from an accredited institution. Another acceptable academic background is holding at least 60 credit hours in liberal arts courses. Alternatively, Utica University offers another nursing pathway. Applicants to our Advanced Standing B.S.

Raising Your GPA

Raising your GPA for a nursing program can feel like an uphill battle, but victory is not out of reach. The degree requirement classes can help get you over the bar to make you a solid candidate. For example, if your GPA is currently 2.7, but you’re trying to reach Utica’s 2.8 minimum, you have a strong chance of achieving it. Regardless of the GPA gap you’re trying to fill, it’s important to work hard during each degree requirement course to achieve the highest possible grade. Just because Utica University’s minimum GPA is 2.8, this doesn’t mean that you should strive for the minimum. You can use your excellent grades for the degree requirement courses to demonstrate that you are a serious student who will thrive in nursing school. Before considering how long the degree requirement courses for nursing school will take, you’ll want to figure out exactly which ones are needed. Utica University applicants are required to complete two general education degree requirements: Statistics and Life Span Development Psychology. Those applying to the Advanced Standing B.S. The more degree-requirement courses you must complete, the longer it will take to start the program. Although, it won’t necessarily take that long to complete them, even if you have to take all the required classes. You can complete each class in a matter of weeks rather than semesters. Degree requirement classes can be completed online through Utica University or any other school that offers them. You can contact an admission representative about the best course of action for you to take. One smart way to increase your chances of earning stellar grades in the degree requirement courses is to avoid taking too many of them simultaneously. This is especially helpful if you’re currently working full-time. By signing up for too many classes at once, you risk not having enough time to devote to any of them. Instead, consider taking just one or perhaps two at a time. Degree-requirement courses can also help establish good study habits for nursing school, like creating and sticking to a set schedule each week or using active study techniques, such as flashcards.

ABSN vs. Traditional Programs

The nursing school GPA requirements generally do not vary significantly between ABSN and traditional four-year programs. Nursing programs typically require a college or high school GPA of 2.8 to 3.0 or higher, although some may require 3.2 as a minimum. When you’re ready to tackle the challenges of nursing school, you’ll benefit from the robust support available at Utica University. During the application process, your admission representative will help you create a personalized plan to meet the eligibility and nursing school GPA requirements.

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