SAC : Academics : Departments : Nursing : Admissions | Alamo Colleges (2023)

FAQs

What is a good GPA for applying to nursing school? ›

GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.

The UT Health - San Antonio acceptance rate is 80%. Popular majors include Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), and Dental Hygiene.

USD has an acceptance rate of 59%, which means it is fairly selective. Take that into account when you are working on your application and gathering requested materials.

Your application needs to reflect why you'll be an excellent fit, which means a mix of professional, personal, and academic accomplishments. While it's important to meet the minimum nursing school requirements, it's also important to illustrate who you are and why you dream of becoming a nurse.

While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs out there that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you'd receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.

GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.

What nursing school has the highest acceptance rate? ›

Which nursing school has the highest acceptance rate? There are several nursing programs in the US with 100% acceptance rates, including the Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Nightingale admissions is not selective with an acceptance rate of 100%. The regular admissions application deadline for Nightingale is rolling.

Easiest nursing degree program to get into in California

Cal Poly Humboldt has an acceptance rate of 85%, with an SAT range of 970-1190, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.

Requirements. After acceptance into the nursing program, each student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the nursing major to remain in the nursing program.

For example, a GPA of 3.8 or higher ensures you'd be a competitive applicant at most nursing schools. However, a 3.5 GPA may be competitive at schools with a 3.0 requirement.

You may not have been accepted into a nursing program if you haven't finished your prerequisite classes for nursing school. Most programs have general prerequisite classes, but some programs may have specific classes they expect students to complete before acceptance.

Nursing school rejection letters are more common than you might think. Many wonderful nursing students and nurses have had to apply 2, 3, even 4 or 5 times before they were accepted into a nursing program.

Many schools will require a 3.0 GPA to get into nurse practitioner school. Based on the type of NP program you are applying for (MSN or DNP), your GPA will be calculated from your bachelorly or master's degree coursework.

Average GPA: 3.53

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

Can an average student become a nurse? ›

To start nursing school, you don't need any prior nursing experience or healthcare education. All you need is a high school diploma or GED. Once you are accepted, your journey to RN begins! You can become an RN in 2 to 4 years by studying for an associate's degree (ASN) or bachelor's degree (BSN).

Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.

The DNP is the highest possible degree for nursing practice, what is called a terminal degree. As of 2025, new certified registered nurse anesthetists must have a DNP. This is the least common degree for RNs. In 2022, only 2.7% of RNs reported a DNP as their highest level of nursing education.

Yes, it is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs accept students with a lower GPA. It may take some extra work from you, though, especially if you are applying to a school that typically requires a higher GPA.

If you have a 3.0 GPA and 15 credit hours, by earning straight A's during your next (15 credit) semester, you can bump your GPA to a 3.5. However, if you have already earned 60 credit hours and have a 3.0 GPA a straight-A semester will only bump your GPA to a 3.2.

A 2.8 GPA is equivalent to 83% or B letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.8 is just a bit below average.

As of 2021, Hawaii tops the list at 119.3, while Mississippi comes in lowest, at 87.8. Adjusting each state's average RN salary by its cost of living index gives us a potentially more accurate means of comparing where nurses get paid the most.

The more education, job responsibilities a nursing professional has, the higher pay they may earn. Alaska, California, Florida, and Oregon are the four highest paying states for nurses and certified nursing assistants.

How many nurses fail the NCLEX the first-time? ›

What Are Your Chances Of Failing NCLEX-RN On The First Attempt? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt. The number of unsuccessful test-takers is low compared to the more than 86% who pass the exam on their first try.

None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

In today's job market, the BSN degree leads, in general, to better salaries and more open doors.

Falling Pass Rates

Pass rates continued to decline in 2022, with an average pass rate of 80.9% opens in a new tab or windowfor all first-time U.S.-educated candidates, and a rate of 66.6% for all candidates, based on a dataset that excludes the fourth quarter of the year.

During the last few years, it's gotten more and more difficult to be accepted into nursing school. As you've already seen, there are many requirements, and none of them are easy. And the admissions processes aren't getting any easier even though we desperately need RNs.

A “C” grade is required to pass a course. A grade of “B-” or higher is required on all graded assignments and evaluations in all courses.

Rush University 2023-2024 Rankings

Rush University is ranked No. 20 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's and No. 2 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

A good GPA in nursing school is generally considered to be 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. However, there are several factors to consider: GPA requirements for acceptance into nursing school vary by program. Highly competitive schools may require a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5 just to get accepted into the program.

The scarcity of nursing program seats comes as California faces a dire nursing shortage. A 2022 study from UCSF estimated the state would fall short by almost 19,000 full-time nurses by the end of the year, with the shortage continuing until 2029.

Is a 3.7 GPA good enough for nursing school? ›

GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.

The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.

Many nursing jobs will ask for your GPA when you're a new nurse filling an entry-level position. Because you don't have much experience to list yet, the GPA score may be the only criterion differentiating candidates. Short answer, yes, GPA scores are a factor when applying for nursing jobs.

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. Seek out nursing schools that look at GPA in different ways.

Occupational Health

One of the easiest nursing jobs to get into is in the field of occupational health. Occupational health nurses work in large industries, HMOs, and factories to treat work-related injuries and onsite illnesses. This type of nurse is employed to keep the workers on the job.

GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.

Yes, it is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs accept students with a lower GPA. It may take some extra work from you, though, especially if you are applying to a school that typically requires a higher GPA.

Less competitive schools may accept students with a lower GPA, around 2.5-3.0. So once in the program, aim for at least a 3.0 to ensure good standing. A good GPA in nursing school is generally considered to be 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Not in a million years. Nursing programs are highly competitive and require a 3.0 minimum, typically. Even with that, a 3.0 isn't competitive. The lowest GPA admitted to my program was a 3.7–3.8 while I was there.

What will an F do to a 3.8 GPA? ›

The short answer is (surprisingly): No. If you have one “F” and all other grades in a 40-course program are “A” grades, your GPA will drop from a 4.0 to a 3.9. So, your existing GPA will be impacted, but will not be “ruined.”

3.85 average GPA, 8 prerequisite courses, including 4 science courses must be completed.

Easiest nursing degree program to get into in California

Cal Poly Humboldt has an acceptance rate of 85%, with an SAT range of 970-1190, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.

A GPA is an accomplishment if it's a high one, just like your nursing degree. You can share this information in a cover letter and/or on your resume. Too, in some nursing schools, a higher GPA gets you a better clinical rotation. For example, the highest GPAs make it into the ICU or operating room.

Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything

The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.