Nursing school GPA requirements vary from one school to the next. 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. If your GPA is lower, you can improve it by doing well in the degree-requirement courses.
It’s sometimes assumed that only straight-A students are accepted into nursing school since nurses need extensive nursing knowledge and strong math and science skills. Yet, nursing school GPA requirements may be more reasonable than you thought. It’s true that you need to be a strong student to succeed in nursing school, but you don’t have to be a valedictorian. Additionally, if the GPA from your prior college credits isn’t up to par right now, you may raise it when you take the degree requirement courses.
At Utica University, we don’t rely solely on GPA requirements for the nursing program to determine your eligibility for our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. We evaluate your qualifications holistically and consider your passion for nursing before making an admission decision.
As you’re getting ready to apply to nursing school, you’ll want to look closer at the nursing GPA requirements and how you can meet them with degree requirement classes.
Utica University Admission Requirements
To gain admittance to Utica’s Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program, you will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a minimum 3.0 GPA for the natural science degree requirement.
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. At least 57 of those credits must have been earned at a four-year college or university.
Another acceptable academic background is holding at least 60 credit hours in liberal arts courses. Those courses must include all the non-nursing classes that are included in the nursing degree requirements.
Alternatively, Utica University offers another nursing pathway. Applicants to our Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program, Utica’s in-person program in Albany, New York, must have either a completed associate degree from an accredited school or at least 60 credit hours in liberal arts courses.
Nursing School Degree Requirement Classes and Their Impact on 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. Completing 16 hours of degree requirement courses with an A in each course could bring your GPA up to 2.8.
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. It’s always preferable to see applicants excel beyond the minimum, if possible.
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. Raising your nursing school GPA with degree-requirement courses can also demonstrate your passion for nursing, which may help bolster your application.
Try these top five ideas for dealing with nursing school application stress.
How Long Do Degree Requirement Courses Take?
Before considering how long the degree requirement courses for nursing school will take, you’ll want to figure out exactly which ones are needed. Your admission representative will review your transcripts to determine which courses need to fill any gaps in your academic background and prepare for nursing classes.
Utica University applicants are required to complete two general education degree requirements: Statistics and Life Span Development Psychology. Applicants must also complete the following natural science degree requirement courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II + Lab
- Chemistry + Lab
- Microbiology + Lab
Those applying to the Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program must complete the natural science degree requirement courses, along with the following general education courses:
- Statistics
- Life Span Development Psychology
- Ethics
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Nutrition
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. Plus, they can be completed online.
Is nursing school hard? Learn what you can expect and follow simple steps toward success.
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. If you are currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, contact an admission representative for advice on working your degree requirement courses into your schedule.
How to Meet or Improve Your GPA for Nursing School
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. Evaluate the difficulty of each course when deciding how many to take 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. Also, ensure you get plenty of sleep the night before an exam.
GPA Requirements for Nursing Programs: ABSN vs. Traditional Nursing 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. Each school establishes its own GPA requirements for the nursing program.
Consult an Admission Representative at Utica University
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. Then, once enrolled in our ABSN program, you’ll have access to an Academic Success Coach who can work with you one-on-one to help you overcome any later obstacles.
Learn more about Utica University’s ABSN program in Albany and Syracuse, and contact an admission representative today to get started.
