What GPA is Required for Nursing School?

If you’re interested in attending nursing school, having a strong GPA prior to applying is important.

Across the country, nursing schools are getting more competitive and increasing requirements for both admission and graduation.

It’s important to keep in mind that the type of program you apply to will also create some variance in GPA requirements. 

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What GPA is Required for Nursing School?

Overall, nursing schools are very competitive and can be difficult to get into. As a general rule of thumb, you should have at least a 3.0 to apply to a bachelor program, whereas an associates program may let you slide with a minimum GPA of 2.5. LPN and CNA programs may not have a GPA requirement.

Keep in mind that every school is different, and some may include work history in addition to their GPA decision. 

Getting In: Keeping Up Your GPA 

No matter what classes you are in, it’s important to start and finish strong if your ultimate goal is to get into nursing school.

It’s important to research each program you are considering applying to and making sure you tailor your educational resume to fit their idea of the perfect candidate.

If your school places a strong emphasis on work history, it can help to obtain your CNA license and work in a healthcare setting while you are completing your prerequisites. 

If you’re someone who’s struggling with getting their grades up for nursing school here are so tips below.

1. Plan Strategically

If you’re planning on taking microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and statistics all at the same time, you’re setting yourself up for a very stressful semester and one you may not succeed in.

Strategically planning your semesters to include easier classes is important to ensuring your GPA stays competitive.

For example, if you are taking microbiology and anatomy, pad the semester with an easier class such as psychology or another class you know you will do well in with minimal effort.

This way, you can focus more time and energy on the demanding classes (microbiology) and still end the semester with your sanity and GPA intact. 

2. Eat, Sleep, and Breathe Your Prerequisites 

Keeping your GPA up is going to be difficult if you are sleep deprived and living on a diet of ramen noodles and goldfish.

For example, a diet low in saturated fat can be linked to better memory, whereas diets high in saturated fats tend to impact our cognitive function.

Make sure you are reaching for healthy, whole foods and getting 8 hours of sleep each night.

Scheduling a set amount of hours each day is also a good idea to help make sure that you get as much study time as possible. It’s a lot to commit to, but it’s worth it in the end! 

Related: 10 Best Places for Nursing Students to Study

3. Creating a Study Space 

If you’re sitting in a cluttered mess of papers and books, chances are your study time is going to be less than enjoyable and your GPA could suffer in the long run.

Make sure you set your study space up to be a reflection of things you enjoy.

Utilizing color psychology and listening to healing tones is a great way to create a relaxing space that you can enjoy being in.

In addition to creating a calm space, you should make sure you have everything you need organized and within reach to avoid making multiple trips to various rooms and potentially getting distracted. 

4. Make Good Friends and Study Groups

It is very likely in your science prerequisites that there will be another student in your courses with the same goals as you.

Find those students and make a study group, and if you’re lucky you might all end up in the same program together.

Study groups are an excellent tool for success because it allows you to compare notes, get clarification on concepts you don’t understand, and allows you to teach others, which will solidify your understanding on the material.

This is one of the best ways you can ensure your GPA stays competitive for your nursing program applications. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to start your nursing school journey, you can search for nursing schools in your area on our database.

Frequently Asked Questions

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