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.

Some programs and schools will be more selective than others — many bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs require a 3.0 GPA, while many two-year programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.

However, even if your GPA is below 2.0, there are programs where you can get the training you need to enter the nursing profession.

The right fit for you and your unique circumstances is out there. Explore how you can get into nursing school with a lower GPA.

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

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.

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.

Additionally, some institutions place a higher emphasis on non-academic activities. For example, if you have a low GPA but plenty of volunteer experience in healthcare settings or work as a nursing assistant, that may aid your chances of getting accepted into a nursing program.

Check with your program to see if they have listed GPA requirements.

When trying to overcome a low GPA hurdle, sharing your story with a representative from the college you’re applying to can be helpful.

Virtually every college or university has an admissions office that you can contact through an online portal, email, or phone number. This avenue will allow you to learn more about the nursing school requirements and whether your GPA is acceptable for that program.

If you have a low GPA, this may also be an opportunity to explain your grade. 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.

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.

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.

Another option is to explore certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant, or emergency medical technician (EMT) courses and certification. These shorter programs give you hands-on experience, help you see if healthcare is right for you, and show nursing schools your commitment and readiness.

Additionally, consider applying to institutions with lower or no GPA requirements.

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.