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- Feb 12, 2014
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Hello! I am a recent graduate (as of 3 weeks ago, woohoo) with a BS in Biology. I was originally set out for med school but after my low GPA and dating a med student, I am thinking of going down a different path. Also, I am going to be taking 1-2 years off this year and possibly next (much to my father's dismay) to gain some relevant experience, save some money, and figure out my next step.
I am very interested in public health and medicine. I started off my public health journey thinking I wanted to get my MHA and go into administration, but I realized I want to be more involved with the policy and patient care parts of healthcare. Since I am interested in the patient care aspect of healthcare, I am contemplating either a PA/MPH or NP/MPH (leaning more toward the latter).
Unfortunately my GPA is not where I would like it to be, with both my overall and science around a 2.9. Most NP/PA schools want at least a 3.0. I was slightly above the 50th percentile on the GRE with absolutely no studying, and am currently studying to retake it this summer.
Long story short, I guess my question is this: Should I pursue an NP/MPH degree (either dual or separately) with my scores next application cycle? I know I can improve my GRE and I am a fairly decent writer, with the possibility of several great rec letters. I am in the process of getting a job in the hospital, hopefully as a PCA, nurse assistant, etc. I am also beginning a research project with a very well known member and professor in the public health community.
OR, with all that, should I pursue an MPH degree separately to have an improved GPA then go for an NP/DNP program? I wonder if the extra cost and time of all that, while obviously not desirable, are worth it in the long run if I can get a well paying job to pay off my loans and eat more than ramen right away? Unfortunately, I am already ~$32,000 in debt from undergrad.
Anyone with experience, in/went through the same situation, or whatever, I very much appreciate your time and input.
Thank you!
I am very interested in public health and medicine. I started off my public health journey thinking I wanted to get my MHA and go into administration, but I realized I want to be more involved with the policy and patient care parts of healthcare. Since I am interested in the patient care aspect of healthcare, I am contemplating either a PA/MPH or NP/MPH (leaning more toward the latter).
Unfortunately my GPA is not where I would like it to be, with both my overall and science around a 2.9. Most NP/PA schools want at least a 3.0. I was slightly above the 50th percentile on the GRE with absolutely no studying, and am currently studying to retake it this summer.
Long story short, I guess my question is this: Should I pursue an NP/MPH degree (either dual or separately) with my scores next application cycle? I know I can improve my GRE and I am a fairly decent writer, with the possibility of several great rec letters. I am in the process of getting a job in the hospital, hopefully as a PCA, nurse assistant, etc. I am also beginning a research project with a very well known member and professor in the public health community.
OR, with all that, should I pursue an MPH degree separately to have an improved GPA then go for an NP/DNP program? I wonder if the extra cost and time of all that, while obviously not desirable, are worth it in the long run if I can get a well paying job to pay off my loans and eat more than ramen right away? Unfortunately, I am already ~$32,000 in debt from undergrad.
Anyone with experience, in/went through the same situation, or whatever, I very much appreciate your time and input.
Thank you!