What should I do!!

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Hi there everyone!

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Here's my story...I'm 26. I've finished my pre-reqs. I just got on the well pulicized 2 year wait list at Phoenix College. It should be easy enough to decide and wait out the two years...but time is ticking I'll be 31 by the time I graduate from PC. Also time is money...like the Apollo rep said. "By the time I get into PC I would be out of Apollo and making money" Yes with a huge student loan to pay off. Do I go to Apollo College and actually finish in two years? :sniff:

I can't seem to discuss this with my family, they always ask me when I'm going to be done. I tell them another 2 years (not including the 2 year wait). My cousin recently graduated from Pima and got a job at a hospital (in just over two years). My Uncle (her dad) asked my mom why I was taking so long. Since I had been in school longer than her. She has 60,000 in student loans but, she's an nurse and working while I'm still not making end meet.

So what if I decide to wait the 2 years and then I get in. I would have to quit working. How do I bring in money? Student loans? So in turn by the time I'm done waiting 2 years, do 2 years of clinicals and take out enought money to support myself...it could possibly end up being the 46,000 for the two quick years at Apollo. :innerconf

Sooo...what would you guys do? I know I'm still young but I want to start a career and be able to support myself. I know the price tags are starkly different and length of time if a factor...I would just like some insight. I have only talked to my mom and boyfriend about this and they've told me to go with the community college since it's cheaper but then on the other hand when I tell them about the wait list their faces change a bit. :banghead:

Any words of Hope? Wisdom? Experience?

Thanks for listening guys... :thankya:

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The first thing that you should try is get one of the fellowships with the hospitals. Such as Banner and if that doesn't work and you decide to go the private route, then you should look into GCU since they are nationally acredited and you can obtain a Bachelors degree with them. The price is almost the same too but they have a way better reputation than Apollo. That is my :twocents:

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Also I forgot to mention if you are billingual spanish you could try PC (Phoenix community college). They have a bilingual program starting twice a year.

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Specializes in Hopice and School Nurse.

Why not go the LPN route at either Gateway or Maricopa Skills Center. There is no waiting list (although you may not get into the first term you apply for. Gateway is community college with comminity college prices, Maricopa Skills center is about $8000 for 13 months of LPN training. As soon as you are done with LPN apply for the RN program at PC. They will accept you right away into block 3 with good test scores.

This is basically what I'm doing. Gateway requires a CNA license first which you get just about anywhere.

Good luck and remember that you have plenty of options (and time).

Marlene

39 and just applying...

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

i agree that you should definitely look into the partnerships with hospitals to get in sooner. also, as Marlene mentioned, there are several medical certificates that you could get in one or two semesters form gateway. this will get you working in he field while you wait. the added benefits to that include having your foot in the door at a hospital for when you get your RN license, and also a lot of hospitals will help pay your tuition for nursing school if you already work for them.

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Thanks soooo much guys! I sent and e-mail yo the GCU nursing rep and I'm online right now looking up gateways LPN program. I didn't know they offered one. Those seem like good options. I'm just in a hurry since I can't find a good job and my friends and family seem to have their lives together and I'm still out there not able to do or see many things with my friends that cost money. Its nice to be able to talk to people about this. I just talked to my mom today about 46000 tuition that ages not willing to co sign for but my boyfriend is. I told her I decided not to go to apollo since it was so much and my boyfriend shouldn't take on the burden of a loan. She told me 'fine justsit on your ass for the next 16 months when you could be done, you need to change your attitude'. My attitude!? Well thanks again guys.

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

that's where i would offer my mother the opportunity to cover my tuition if it meant that much to her :D

you'll figure it out. don't feel bad about yourself for not being where your friends and family are. that's their path, and this is yours.

good luck to you!

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Specializes in Hopice and School Nurse.

Nursing is just one of those programs that takes longer than traditional degrees. You are basically doing all those re-reqs before you can even enter the 2 year nursing program and you come out with an associates degree. Your mother needs to understand this process in order to make appropriate comments.

I have two daughters, 23 and 24, and one graduated after 3 years with a psychology degree and hasn't used it for anything, and the other is on the 10 year plan to get a degree in Spanish. She doesn't work, lives off her boyfriend and only goes to school every other semester. She also took a 6 month vacation to South America to learn Spanish. I'm sure eventually she will grow up, but in the meantime I just love her for being her (and give her no more money).

Just relax, find out the options for getting started and be proud that you've finished your pre-rec. That's an accomplishment in itself. I'm taking BIO201 right now and it's kicking my behind! Summer session is definitely not the right time to take a science class. Lesson learned!

Hey, maybe we'll end up in the same LPN program. I've heard LPNs are in higher demand than RNs right now. Don't know if it's true though. At least you'd be working in your field sooner.

Off to class...

Marlene

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I felt like you - I wanted to go and get it done with and start working, so I chose Apollo. I am extremely happy with my decision. To me, it is worth the tuition to get it over with quickly. I still have the option of getting a BSN and I have no plans to go further so I'm okay with the accreditation situation. Also, as far as I know, Apollo has the highest NCLEX pass rate in the state of Arizona right now.

Good luck whichever route you choose!

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Who did you get to co-sign for you? Financing for such a large tuition is my biggest dilemma. I've been through the interview process and everything. I just can't pay for it.

I got an interview at Phoenix Children's Hospital (for a non-nursing position) and if I get the job there (I should know by Friday) I will see if they can help me with school. I also have two volunteer interviews with Banner Thunderbird and Banner Estrella. I'm hoping any of them will be able to help with paying for school.

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As the other members have mentioned, it seems like the LPN route or possibly GCU may be best for you. I am currently enrolled at Apollo and am really enjoying it. According to the AZ State Board of Nursing website Apollo does have the highest pass rate (100%) on the NCLEX for Q1 2009...so although its expensive, these results may be worth the cost :twocents:

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I didn't need a co-signer for the biggest portion (and that's with a foreclosure). BUT, I do have a monthly payment for the portion student loans and grants didn't cover of $379/month. So I do have to struggle with that.

That would be awesome if you get the job at PCH! Did you look at their website to see about tuition reimbursement?

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