[KMP77]

Hi guys!! Not sure where I should be posting this. Im just so confused right now. I want to be a nurse SO bad. Im 30, SAHM to 3 kids (10,5,2) and have wanted to be a nurse (in a hospital) as long as I can remember. I didnt do well in HS, but I know I if I want something bad enough I can do it. And I know this isnt going to be easy either. I was looking around at schools and I spoke with a woman from Gibbs. She said they have a 12 mon medical assistance course that will get me into the medical field. Its $15,000 (didnt see about FA yet). So now do I need this? Or would I just go to a community college and take the courses I need for nursing school?

Also, I went to HS but dropped out my senior year (I was failing), but I went back the following year and got my diploma, had to take English and History (night school). Who has my transcripts? The school I was at for 4 years or the one I got my diploma from? Or both? The one I got my diploma from I only took 2 classes. I need to get them for a school I emailed. How do I get my transcripts too? Do I call them?

THANKS SO MUCH! Im just confused and want to get started with everything!!

[arciedee]

If you are interested in being a nurse, don't bother with the medical assisting course... it will get you into the medical field, but none of the courses are likely to transfer to nursing school, so you'd be spending a lot of money on something that won't get you much further ahead. You'd be better off spending your time and money on the nursing pre-reqs and maybe a CNA course if you want to have a certification that will allow you to work in the medical field while you're finishing up your education.

As for high school transcripts the schools will want them from both places you attended showing the courses you took AND the fact that you received your diploma. You should be able to call the schools and get them... I believe the guidance office was able to get them for me when I needed them.

[elisabeth]

Agreed. The only thing I would add is to be sure to get multiple copies of your transcripts. Some schools will accept only official high school transcripts. I think my high school charged $5 per transcript since I graduated so long ago.

You don't need to be a medical assistant to become a nurse. Look at your local community college catalog online. Check out the nursing page and see what the prerequisites are. Make an appointment with a counselor, who will be able to get you started with choosing your classes, and you'll be on your way!

Also, file a FAFSA. No financial aid happens without one.

[KMP77]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

How do I file a FAFSA? Never even heard of it LOL.

Thanks again guys!!!

[arciedee]

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and schools use the information you enter on the FAFSA (when you file it you enter school codes for the schools you want to receive the information) to determine your eligibility for financial aid. The website for the FAFSA is here:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

You can file it online or print it out and mail it in. If you file it online you will need a PIN, but there are instructions on the site on how to get one. You will need your 2006 tax return to fill it out.

[KMP77]

Thank you so very much!!! What if you dont have a tax return? My husband does, but I do not.

This board has been a HUGE help!!!!!!!!

[arciedee]

You probably filed a joint return since you are married. Pull out the 1040 form that you filed for 2006 and look at the top next to "Filing Status" to see what box is checked off. If you file as "Married filing jointly" you will just use that form. If "Married filing separately" is checked then you will need to use both your husband's return and your own financial information. Here is a worksheet that you will want to fill out before you fill out the FAFSA:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fafsaws78bw.pdf

[elisabeth]

I believe there's a section on the FAFSA that asks if you can be claimed as a dependent by anyone else.

[KMP77]

Awesome, thanks soooo much!!!

Also, what is the diff between RN and LPN? I am not sure what I want to go for bc I dont know the difference. Id love to be a L&D nurse.

[arciedee]

The LPN typically takes about a year, whereas the RN is a longer education (two to four years, depending on the program and pre-reqs). Many people go for the LPN first and then take a "bridge" program to become RNs. This works out better for finances for some people because they are only out of work for a year and their employers MAY pay for the additional schooling to become RNs. However, depending on where you are, LPN roles may be limited. Where I am most LPN jobs advertised seem to be in long-term care facilities or in doctor's offices. Again, this may be different where you are, as there are many places where LPNs still play a large role in hospitals, so that's something to investigate to see whether this will work for you.

Here are some more explanations of the roles:
LPNs
RNs