So many questions and so little time to decide...

gatoraims RN · Oct 30, 2012

I did not read all the replies. I think you are in a good postion for scholarships. My school offers scholarships for vets, male nurses, and minorites. If your heart is in nursing go for it. Work your butt off use your GI bill to complete your pre-reqs and retake those that will help you obtain the needed GPA. Then apply for nursing school and Aid at the same time. I think you being a vet allows you to access to a number of grants. I would wait on any loans until you know what you might get in grants and scholarships.

I would NOT go to those for-profit schools that make you spend a small fortune. A few friends of mine have been burned going that rounte now that they want to advance their degree.

Would going the LPN-RN route be an opition. Usually the GPA is less in a bridge program, not much less but it might allow for more comfort.

I know nothing about NYC. I am a small town girl. Wish I could help you there.

Good luck!

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2012

Every Private Institution is for profit... No?? From NYU and Columbia to Howard University and Georgetown... Pace is an actual traditional unversity though... Ranked in US News rankings...
Or were you replying to my OP asking about those programs with no wait lists??? The 2 years joints that may or may not have accreditation??? The 50% off of tuition is exclusively for Veterans so it isn't a sale tatic (maybe the school is probably getting some type of federal funding for it idk...)
Since you are a Nursing Educator, my cousin felt the need to go to one of these nursing schools without a accreditation... Her reason RN's at her job went there (a Nursing Home) and they had no problem finding a job... What you think??? I think is pointless if you plan on leaving the area...
Thanks for the information though!!!

Nope, all of the schools you name are not-for-profit as are the academic medical centers affiliated with them. Not-for-profit just means that any profit the school/hospital makes has to be invested back into the institution rather than being divided among owners/share-holders. It also means the institution is tax-exempt.

MatteyIce · Oct 31, 2012

Nope, all of the schools you name are not-for-profit as are the academic medical centers affiliated with them. Not-for-profit just means that any profit the school/hospital makes has to be invested back into the institution rather than being divided among owners/share-holders. It also means the institution is tax-exempt.

Ok... Cool... Have you heard about Pace???

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2012

Ok... Cool... Have you heard about Pace???

Yes, they used to send me post-cards all the time when I was in high school. That was a long time ago though and I went to college in Boston so I don't actually know anything about them.

hodgieRN · Oct 31, 2012

Don't forget that nursing school don't go off GPA alone. The GPA is a weed out. It depends if everyone in the class is enrolling with a high GPA. If you get to the interview process, that is where the often pick you for the roster. Never underestimate the value of volunteer work. Nursing schools are looking for healthy, well-rounded students from society. Volunteer work shows your dedication to the community. Most med school schools require community services to apply. It shows character and good-will. Nurses are the care-givers of the community. We care for anyone out there without judgement. I treat pt's the same whether or not they have insurance. The pt's always remember the nurses. Schools want people to represent their institutions and communities. You are a vet, which shows character beyond what most of can comprehend. So, you have qualities that are attractive to schools.

There has been political movement for vets returning home and getting back into the workforce. The National Association of Veteran Americans and IAVA might be able to give you a letter of recommendation. There might be a program that can help you get the education you need to continue your life back home, finally! I think the big initiatives with these groups are getting vets back into civilian life by offering opportunity, based on our thanks and appreciation for the sacrifices you and other vets made for this country. Try it out! Got nothing to lose!

Good Luck! And thank you for your service to our country!

MatteyIce · Nov 1, 2012

Yes, they used to send me post-cards all the time when I was in high school. That was a long time ago though and I went to college in Boston so I don't actually know anything about them.

Cool, cool thanks!!!

MatteyIce · Nov 1, 2012

Don't forget that nursing school don't go off GPA alone. The GPA is a weed out. It depends if everyone in the class is enrolling with a high GPA. If you get to the interview process, that is where the often pick you for the roster. Never underestimate the value of volunteer work. Nursing schools are looking for healthy, well-rounded students from society. Volunteer work shows your dedication to the community. Most med school schools require community services to apply. It shows character and good-will. Nurses are the care-givers of the community. We care for anyone out there without judgement. I treat pt's the same whether or not they have insurance. The pt's always remember the nurses. Schools want people to represent their institutions and communities. You are a vet, which shows character beyond what most of can comprehend. So, you have qualities that are attractive to schools.
There has been political movement for vets returning home and getting back into the workforce. The National Association of Veteran Americans and IAVA might be able to give you a letter of recommendation. There might be a program that can help you get the education you need to continue your life back home, finally! I think the big initiatives with these groups are getting vets back into civilian life by offering opportunity, based on our thanks and appreciation for the sacrifices you and other vets made for this country. Try it out! Got nothing to lose!
Good Luck! And thank you for your service to our country!

Yea I have a lot community service things outside of the Military, I also joined a frat so hopefully that helps as well... In the meantime what should I do??? Should I volunteer at a local hospital??? Talk to some RN's about what steps I should take???

flipflopgenna · Nov 1, 2012

i also think you can get your GPA up i made an A in AP and psyc andAP 2,you can do it. i am going to nrusing school at a country community college i will be graduating in 2014, i have finished all my pre classes, and all i have is nursing classes, take some advice, its really hard to take additional classes with nursing classes, if you can take AP 1&2 before you begin nursing semester. students are dropping out left and right because they cant keep there grades up. its very sad.

flipflopgenna · Nov 2, 2012

we also had a pre enterance exam to get into nursing if you didnt want to use your GPA

MatteyIce · Nov 2, 2012

we also had a pre enterance exam to get into nursing if you didnt want to use your GPA

Wow... That's helpful... I might have to take a year and a half worth of pre-reqs/classes outside of the Nursing program because they only offer (to my knowledge or what I see on their website) admission in the Fall and the App need to be submitted by Feb 15... ... I guess that will help me take all the electives or such things like A & P before I actually get into the program though...