Paying for nursing school?

[jaytek13]

Now, a little background... I've been going to Baker College for about 4 years now. I've gotten my Associate's degree in computer information systems, and am coming up on recieving my Bachelors in the same. However, ever since I got my Associate's degree, I've had an incredibly strong desire to switch into nursing. For the past 2 years I've been telling myself that it is too late now, I am close to finishing so I might as well do it... But the computer field is no longer a field I am at all interested in.

Now, the problem is, I will not have access to financial aid if I were to switch.

So, I was wondering how the lot of you who have/had decided to go to nursing school after already obtaining a degree were able to afford to do so?

Also, would it be worth my while to get cna certification, or should I just look for a job in the computer field?

Oh, and another question... It's been very, very difficult working towards my BA in CIS. I've begrudgingly been trying to move forward with it, but my grades, along with my motivation, are becoming progressively worse. I had been on the Dean's list/President's list throughout my first 2 years up until my associates, maintaining a gpa of aournd 3.8... Since then, it's steadily dropped to a 2.5. I have approximately 10 courses left until my BA... Should I try to finish with this? Would I have an easier time getting into nursing school if I already had a BA (moreso than already having an associates)? I am absolutely positive this isn't what I want to do... Which is why I asked if I should go to work as a CNA.

[Firehawk734]

I guess I'd worry about them lowballing the salary then...if you sign a contract ahead of time and get locked into working there, they'd likely lowball your salary, unless it all somehow gets worked out before you sign???

[momof2*s]

I guess I'd worry about them lowballing the salary then...if you sign a contract ahead of time and get locked into working there, they'd likely lowball your salary, unless it all somehow gets worked out before you sign???

at my work (UofM) we are union so they cant mess with your pay and they still do reimbursment, you can also choose advance pay BUT if you dont pass you have to pay the money back, so in a way that is just another reason for you to do well in your classes!!

[jugre]

Why don't you check out the local community colleges. Much cheaper.

It is much cheaper. Oakland Community College's credits are only about $58 a credit hour. But that is the resident rate. I don't know what the other rates are. Good Luck!

[NoviceRN10]

How does one get involved in this? Do you wait until you are accepted, then go to a hospital and sign the contract at that point, or do you go through college and then they reimburse you the amount afterward?

I have a friend who recently graduated and was hired by St. John. She was offered tuition reimbursement, but that was after she was hired as a graduate nurse, not before she actually started nursing school. They require a two year committment.