1. Should I apply to more than 1 school?
--- absolutely. But do research into the different programs. Each school has a different "personality". (Nursing schools)
---- Prereq's can be completed at ANY community college. They are most likely to SAME as any university.
2. How realistic is it to work fulltime and go to school?
--- Only if necessary. The better you do in prereq's, the more you learn, and the better you'll do in nursing school. The science courses are very demanding. Most people fall flat on their b-tt, underestimating how much studying is involved.
3. If it is not feasible to do both, do you have any suggestions on income opp's?
---- Community colleges are the cheapest. Books are the major expense, and since you wont' have that, you're very lucky.
4. LPN or RN? Is it advisable to start as an LPN and test for RN later?
--- LPN only to get working experience and make money WHILE GOING FOR YOUR RN. Schools will look very favorably on that experience.
5. How long did it take to finish school?
-- depends on how many classes you can complete each semester. DON'T OVERLOAD. Also, different schools have different pre-req's. There's the basic sciences (Chem, Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Microbiology. Some want organic chem and a few even want Physics). The other pre-req's vary but again, you'll usually see: English (1 to 2 semesters), Sociology, Math, Psychology (Intro and often Developmental Psych), some want Nutrition, too.
www.allnursingschools.com has a comprehensive listing of nursing schools all over the country, with links to their websites. THe National League of Nursing is the main accrediting agency. You can find out the prereq's AND the nursing programs of each school, by going to the school's website.
Good luck-
