how to go about becoming a nurse......... HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2013

ok heyyy guys Im totally new on this site and I have alotttttt of questions and hoping some of you will respond.. so here we go... I am an 28yo mother of 4. I cannot go to school just yet (well classroom setting anyway) so this is what I need to know. I have not attended any school or college since i went for my ICD 9 coding and billing cert. I need to know whats the first step to get this nursing degree on the roll. I keep hearing ypou must first find a nursing program then find out what they require u to take or can I just attend college online to take my pre reqs?? If thats the case what reqs should I start off taking?? I'm located in philly and want to do online prob at a community college or something to do my pre reqs. I'm looking for any suggestions, advice, and steps I should take. Thanks to all who read this and reply. Hopefully I can get the ball goin here ; )[/quote']
Well your options for types of nursing programs can vary, but seeing how you will need pre reqs for any program I would look into taking them at your community college. Things like nutrition, micro, A&P, stats, are all good classes to get out of the way. Hopefully you will be attending nursing school in the next few years as most schools want your science classes to be less than 5 years old

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 9, 2013

2 semesters of A&P, microbiology, math, english composition, maybe chemistry, stats, nutrition

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · May 9, 2013

Don't forget psychology!

You should really narrow down the top 2-3 nursing schools that you want to attend and check out their requirements, so you don't take classes that you don't need.

Trenata · May 9, 2013

Always A&P I and II, Microbiology, Developmental Psych and basics like English - but is is best to find out what school you wish to attend. You need to figure out what programs are available in your area online and what will transfer to nursing schools in your area. Once you select a nursing school, read everything there is to know about their program on the website and then figure out where to do your pre-reqs. Online is great!

momof 3&student · May 10, 2013

While these suggestions are good examples, I think you need to look at a few things first. First off, what kind of nurse do you want to be? There are many options and it determines what types of schools to research and how long you have to go to school? Do you want to get a LPN, a 2 year RN, a 4 year RN (BSN) or if you already have a college degree maybe you want to try to get into an entry-level master's program. That is your first step - deciding how long you are willing to go to school for and what type of nurse you want to be. Then you should research the schools you want to go to. Do you want a community college that is close and easy to get to and work with or do you want the prestige of going to a major university? Check out the options in your area. Then see what pre-recs they require. Some require ethics, some require anthropology, some require statistics. The point is, there is no need wasting your time and money taking a class that doesn't work towards your pre recs. Then make sure you can devote the time needed to get good grades. Nursing school is competetive and the more As you can get the better chances you will get in. You can definitely take some classes online but you fist have to find out what the classes you need are before you can sign up and take them. Just because you want to go to nursing school at ABC college, doesn't mean you have to take your pre recs there, but you will want to make darn sure that the class transfers properly though so you don't waste your time.

Hope that helps.

Shorty11, BSN, RN · May 11, 2013

I think it is a good idea to at least make a 'working list' of potential nursing schools you may attend. This way you can check out what pre-reqs you will need for which programs. Many pre-reqs are the same for schools with similar type of programs, but there may be some that are necessary at school A but not at school B. Also, some schools may not accept certain transfer credits. It would be a shame to take all your pre-reqs at one school and then have some (or -worse case scenario- none) of them transfer to the nursing program you wish to attend. As an example, my university does not accept certain credits from community colleges in the area. (I think this is done to try and get students to take all their pre-reqs at the university, as opposed to the local community colleges.) I have had several friends who took pre-reqs that did not transfer and they ended up having to take basically the same class twice. Also, the university I attend bases acceptance into their BSN program on a point system. Points are earned from GPA, pre-reqs, previous experience, previous degrees, etc. Extra points are awarded for every pre-req that is successfully completed at the university, as opposed to completed somewhere else. (Obviously, not all schools base admission on a points system though.)

I would do some research. When in doubt, you can always call the schools' academic advisers and they can answer your specific questions. Best of luck!

Nurse2b2318 · May 11, 2013

I agree with momof3@student and shorty11. Make sure you check out each school you are interested in to see there requirements and credit transfer policy. I recently applied to 2 nursing programs and didn't realize that one of the schools would not take any of my science classes. Luckily I was accepted into a program that did accept my credits, but if I wasn't all of my hard work in my science classes would have been a waste. Good Luck!!

duke1158 · May 11, 2013

The good thing is that there are a lot of really good schools in this area that cater to the non traditional student. I live in Allentown and I attend DeSales University as an Access student, which is their evening and weekend program. It works out great as I am a SAHM of two boys and my husband works very long hours. I looked into Drexel for their grad program, but they have an excellent adult learning program for nursing too. I have no idea how much tuition is though, but I know they host a slew of online classes. Good luck!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 11, 2013

You should really speak to an advisor at the college where you wish to attend nursing school to find out what credits they'll accept from your community college as pre-reqs. Most local schools have transfer agreements with certain community colleges, so it's in your best interest to be proactive and make an appointment to find out exactly what you need. Don't try to figure it out on your own, only to realize too late that you need a particular class or certification before you apply and you miss the application cycle and have to wait a whole year to apply.

Most schools require at least one semester of English or College-level Writing, Intermediate algebra or higher for math, Psychology, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology (which usually has a pre-req of Biology or Chemistry prior to taking this course), etc. This is not an all-inclusive list.

Our school requires English or Writing, Int. Algebra or higher, Healthy Lifestyles, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab (separate course), Psychology, Human Growth & Development and Pharmacology.

In addition, many schools prefer that you have either paid health care experience hours or at a minimum volunteer hours. Our program gives bonus points if you've completed either CNA, Phlebotomy or EMT-Basic certification.

Some schools also require you to take an entrance or placement exam (HESI, TEAS, etc.) Some do not.

So, you can see that it is very important to speak with an advisor at the school(s) you wish to attend so you can ensure you're taking the correct courses in the appropriate sequence. Also, be aware that some of the pre-reqs have pre-reqs of their own (e.g. Anatomy & Physiology usually requires a prior Bio or Chem class), Intermediate Algebra requires a certain level of math in your placement exam or a pre-req of Intro Algebra, etc.

The good news is many courses can be taken completely online. The courses with a lab will usually require you to be present for class. Some schools offer "hybrid" classes where the lecture portion is online and you only go to campus for lab. Again, it depends on the institution.

Good luck to you