too long of a wait? advice needed

nohika · Jul 11, 2009

It seems fairly reasonable to me...it's going to take me a year to get my pre-reqs done, and I'm applying fall of '10 for a start in '11 for a two-year program. I'll either have six-month wait or an 11-month wait if I get in. So it will take me about four years to get my two-year degree.

Just remember that if you really, really want something, it's worth the wait. =) If you can/want, get CNA certified and try to get a job in that during the wait - it'd give you something to do instead of just waiting and some extra money.

If you do want to check around, compare costs, as well - something that may come sooner will likely cost more.

Best of luck with whatever you do! If you have any questions, feel free to message me. =)

Coloradogrl · Jul 11, 2009

It does seem reasonable....one thing you could do is complete the last part of the LPN program and then work on your prereqs for the RN program

meeep, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2009

unfortunately, i moved out of state and the credits arent transferrable, so im having to start from scratch. i would definitely do that if i could

Christina08 · Jul 11, 2009

It took me 2 years of completing all the preques for RN program, but I am an international student (so, I had to take English and math); otherwise, I would finish them earlier.

scrapworking · Jul 11, 2009

Have you confirmed with an Advisor at your school that you wouldn't qualify for application until after the deadline has passed? I know I won't have finished all my courses by the March 1st deadline, though I'll have all the required courses to apply, but in talking to my Advisor she said the selection committee will be able to see the classes I'm enrolled in and will see that I will have everything completed before the Fall 2010 start date. It is a long time, but not unheard of these days. If it were me, I'd start looking ahead at a BSN program to see if there were any pre-req classes I'd need to take for that, as that will be my next step after my 2 year RN program. And I have to agree that it does seem odd that you have 2 years of pre-reqs, then 2 years of nursing courses, yet they call it a 2 year Associate degree! BTW - I'm almost 46 y/o starting out (and a single parent) - it's never too late and where there's a will, there's a way!

Good luck!

Sharon

craziechiq, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2009

i think i'm going to beat everyone. its going to take me close to six years to get my ADN. it was a year and a half for pre-reqs while i worked, two and a half years of waiting and now i'm finally going into the program this fall which is another two years. if you really want it, it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as it gets done.

meeep, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2009

thanks for the support. i have not yet spoken to an advisor, ive left a few messages and am still waiting for my call to be returned. unfortunately there's really only one school in my area. they have a jan. 15 application deadline, and it states all pre-req's must be completed before that deadline, so i cant even apply until i finish them all. with starting in the fall, second quarter classes dont end until march, so i would have to wait til the following january to even apply.

lunden · Jul 11, 2009

Yep it's like that nowadays, where they wants all prereq.completed. it took me a year of repeating 4 classes and still didn't get in that semester. I just got accepted this fall as an alternate first then a spot became available. I know it is very frustruating 2 wait that long, but you'll look up and the time will b up before u know it.

greeniebean · Jul 13, 2009

By the time I start my program this spring I'll have been in school 1 1/2 years + the 2 years of the program= 3 1/2 years... for a 2 year degree!!! I agree the time seems to fly by. I am so anxious to get started but at the same time, I want to do well in school and I think getting all gen-eds out of the way will help a lot.

Good Luck

nsrs2005 · Jul 14, 2009

Well I can sympathize with you cause I felt that way. If it makes any sense you can look in areas that are within a hour and a half drive from you at community colleges and so forth. Another thing that will pass the time is getting into the healthcare field if your not already meaning look at EMT program, Medical assistant program, Phlebotomy course, EKG tech course, or CNA course. At least that way your foot is in the door and by the time you realize your time is there and you will be familiar with the healthcare field and already established somewhere especially if you get in a hospital. I was in your same position taking prerequisites and not being able to apply and every school wanting something different, as if the classes were free. But I ended up taking a medical assistant program and now work in a hospital part time and now I am accepted to a nursing program that starts in the fall and that is after applying to 6 colleges in the area and outside the area. But I was also willing to travel outside my state or even live in another state where I knew someone, anyone just so that I can apply to colleges. So if you can do that go for it. Its does not hurt to apply. So good luck but dont give up time flies when your doing something positive. And what you want is worth waiting and working for.

meeep, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2009

Thanks so much for all the advice..I've thought it over and discussed everything at length with my S.O., and I really feel if I'm going to spend 4 years pretty much in school and waiting for the nursing program, I want a 4 year degree out of it. I just can't seem to fathom spending that much time and only receiving an Associate degree. I've looked into some of the BSN programs in my area and one is pretty promising. They admit twice a year and have application deadlines that will be a little more conducive to finishing the pre-req's in time. Additionally, they only require that the courses be complete by the time the nursing courses start and not at the time of application. I'm a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but excited and hopeful everything goes well. Out of the limited options in my area, I think that's probably the best move. :)