by lovelyanne

Updated Jul 25, 2009 at 02:11 AM by lovelyanne

Hi everyone! This is my first post (and undecided, out-of-high-school student) so please disregard my pathetic-ness

But I feel like an idiot, because apparently I don't know much about the North Harris RN program. The thing is, I want to be a BSN - which is four years of study, correct? I was planning on going to NH for two years, then continue to strive to be a BSN at another University.

People, however, are telling me that they aren't sure, because to be in NH you can only go as far as an LVN and if you want to be a BSN at another university or transfer school, you will have to study another 1 1/2 year and take twice the tests than intended.

I guess I figured that I do 'basics' at NH while continuing nursing school at say, Pace..

My mind is so muddled now because I am now so confused :/ Please help? And a thank you in advance!

Re: North Harris community college?

Ok..as a current nursing student @ the north harris program, I can tell you I WILL graduate with an Associate's degree and be able to take the NCLEX and become an RN. SAME LEARNING AS A BSN-RN. The ONLY difference between the two is, with a BSN you get more learning for managment positions, but BOTH start as staff RN's in hospitals, even same pay (depending where you go work at though). Some hospitals will perfer BSN -RNs but at the end, it's the same nursing you'll be doing and learning!
Now as far as choosing which path to go, here's where it gets tricky. I would recommend you do ALL your pre-reqs needed to transfer to a BSN program (either @ UT-houston, TWU or Priarie View), but make sure you have VERY GOOD GRADES! I'm not even kidding! Straight A's and B's. The thing is with BSN programs (what am I saying ALL NURSING PROGRAMS!) there's only about 100 spots or less (depending on the school, you'll have to find that out) and there are about THOUSANDS of applicants, so you can understand why it's VERY COMPETITIVE! But if you have all your pre-reqs then you expand your chances of starting Nursing school, either with a BSN or an ADN program. When I started applying last fall, I applied to 5 places: UT-houston, TWU, Prairie View, HCC & North Harris. I kinda knew the universities were a long shot but tried anyways and ended up going to North Harris and I'm really happy with that program. It suits me, I have 3 kids, husband, and work part-time. UT just improved their program to 4 semesters, each one 15-credits! I have a hard time with 9 Credits! at north harris you can imagine 15!!
So this is my on the subject, hope this helps you understand! Good Luck!

Re: North Harris community college?

Hi lovelyanne,

First of all, you do NOT sound pathetic, you sound very concerned about your future. Your game plan sounds pretty specific. You may want to visit the lonestar website and research info from the nursing dept itself, instead of listening to others. You may become an RN by completing your coursework at North Harris via a ADN. The website also has info pertaining to those who wish to transfer to various universities and which classes are TE in order for you to obtain your BSN.

Be careful who you listen to, and do not become deterred based on others who may not have any interest in attending this college, or seeing you achieve your goals. I have my BA already, and will apply to NH in January to become an RN, as this will be a 2nd career for me. Also, attend an information session it will clarify alot of your concerns. You can even complete the session online now. HTH and I wish you all the luck in your future endeavors.

Re: North Harris community college?

thank you guys so, so much for your advice and replies. It really does mean a lot to me that you even share stories and wish me luck! I have to thank you again. I will clear the rest of my questions ASAP