Relocating to Houston - Where Can I Get Training?

[Lou R.]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 37 year old male who will be moving to Houston within a few months and would like to begin nursing training (towards becoming an RN) once there.

Unfortunately, I've never been there before and don't really know where to begin. And more unfortunately, I will be limited in funding to whatever financial aid I can get.

This will be a second career for me. I already have a BS in Mechanical Engineering (3.68 GPA) from 1992 and over 10 years in the IT field.

Can anyone offer some suggestions as to where I can look? I'd like to start contacting schools before I get there.

I'm also concerned about whether or not I'll be able to find a job as a new grad. Any thoughts on this as well? Is it possible to find a related job while taking classes?

And are there many male nursing students and nurses in Texas?

Thanks very much!

- Lou

[GigLs2u]

There are a lot of nursing schools in Houston, Texas. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Prarie View A&M, Houston Baptist University, North Harris County Community College, and Houston Community College are schools which offer RN programs. The first two, possibly three, only offer the 3rd and 4th year of the programs. The first 4 are Bachelor of Science programs.

Every year these schools have tremendous application numbers and turn many away. Your sex and previous GPA may be to your advantage.

There are men in nursing. There is even a website that promotes men in nursing. Just like women, they work in all specialities of nursing. You just have to find your niche.

A starting place is to find out which of your previous education will be credited and thus what your are lacking in prerequistes before you can begin a nursing curriculm. Off hand, I know Texas requires 2 semesters of history and a semester of political science which I have been told is not the case in some other states.

I am not familar with financial aid. The universities and colleges should be able to direct you. In addition, if you can find a job in a hospital then you will probably have access to tuition reimbursement in pursuit of a health/medical career.

The hospitals in the medical center all have web pages you can search for job opportunities. Good luck in your pursuit of a rewarding career in nursing.

Sincerely,

Joy

Hi everyone,

I'm a 37 year old male who will be moving to Houston within a few months and would like to begin nursing training (towards becoming an RN) once there.

Unfortunately, I've never been there before and don't really know where to begin. And more unfortunately, I will be limited in funding to whatever financial aid I can get.

This will be a second career for me. I already have a BS in Mechanical Engineering (3.68 GPA) from 1992 and over 10 years in the IT field.

Can anyone offer some suggestions as to where I can look? I'd like to start contacting schools before I get there.

I'm also concerned about whether or not I'll be able to find a job as a new grad. Any thoughts on this as well? Is it possible to find a related job while taking classes?

And are there many male nursing students and nurses in Texas?

Thanks very much!

- Lou

[Lou R.]

Thanks very much Joy! I appreciate the response and will look into the schools you mentioned.

[sky_limit]

Other 2-year programs (ADN) in the greater Houston area:

Jacinto Community College (southeast of Houston)

Lee College (east of Houston)

both are also good programs

As far as jobs: With the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and more physicians per capita than any other place on the planet, are there nursing jobs?? You bet.