Accredited/Not Accredited, Location and Cost$$

[RNWannaBe724]

So I am looking into nursing, as I have been for years... but my newest dilemma is that there is a program 45 min away in my old hometown, but it is not accredited from what i've found. I'd be able to stay at my parents if need be, whenever needed if I were to go there, but it isn't accredited to my knowledge.

The Accredited program is 1.5-2 hrs away... and with gas prices I am not sure if it is affordable. I will have to still work regardless, in order to survive so this is another issue. A friend of mine started going to that same school and wound up moving because the time spent driving and gas was too much. I am secure in my job here, and still need to work at least part time.

My other issue is the cost. It will cost me about $13k to get my ASN, while I already have almost $25k in student loans I am repaying as we speak for a degree I am 'kind of' using (hospitality). I am not sure if I want to return to school because I probably cannot afford it.

I will be starting to save almost $5k a year toward a house downpayment (possibly) as will my boyfriend be doing the same, but if necessary I could use the $ toward schooling, and just rent for the rest of my life

Another thought of mine was to move to another state (thinking North Carolina) and attend an accredited community college there and it will only cost me way less than $5k for the entire degree, but that means packing up and moving to the unknown with no job and nothing. I do have a loving boyfriend who would be with me every step of the way which helps..... but he'd be doing the same-packing up and moving to the unkown with no job right away.

The move is something I've always wanted to do, to discover something new- and get an affordable education and start a new career with some promise in the future. I am 24 and I need to get this going some day soon.

Can anyone help with my questions? Please and Thank You! :uhoh21:

[puddingpie]

Looks like you have some more brain storming to do, but DO NOT GO to a NON ACCREDITED SCHOOL, it's a waste of time and money.

Lower cost of living, means lower wages.

Forget about the house for now and complete the Nursing Program, is this a LPN or RN program? Other option stay in a cheap motel if it will save you money, otherwise SACRIFICE is the only way you can do this.

Write out your options with pro's and cons and make your decision.

Also, you are young, you do have time, also you can attend your local college and complete the PRE-REQUISTES for RN first- highly recommended.

Other job options: Get certified in Phlebotomy, CNA in case you decide to move closer to the school. One more thing, if you commute an 1-2hours- this a great time to study and review your recorded class lectures(record the classes or buy review course online).