Advice for finding 2nd-degree nursing programs?

[gabbyl34]

I am an aspiring nurse with a degree in biology, but am feeling overwhelmed by the number of options for schools and programs I could apply to. It also seems like every school is different with deadlines and prerequisites, which makes it difficult to keep track of. Has anybody else gone through this application process as a 2nd-degree student or even after a career change? Any advice on how to decide where to apply?

[KYnicuRN]

I just got accepted into a ABSN program! What I did is I choose what I would consider my first choice of school and looked at the prereqs needed. After that I looked at schools that had the most similar prereqs so that I could stay on track and save as much money as possible. Luckily I got into my first choice.

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

I will agree every program seems to have different requirements. I got a degree in a non-science major, working full time in that field with a family to support. What I took into consideration when I applied was 1) location & 2) cost.

Since I'm older & have responsibilities that some younger counterparts might not have, I had to consider my ability to still work, mortgage, kids, etc. I'm not mobile, so I had to choose a school nearby. Second, since I have to work, cost is a big factor. I have to be fiscally responsible with where I go (that ruled out for profits & some private programs real quick).

Your situation may be different. You have to consider what are factors/limitations for you? Besides cost & location, how about NCLEX pass rates or how many additional pre-reqs you'll have to take on top of what you have with your biology degree.

Figure out what factors will most influence your choices & what limitations you may have (Are you willing to move? Do you have limited income for tuition? etc.) Best of luck.