Eventually I am moving to the Chesapeake area. I'm looking toward several programs. Some are ADN some are BSN. As a non-resident, the out-of-state tuition for some are exorbitant. So, while I prefer to just get the BSN and be finished, finances may dictate that I get into an affordable program. I can't get financial aid (I just cannot). I happily need to help support twin babies as well. Well, the schools I am looking into are:
Sentara (BSN)
Virginia Commonwealth (BSN)
Hampton (BSN)
Virginia State University (ADN)
J Sergeant Reynolds (ADN)
Tidewater (ADN)
Thomas Nelson (ADN)
Bon Secours (BSN)
Some have flat tuition (same for residents and non). What do you recommend?
They did. Thanks Heather! I like ODU's layout. The price isn't too bad, actually better than most. I'm looking to see how difficult it is to get in. You are a most appreciated source of information. I take it ODU is nearby Chesapeake?
What part of Chesapeake will you be in? I am about 2 min from the Western Branch area of Chesapeake and OUD is about a 25 min drive, but only 8 miles. Stupid VA traffic
I can say that the only school around here that isn't hard to get into is MCI, BUT it is not because it is a bad program, and they have the same admission standards, but the cost is outrageous!
I'll have to ask the gf where her aunt stays. I'm not familiar with the area. After careful consideration I'm going to aim for ODU, Sentara & Tidewater. I didn't know J Sargeant was so far away. The others are either more expensive or have additional requirements that time doesn't allow for.
Depends on your finances, home life (ie. kids, S.O., etc) & end game. It's not unreasonable to cultivate several opportunities. Make a hierarchy, apply to 3-4 & make a choice based on where you get in. If I were an LPN now this would be easier for me. I'd be making more money during school. As it stands now I'm a CNA (endorsed my license to VA too). I need to make more money ASAP with twins on the way. I couldn't take three years at CNA salary to attend nursing school. Not while supporting newborns simultaneously.
I still need my LPN, I am currently just an unemployed Pharmacy Tech working on my pre-requisites. If I keep on this track, minus LPN school, I will be able to apply for the BSN program next summer. If I do my summer classes, then start the LPN program in Sep (if I get in) I won't be able to continue taking 3-4 classes each semester and it will delay my eligibility to apply for another 2 years. HOWEVER, I keep reading a ton of posts of people that are almost done with their BSN and in clinicals and HATE nursing... I am very close to 37, too old to go full steam ahead to a BSN and then figure out I hate it.
pacjeffery
132 Posts
It wasn't a slight on ODU. I didn't know it was close. Right now I am trying to find the least expensive program. Be it diploma, ADN or BSN.