Career Change/Galen for School Choice??

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Hi all! I'm new to the site and need your help in finding a school to accomodate my situation. I am 29 years old, married w/ 2 children and I am desperately looking to switch career fields! I am currently an insurance underwriter and want to become a nurse. I have my BSBM from University of Phoenix but NO health care expierence/education and cannot afford to quit work to attend a daytime/fulltime nursing program. I intialled looked at SPC/HCC's RN program but my pre-reqs grades from my years fresh out of high school are already kicking me out of the competition......I also need to look at a school that offers an evening program so I can continue working. I've looked at Galen and really wanted to go there....but have been scared away because of their accreditation issues, Erwin's evening LPN program doesnt start again until Jan 2012!!! and South University has a direct BSN program thats 21 months..which is PERFECT.. BUT its only offered in the daytime....I am so confused, and so frustrated and am starting to give up hope. I am already dealing with the fear of stepping out into a completely new field of work but this is something that I really want to do. Is there ANYONE out there that had a similar dilema?? Any advice, suggestions, resources, opinions?? :confused:

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

Have you talked with Galen? I would set up an appt with admissions to find out more about the program to see if it is doable for you/family situation. I was also a career changer (kinda, I never used my first degree in the first place) I completed an LPN program last year and just had my interview to get into Galen's RN program today. I was initally concerned about the cost of Galen compared to other schools, but I could get in and out faster by paying a bit more. I wish you luck in your nursing ventures. I know how difficult it can be, with working and family (I have two boys under 2 myself) but I just keep telling myself how it will all pay off in the end. FYI, you may wanna call them soon. I know there LPN evening program is only offered 2x's a year. Good Luck!

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I don't have any alternatives to suggest, but I would be v. cautious about attending a proprietary voc/tech type school like Galen -- it does not have the appropriate general academic accreditation for credits to be routinely accepted by "regular" colleges and universities, and it does not have NLNAC (nursing) accreditation. Both of those things can create problems for you later on, throughout your career. You're right to be concerned about accreditation "issues."

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I"m in a similar situation and need to complete my RN as quickly as possible.

I recently completed a very comprehensive PCT program and my nursing instructors there said wonderful things about Galen and fully recommended them. I am considering Galen, but would prefer a straight RN program without getting my LPN first. They have wonderful facilities. When I was doing my clinicals at Bayfront Medical the Galen students were professional, educated and raved about their experiences at Galen. As of yet, I myself have not heard anything negative about them. I think the cost is off-set by getting to work sooner rather than later.

If other options don't work out, I will probably attend Galen. I hope things work out for you! Best wishes.

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Thank you all for your input. I am used to the expenses of the non traditional schools, because I received my Bachelor from University of Phoenix. Its more the accredidation of the school...I've since decided to do my pre reqs at the Community College. In following up with SPC after having my UOP credits transfer I've found out that my GPA for the Nursing program is a 3.75...and I have 8 classes remaining to take before I can apply to their program so that's a plus...the negative is thefinancial aid piece now!

Because I screwed up so many classes back in 1999-2002 with Withdrawing and failing out of them I now dont meet the FASFA "SAP" requirements for my Completion Ratio. They said I attempted more classes than completed so I dont qualify for aid unless I appeal and explain why I failed/withdrew from those classes 8-10 years ago! Besides the fact that I was just young....immature and not focused then there is no extenuating circumstance...but I have to push forward and try to get through this the best way I can.This has no doubt been a stressful...long...discouraging process but I am trying to stay positive and not give up because this is something I really want to do.

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Specializes in Home Care.

There's no rush to get RN considering the lack of jobs for new RN grads.

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DSBL, I certainly understand your predicament! I myself didn't do very well in college back in 1990 (yes, this is a second career for me) and it has made the private school sector more appealing, in more ways than one.

I have not yet seen or heard of any shortage in my area for RN's. Each facility I did exterships with were hiring PCT's and RN's. I was offered jobs at three facilities where my RN education would be paid for. I just don't feel I can be a single mother and do all three successfully at the same time so I have chosen to continue my education full time.

Best of luck to you! I'm trying to get into the Nov. start class at Galen and take the PAX-PN next week. It's not my only application, but I'm starting to think it's my first choice. Feel free to PM me if I could give you any info you don't already have.

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