College Roadblock?

Stephalump · Jun 19, 2012

For the Kentucky campus but there may be something in the Ohio forum if you check out the search function. And there were people from te various campuses in this thread.

https://allnurses.com/kentucky-state-nursing/galen-college-386128-page43.html

I'm confused about 2 things:

1) Are you aware of the nursing job market? We're in exactly the same position as the teaching profession. Too many nurses, not enough jobs. Remember when everyone was talking about a teaching shortage, so people were flocking to get their certifications and then the budgets were cut and no one could get a job? That's exactly where we are in nursing. Just as in education, people are still finding jobs, but it's rough, some people spend a year or more searching, and many spend more and end up leaving the profession before they ever start. Like many jobs in this economy, it's about who you know Be careful not to make the same mistake twice. Especially consider any further roadblocks you may face by attending an unaccredited RN program.

2) Why, if you're having issues financing your school, have you chosen a ridiculously over-priced for-profit school? Wouldn't the most prudent thing be to do it as cheaply as possible? I'm not sure about the tuition costs where you live, but my entire ADN education (prereqs, nursing classes, books, equipment) cost $7500, which I was easily able to cover with scholarships. Then my hopes are to get a job that has tuition assistance for the rest of my education - voila. Debt-free. I have a previous degree, so financial aid wasn't an option for me, either.

If you absolutely cannot cover tuition yourself, I recommend going to LVN. Cheap, then you can CHEAPLY pay your way through more schooling if you choose.

Just my two cents

cndn_grl08 · Jun 19, 2012

Student loans is not an option for you? I did not have the money to complete a four year degree either, but with student loans I was able to do it. Now when I start paying them back I will hopefully have a good job as an RN and be making enough to pay it off in a decent amount of time. I didn't try LPN first but I imagine if you already know you want to be an RN, it'll probably save you time and money in the end to just go with the BSN off the bat, if possible. Just my thoughts though, nothing backing that up. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Stephalump · Jun 19, 2012

Student loans is not an option for you? I did not have the money to complete a four year degree either, but with student loans I was able to do it. Now when I start paying them back I will hopefully have a good job as an RN and be making enough to pay it off in a decent amount of time. I didn't try LPN first but I imagine if you already know you want to be an RN, it'll probably save you time and money in the end to just go with the BSN off the bat, if possible. Just my thoughts though, nothing backing that up. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Already having a degree limits how many more credits you can receive financial aid for, including loans. You can usually get another 2 years at a 4 year university, and many people are completely blocked from getting any aid at community colleges at all. It's to prevent career students from draining the system.

ShantheRN, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2012

Stephalump pretty much covered it. I would suggest going the ADN route and getting a job with tuition reimbursement. My ADN cost about the same and my BSN will be paid for by my employer. If your goal is to become an RN, why bother with the LPN? It's just more money spent. LPNs in Ohio don't make enough to justify the added tuition cost.

Not sure what your living situation is, but I hope you're flexible about possible relocation to get that first job. You should also try for teaching jobs while you're working on prereqs. Read around these boards - finding a job is tough for everyone.