Dream of becoming an RN, what is the best way to get there?

[porsche143]

Good day!

I am currently wanting to start my path in becoming an RN. I have no pre reqs done yet, or previous education other then my highschool diploma. I have read/heard many different "paths" to becoming an RN and I am wondering which might be best for me? I currently am not working (my fiance has decided to support me while I conquer my education), I am 27 years old, and I have 2 children. A few options I have heard are:

Do all pre reqs thru my community college that I want to attend the nursing program at (Estrella Mountain CC in Goodyear, AZ) , then apply for the nursing program and wait 2 years to get in.

Enroll in the LPN program (9 month wait) and do my pre reqs before and during. Then I can get into Block 3 at the school thru the advanced placement program. (does this mean faster to get IN... or still the same wait, but faster to get OUT?)

Enroll in the MA program and work at a hospital/facility that will pay for me thru Nursing school (how possible is it to work and go thru a nursing program w/ 3 kids?)

SORRY, so many choices, help!

Thanks!

Future Nurse Porsche :):heartbeat

[heathert_kc]

Getting into a good hospital that offers tuition reimbursment is often times difficult especially without any experience and working the required number of hours while in school may not be possible. Plus having funding for school won't help you get into a program any faster.

I cannot tell you what to do, but what I can suggest, what I did, is to get started on required general eduation and apply to what ever program at a relatively cheap public school that as soon as you qualify to, this keeps you from wasting time. I started taking classes in the spring semester, took a summer course, then enrolled for fall and found an LPN course that I was able to start in January. While my original plan was to apply to my local community college's two year RN, which is incredibly competitive (average admitting of 3.8+) and estimated waiting list of greater than 2 years and I was almost a year from applying. I did my LPN in one year took a bit of time off to starting working and get married then I went back to do my remaining general ed and one and a half years later, the first semester I had applied, I was accepted into two bridge programs, the second half of a one plus one program and a CC with a half online program with on site clinical. I went with the on campus one and that is what I am doing now. The important thing is that you know what you want to do, so get moving in that direction and research all of your options.

Good Luck