East TN-Nursing Schools...

[MommaEmmy]

Hi everyone, I'm new and not really sure where to start. I'm 27 and have finally decided I'm ready to go back to school to get my RN! I'm so excited but I'm not sure what schools in my area have what I'm looking for. I'm a mom to small kids and I don't have a college degree so I will be starting from scratch. Having a family to support I would like to find an associates program in my area. I was leaning towards the associates degree program offered by Northeast State. But, I've heard it's incredibly hard to get into. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Walter's State but it's too far from where I live, in Johnson City. The only other school I know of in my area is ETSU. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Hello and welcome to the site.

There are two other schools in your area but they offer a BSN. King College in Bristol and Milligan College between Johnson City and Elizabethton. I would not rule out a BSN. Check out the sites and compare costs, time to get a degree, and flexibility.

Good luck!!!!

[Pooh Bear RN]

I was right where your at three and a half years ago. Here's another option to look at. Since you will need to get your pre-reqs done first, complete those at Northeast State then apply to Walters State and Northeast both for the nursing program. I go to WSCC and will be graduating in Dec 2010. We have many in our class that drive from Greeneville, Kingsport and the surrounding areas. They have a satilite campus for nursing in Greeneville that accepts students in the fall of each year which would be closer for you. Once your in the class they have clinical sites in Johnson City, Kingsport and Greeneville and they try to accomadate those with childcare issues as to clinical schedules and area. You may even look into finding someone in your classes that would be willing to car pool. Keep your options open. You've got about a year to decide while you're getting those pre-reqs done. Good luck!

[benr98]

I was in the same boat back in 2009. My job transfered me here and the contract fell through so I was without a job. I decided to go back to school and I looked into all the colleges here in in Johnson City and N.E. Tennessee. What I found was that King and Milligan colleges are very expensive. It is more costly to attend ETSU, however, in the end it takes 6 months longer to get the same degree. Also if you think North East State is difficult to get into ETSU is even more difficult. You may also concider going this route. Get your LPN through Tennessee Technology Centers in Eleizabethton and then contact ETSU for their LPN to BSN program. This would most likely be the best bet for you. I do not know anything about the LPN program as in days part time etcetera. I hope this helps.

[Randi156]

There is ETSU and King College. King is more expensive but has great scholarships they offer. ETSU's program is good from what I hear I plan on going.