Fork in the Road

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Hello. I have recently decided to become a forensic nurse. I have taken some steps to start on my pre-requisites. The problem is that since I struggled in high school (I was constantly sick, but thank the Lord I have gotten better!)

I have entered the Gateway to College program. The program allows those who struggled in school to have a chance at college if some of the classes go towards a high school diploma. Things are going well. I am still high school aged and I want to graduate with in my class (2015). The program pays for all the tuition for community college students. The program ends when I finish the classes I need for my diploma.

I can finish with a high school diploma with a good GPA and college credits (some will be pre-requisites) at the same time. OR I can finish with at least most of pre-requisites completed, a very good GPA and prove I am ready to handle a four year college, but I don't want to be discounted for taking longer to get my high school diploma. Which path should I take?

I would appreciate any advice anyone might share with me. Thank you.

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Could tell me if there is a way to move this thread to the pre-nursing forum? This is my first post so I don`t quite get how this is done yet.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Welcome to AN!

What's the job market like for forensics in nursing? I haven't seen postings, but I wouldn't even know where to look for this.

No one will care how old you were when you obtained your HS diploma. They will only care that you have it. Employers aren't allowed to ask the year because of the risk of age discrimination (someone graduated from HS 30 years ago, clearly approaching 50).

I would personally choose the second path you mentioned. GPA is SOOOOO important when applying to nursing school, and having prereqs done is just fantastic. I took some college courses when I was in high school, too, and I'm glad I did. I just wish I'd cared about my GPA as much as I have in the past few years! :)

Good luck!

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Thank you for giving me some guidance. I`m always reluctant to give up on personal goals, but if it gets in the way of bigger goals than it isn`t worth the sacrifice. I think I will go for the longer route.

To answer your question the forensic field is very new but I have found the job market to be pretty good actually. To find out more you could look at the forensic nursing forum or go to the IAFN (International Association of Forensic Nurses).

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I also think you should take the route that provides most of the college requisites,even though it may take you longer. I don't think it is important how old you are when you start the nursing program. It is open to any age, there will be students of all ages attending, that is the beauty of a college education. I am a little concerned that it is taking you longer to get your HS diploma, only that you say you needed a program that helped you to focus better. Most four year institutions do not have much of a "hands on" approach. If you are the type of student who needs closer guidance and monitoring I would recommend you attend a two year program first and then go on to a four year. You can get your RN with an Associates Degree, it is not as desirable as it was years ago, but also a four year program is going to require you to be very focused without much counselor support. Only you can decide which is best for you. Good Luck!!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. I have reset my goals to account for the longer route. In high school I had so many things going on (mostly me medical) it was hard to focus in school. I`m feeling so much better now!

I will definitely look farther into earning an ASN now. Thanks again for your post.

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