FSCJ Changing Program of Study to Nursing

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Has anyone started out originally with a different program of study, then changed it to nursing?

I'm only in my first semester (in fact, I've only just gone to my first class!) so I need to know how difficult it is to change your program. Currently, I'm in the "Criminal Justice" track, but no longer want to take that road. The classes I'm currently enrolled in are College Algebra and Human Growth and Development, which are on track with both programs.

Is there anything you can tell me about switching?

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I dont think you really need to do anything to switch. Just take the classes you need to apply for the RN program.

The RN program for FSCJ has 9 prereq classes that they'll look at and the score of your NAT. Only 4 of the 9 classes are required to apply, but completing the other 5 will increase your points which will increase your chances of being accepted. When you're ready to apply, you mail in your application with your transcripts and test score.

You should go to a counselor and talk to them about it and ask for an RN packet with the application so you know what classes you need to take and how they get points from your grades and NAT scores.

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Thanks so much!

I'm planning on going to North Campus to talk to an advisor sometime in the next two weeks. I'll be sure to ask them for the RN packet!

I won't have my pre-reqs done for a while yet. I can only take 1 or 2 classes at a time because I'm a stay at home mom of two kids. I'm aiming for Fall2011 at the earliest, since my oldest will be in school by then. I'm planning on taking as many of the pre-reqs as I can so that I can bump up my score.

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Since you're taking only 2 classes a day, I'd take one science class with one class like psych or sociology that is easier

I recommend taking the NAT once at least 90 days before you plan on applying because you can only take the test twice a year with a minimum of 90 days between each test.

That way, if you dont do too well your first time, you know what to expect the next time and can try to get higher score since I hear they ask you the same questions. Worth the extra 35 dollars.

I was lucky enough to do well the first time I took the NAT. I was so nervous and scared before taking the test because I had no idea what to expect and I knew if I didnt do too well, I wouldnt have a good chance of getting into the upcoming summer semester. If I had taken it before, I probably wouldnt have been so nervous since I'd know what to study and what the difficulty of the test was.

Im still waiting to see if I get in and the wait unbearable, lol

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I'm going to try and get into Chem for the summer semester and probably take Psych with it, or one of the other "easier" classes. Since it's going to take me longer to finish anyway, I figure I'll take only 1 difficult class at a time that way I can focus completly on it and get the best grade possible.

What kind of questions are on the NAT?

I hope you hear back from them soon! I'm sure the waiting is the hardest part!

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The questions on the NAT were mostly pretty easy. It's just that you dont have much time to think through all the questions. The only thing I really did to prepare for it was working on my math since I hadnt taken a math class in a while

There's 5 parts, but FSCJ only looks at Academic Aptitude, Reading Comp., and Natural Science.

The Academic aptitude part had math problems, word problems, and picture stuff. They only give you 30 minutes for 90 questions in that part. I think that part is where a lot of people had trouble with the time.

Reading was also easy, but the time limit will also affect you. They have like 3 articles you have to read and 40 questions total, but they only give you 20 minutes I think

I dont think you'll have any time trouble with the Science section. Its 90 questions and 30 minutes, but you dont have to work anything out or really think about the answer if you know it. You dont really have to study much for this section since its basic stuff you'll learn from your science classes.

While you're on campus, you can go to the testing center and pick up a practice test. Not that many questions on it, but it shows you what type of questions will be on it.

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I appreciate all your help! I'm going to stop by the campus hopefully tomorrow to pick up the nursing packet, so I'll grab a practice test while I'm there!

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I picked up my nursing packet today, but didn't get a chance to talk to an advisor because I had my children with me.

After looking it over and planning out my classes, I'm confident that I'll be able to apply for the Spring 2012 program. Wow... that seems so long from now!

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Thats good

When you're calculating your points, just know that Chemistry does not count for any points. I've seen a lot of people, including me, make a mistake by thinking that Chemistry counted for points and were blindsided when we we were told it doesnt count.

I figured out a little before I applied and it gave me less than 16pts than I thought I had. Still waiting to see if I've been accepted.

Aim for 200pts to get accepted to the program. If you want to take the program in Nights and Weekends instead of days, I think most people aim for like 215+. Also, I dont think Spring has Nights and Weekends classes.

good luck

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That's a bummer that the Chem doesn't count, especially since you have to have it. Oh well.

I've been thinking it over and I figure that I can do the day program as long as I can get childcare for my son. By the time I enter the program, my daughter will be in school, but he will only be around 3. Does anyone have any experience with the on campus childcare that is offered?

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