Getting In

Published

Hello, everyone! I've been searching this forum for some time but haven't posted yet. So- I'm ready to sort of try to formulate a post. I really want to become an RN and go into public health/maternal child health. I have a BA in English and I've worked in health related social services, but I'm starting to feel like it might be forever until I can actually get in to a nursing program. I planned to take prerequisites this year so that I can apply, but I have a really demanding job with a variable schedule and can't continue next semester. The problem is that I really want to apply for next year.

So- my question is- is it really impossible to get into nursing school without taking all of the science classes first? I've looked at a lot of ADN programs that include A&P, micro, etc in their program (like many of the SUNY community colleges)- are they just impossible to get into? Kids go into nursing schools straight out of high school don't they?

I probably have about a 2.8 GPA from undergrad, and I graduated a few years ago. I know that I can just start over with prereqs next year, but it seems so frustrating to have it take so long to get my career going.

I live in Alaska now, and I'm from the East Coast, but I'm willing to relocate almost anywhere. There's gotta be a school somewhere out there, right?? I'd start with an LPN, if need be, I think that would be cool experience.

Has anybody out there gotten in to nursing school straight from high school, or does anyone know of a school that doesn't require years of hard labor previous to acceptance?

E

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know of any personally. Because you already have 1 degree, it shouldn't take as long as you think! I have a BE (engineering) and I was able to use a few courses from my first degree (Chem, Psych, 1 elective). I had to take ENC1101 because I CLEP'ed out of 6 credit in '79 and my school would give me a "C" for that in quality points. I then took 2 online courses a semester for a year to finish the pre-reqs.

Nursing school is 4 semesters back-to-back. So by the time I finish, it would have taken 2.5 yrs.

You said that your work schedule makes taking courses difficult. I would look into taking online classes when you can, but once nursing school starts, you may have to quit that job. The NS is not going to be flexible.

My DH recommended that I not work while in NS. I'm thinking he's crazy!:clown: But, I am going to get laid off shortly so I invited my college age kids to live at home and share expenses to make up for the lost income. (I earn a lot of $)

If you really want to do this, you can make it happen. Research schools in states you are interested in living in. You might find a great situation for yourself!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much! I feel a little more positive. I plan on quitting my job and relocating if I get into school, but until then it seems way too expensive and time consuming to work and take classes. Online classes are a great idea, though. I guess I should just resign myself to the fact that I might have to work and go to school for another year before I can get in anywhere. I'd rather move and quit my job sooner than later- but I guess patience is a virtue!

Thanks again-

E

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I think it would be best for you to continue to take classes. If you do the pre-requisites, you won't have to take them later. But, many schools are competative. Your GPA (2.8) seems a bit lower than most schools would want (many schools have a 3.0 minimum, and generally don't accept many students that low). If you take the pre-requisites, put a real effort into getting A's. Many schools will weigh your more recent grades more heavily. Also, some schools care more about the grades in the pre-requisites. If you take the classes now, you are in no way hindering your education later. Take it one semester at a time.

Many people wait a long time before getting accepted in to nursing programs. But, since you already have a bachelor's degree, you will have the option of getting into accelerated programs (including BSN). But, to get in, you'll still need the prereqs and likely a higher GPA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Although Loner is accurate, look into Comm Colleges. Most that I have looked at use the pre-reqs only for acceptance to NS. I didn't let my past GPA stop me or intimidate me. I have a 3.66 in my pre-reqs and those brought up my old GPA from 2.1 to 2.7! 41 more credits in NS would then potentially clear the 3.0 level.

FCCJ looks at pre-reqs. UNF wants the overall 3.0. FCCJ gets my money and I get my degree!:p

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have applied for the RN program at Northern Maine Community College. I have been out of High School for 20 years. The prereq's for this program is HS Biology and Chemistry with labs (within the past 10 years). I have completed these two courses and wrote the NET test last week. I am just waiting now (on pins and needles) for my acceptance and hope to start the nursing program next fall. In the mean time, I am taking four of my electives from the program in Jan which are night courses.

Good luck with finding a school!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion