Getting Started... I'm so lost. :( help. please? somebody? ANYBODY?!

I remember wondering the same thing about CNA when I first started school. Some nursing programs require CNA before applying but others do not. You should make an appt with the school advisor to get a list of all pre-reqs...usually they have to be taken in a specific order or co-reqs. In my state different schools had different pre-reqs in addition to the usual biology, anatomy/physiology, microbiology such as chemistry, medical terminology, pathphysiology, etc. these classes usually transfer from one school to another as long as its accredited. In regards to the training it may be hard to find training without any being licensed yet...you can volunteer but they don't allow you to do anything medical..its usually paper pushing or companionship to patients. Some schools have programs that allow you to work as a CNA after you have completed the first semester of the actual nursing program and offer you a fundamentals test you must pass.

Yeah, as for the whole thing about credits not transferring from your military college, that blows. But don't look at it as a waste of time, the knowledge you gain will only help you in the future. Think about it.

Oh no the credits DO transfer from the Military college.. but I need to see if they also offer training. It's the other college that actually offers EVERYTHING I need (knowledge AND training, AND become a CNA or RN) that doesn't transfer credits.

A good place to start would be the Board of Nursing for your state. Make sure the school you are interested in is an approved program. There are schools that offer nursing programs without Board approval.

Also, generally, nursing programs offer clinical training as part of the classes you have to take. The exception being distance education programs. I'm not sure how those work. This would be something that the program could give you information on (a simple phone call would probably suffice).

CNA as a prerequisite is variable. Some programs require it, others do not. Again, a question to ask when you contact the program.

A very important detail to be aware of... the process of becoming a nurse (LPN, RN, NP) is never an overnight thing. Generally, unless it's a private program (costs more), you will face a waiting list or at the very least, a lengthy time between application and acceptance. Be prepared to 'hurry up and wait'. Your experience may differ, but this wait seems to be something others struggle with on this board.

The steps from beginning to end in your journey will not be a piece of cake. Sometimes stressful, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes rewarding beyond belief...

one other thing you may encounter is the fact that no one truly understands the difference between nursing school and college unless they've been through it.. LOL.. it's not the same...

Ohhhh. Thanks so much ZiggysGal , That was VERY helpful!! :)

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Hi KaliRed, I want to answer you because I've been in your shoes before- trying to figure out what I wanted to do and how to do it while looking at all of the options.

I recommend that you decide what you want to do and then do that. Sounds simple, huh?! (-:

I did read that you want to be an NP. If so, I think that you should go to a school that will get you that degree.

I say that also based on advice I've been given here on AN on the exact same question. There is an NP section on allnurses.

In my area, to become an NP, you have to do it one of 2 ways: 1: Get a BA in any subject and do an entry level BSN - cost 120K for tuition in the NP program. 2: Get an RN, a BSN, and then go to NP School. This can be done for less than 70K tuition.

If I lived somewhere else, I'd have different options.

As of right now, I'm not willing to decide to spend 120K, even if I finish faster.

HTH!

If you have specific questions, just ask us. (-:

Thank you sooo much, you were also very helpful! :)

If you plan to attend nursing school at GCSU, I would contact them about their nursing program and find out what their pre-requisites are. Many nursing programs have info sessions available for interested students; I would find out if GCSU has one and attend it. At the nursing program info sessions I attended, they had Q&A sessions afterward, and they were extremely helpful. If you want to know if they require you to be a CNA or if you need other training prior to attending the program, that would be the best way to find out.

I did find this for GCSU: http://www.gcsu.edu/nursing/bs/admission.htm . It lists the program requirements and contact information. Good luck!

I attended GCSU my first year of school & transferred to Macon State because of a money issue. I'm actually getting ready to apply to go back. that being said, GCSU has a straight through BSN program, which means that once you apply for the program (granted you've finished your core, done well on the SAT, TEAS & have a stellar GPA) you will be admitted to the program. Once you are admitted to the program it will take 4 semesters. (2 years) to get your bachelors of science in nursing. This also gives you an RN IF you pass the NCLEX. GCSU has an amazing program & it is incredibly tough to get into. If you don't get into the fall semester then definitely apply for Spring. BUT also look at the website for all of the core that they require. Because it is a liberal arts school they require core that no other school even offers.

Thanks a lot! :)