Getting Started?

caliotter3 · Sep 28, 2009

No matter where you end up going to nursing school, there are prerequisite classes that you will need to apply. You can do these courses online or at the local community college whereever you are stationed at the time. All schools require English, Math, etc. Start taking these classes after doing the admissions testing, to get them out of the way. Then you can start taking the science prerequisites, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, micro. Look into the programs that you are considering and find out what their requirements are. Each has their own, but you can fulfill most requirements by starting out with the English and math. Another action that you might find helpful is to get your CNA certificate. Some nursing programs require a CNA certificate, others will give you points in the admissions process for having it. If you start working as a CNA, you will find it helpful when you get to clinicals in nursing school. You also might find that paid healthcare experience helps in the admissions process. Look in the distance learning forum for pointers on schools that are good for online courses. One example is the CCC system in Colorado. They offer some science lab courses online which many people take and then transfer to the school they are attending for nursing. Good luck while you are researching your options. Remember you can always ask here or peruse the forums for ideas.

Mudwoman · Sep 30, 2009

Some of the most successful nurses started as a CNA. I have seen some BSN nurses come out of school and hit a med surg floor only to realize they HATE nursing. Starting as a CNA will give you some idea if nursing is for you. Then start working on those general education credits. Most all RN programs require that you have all those out of the way before you can start the nursing classes.