Hard to get into Nursing Program, any advice?

ksparkman · Sep 9, 2005

Hi I am taking my A&P I this fall. I am going back to school after 10 yrs. My college application deadline is 15th Jan for Fall 2006 nursing prg. I am not sure if would get in as there are only 40 seats. My husband is spending for my tutions. Can anyone advice what do I do if I don't make it to ASN program. I feel like quiting instead of making my husband pay for the tuitions as I am not sure if i culd get in.
Thanks in advance.

Is there only one nursing program in your area? If not, find out what it takes to get into all of them. Apply to every one of them to increase your chances.

You may also look into getting a Pell Grant. It's free money for school depending on your income.

If you really want to do it, you can find a way. Have faith in yourself. :)

Micci · Sep 9, 2005

Hi I am taking my A&P I this fall. I am going back to school after 10 yrs. My college application deadline is 15th Jan for Fall 2006 nursing prg. I am not sure if would get in as there are only 40 seats. My husband is spending for my tutions. Can anyone advice what do I do if I don't make it to ASN program. I feel like quiting instead of making my husband pay for the tuitions as I am not sure if i culd get in.
Thanks in advance.

I'm in the same position. I don't know what your situation is. There are various options. You can try becoming a CNA and working in a hospital, as they usually have tuition assistance that would cover a community college costs. Also, you could see if there are LPN (liscened practical nurse) programs in the area, which are usually year long comprehensive programs. That would get your foot in the door and hospitals usually will pay for their nurses to go on to bachelor programs- which are costly.

You can also look at the other majors that your college offers that are related and see if there are any you would be interested in switching to in case nursing program doesn't pan out. I have a few on the back burner I am considering, if I don't get into the nursing program- Respiratory therapist, Dental hygenist, physical therapist, radiologic technologist, phlebotomist/lab tech and if I want to go back to my secretarial/office management roots- Health Information Technologist. All of those programs I could switch either all or the bulk of my completed gen ed towards. I will probably get into the nursing program, but knowing I have other career options and that my money/time are not going to waste, makes me feel better.

It also depends on your schools system for admittance- do they rank according to GPA & entrance exam scores or do they put people on a waiting list and let them in as spots become available. Some schools do a lottery. I think lottery would be the worst method, because it gives the least assurance.

curlyfries · Sep 9, 2005

It's always good to have a back up plan. I already have my bachelors in another field but going back for second degree. There are two colleges that offers second degree programs, one is accelerated and the other is traditional. For now I am at the community college to take up the prereq. courses cuz it's cheaper.

Sources of aid can come in a form of federal student loans, student nurse loans and private student loans. Also contact your department of labor to see if they have any training grants usually they're given out to people who were laid off or have financial need.

If this is your dream you'd do anything to be successful and stick it out. I am more than willing to take out a 40K private student loan to pay for the accelerated bachelors of nursing for non-nurses! I have a year to search out free money that is out there so far I could get at least 15K in free money, the rest I would pay in loans. Things can change a year from now...enrollment can go up and down. It's a gamble but is it worth it to you?

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2005

If you really want this, don't quit!

You can do the classes needed, and keep applying until you get in. Make sure your grades are good enough!

If you finish all the non-nursing classes, maybe you can think about getting a part-time job until you do get in.

Good luck! :)