How to become a nurse

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I'm 18 and dropped out of high school and I'm currently doing research on how to become a nurse. I will getting my GED in a couple of weeks but after I get my GED I do not know what to do. Also is it better to attend a institution or a community college? How far can I get with a GED in nursing? I want to become someone in life with a good job that I can maintain myself and at least rent an apartment one day. If you could please help me out I'd be so thankful :)

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

First get your GED. Then apply to a community college...most economical and fastest route to becoming a nurse. Grades are very important so maintain an A-B average and study/work hard in college. Apply to nursing school and make sure you are thoroughly aware of the entrance requirements for the program you want to go to and complete those before applying to nursing school.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I second community college. There is no reason a ged will hold you back at all. Good for you for getting it. Advisors at college can help you with picking the right classes you will need to get into the nursing program.

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Go to a community college, take the pre-requisites that most nursing schools require. These are usually Microbiology with lab, Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 with lab, chem 1, and I can't remember the rest. It depends on where you'll be applying to nursing school. I'd figure out which nursing schools you'd be applying to and see what pre-reqs they want, it'll give you an idea. Make sure to do as well as you can in the pre-reqs, and then apply to some nursing programs. Personally, I would get apply to programs that offer an ADN (associates degree in nursing) because it may be easier to get in and it will be cheaper. Many will tell you this is not the best route, that you should get your BSN, but with an ADN you can still work as an RN. Once you have your RN, there are many RN to BSN programs out there if you so choose (it's strongly recommended that you do eventually get your BSN).

Good luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In addition to the advice posted by previous respondents, I wanted to comment that there are multiple nurses who started out as GED holders. So, yes, it is possible to become a nurse after earning a GED.

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Specializes in Emergency.

My GED has never held me back. I've attended two community colleges and a University with no problems. I'm now taking pre-requisites for nursing. Good luck to you!

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Did you take any SAT/ACT test?

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You don't need SAT/ACT for community college. That's only needed if your are applying as an incoming freshman to a university. Then when you have racked up enough credit hours yout could transfer to a university.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Did you take any SAT/ACT test?

I think you are addressing me here. Like the poster above me said, you don't need any test scores to enter at a community college. I will also say, the very best education I have received has been from community colleges. I had the best instructors and smallest class sizes at the CC level. My University experience was great too, but I have found better quality education at community colleges. Once you finish classes at a community college you can transfer to a University with no problems. Good luck!

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