I can't find a nursing program that I can afford. What to do now?

[mommy1stdd524]

Hello Everyone, I am currently a full-time college student. This is my last semester of pre reqs for most nursing programs. I have found that all of the community colleges in my area have long wait lists. Unfortunately, the cu and csu programs are very competitive, hard to get accepted, and also have wait lists. I have looked into private colleges and the prices are outrageous BUT the programs and the time are perfect. Due to money issues this is not an option. Someone suggested I take a cna course and find a job that will reimburse my tuition costs. I have thought about going for my lvn..I am currently pursuing my rn or bsn depending on the length of time for completion. I feel as though investing so much time and money for an lvn is not a good idea. The lvn program is 1 yr and is about 35,000 less per yr than rn. I am a single mother and that is alot of money to let slip away just because I can't get into an rn program. Please help. I have two little ones who depend on me and im only getting older. A little info on me: 2 kids one will be in college in 5 yrs and the other isnt old enough for school. I am 32 yrs old. Highschool graduate and ged holder as of 2010.

[CP2013]

Hello Everyone, I am currently a full-time college student. This is my last semester of pre reqs for most nursing programs. I have found that all of the community colleges in my area have long wait lists. Unfortunately, the cu and csu programs are very competitive, hard to get accepted, and also have wait lists. I have looked into private colleges and the prices are outrageous BUT the programs and the time are perfect. Due to money issues this is not an option. Someone suggested I take a cna course and find a job that will reimburse my tuition costs. I have thought about going for my lvn..I am currently pursuing my rn or bsn depending on the length of time for completion. I feel as though investing so much time and money for an lvn is not a good idea. The lvn program is 1 yr and is about 35,000 less per yr than rn. I am a single mother and that is alot of money to let slip away just because I can't get into an rn program. Please help. I have two little ones who depend on me and im only getting older. A little info on me: 2 kids one will be in college in 5 yrs and the other isnt old enough for school. I am 32 yrs old. Highschool graduate and ged holder as of 2010.

Well have you looked into FAFSA? Perhaps you will qualify for financial aid? Try throwing your applications out. My sister applied to a program that has a 3 year wait list an was in within a year because some students forfeited their seat and she was a strong candidate. Taking courses at the college you choose to attend may help if you can get an instructor to write a recommendation for your application.

Look at the facilities (hospital, LTC, home health, etc) that you want to work at. Based on transportation, commute time, pay, all those factors. What are they looking for? Are they hiring LPN? Are they saying BSN preferred or BSN required?

If it were me, knowing most hospitals are looking for BSN nurses now or in the future, I would get my CNA, work as an employee where I hope to work someday, apply for a BSN program, and wait it out. Some places do tuition reimbursement, others do not. FAFSA may help you with grants, scholarships, and loans so that's another option.

Only you can decide what is needed and what is best for you and your kids. Best of luck!