I don't have the pre requisites to get into university for nursing

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I never took high school seriously and have gone to college twice for fields i never had passion about. I want to pursue nursing and my preferred school is McMaster University, would it make more sense to take a pre health course at a college and then apply? I called the school and the admissions advisor also said i can apply part time for social science and then switch over to do nursing accelerated program. I'm worried if I do the two years of social science and don't get accepted in the nursing program for whatever reason then did I waste two years in the social science program? and what happens to the pre requisites like the grade 12 U Bio, math, English etc. If I enter the social science program does it mean I wont need those pre requisites anymore? I am 23 years old if it makes any difference and feel as if I want to start this ASAP since by the time I graduate I will be 29 or so. I am finally starting to plan out my future and don't know where to start

any help would be appreciated!!

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello Jms1994,

I am always excited to hear people want to become nurses, but your introduction is not very encouraging. If you did not take high school seriously and have gone to college for two other fields... what is it about nursing that sparks your interest? What will make it a different and successful experience this time? Are you sure this is your calling? Could you expand on that? Thanks.

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Thank you for your interest in my topic. I apologize I have not elaborated. Through my younger years I don't know where my head was at, I constantly wonder why my head was in space. I never really thought of myself as a smart person and guess I had no confidence, I frequently wish I can go back and change the way I approached school and education, but It is the past and there is nothing I can change and there is no one to blame except myself. But, from those years I have learned how important education, perseverance, and hard work is. I feel as if I may have grown into a better person then when I look back at who I used to be but I also understand no one will believe me unless I accomplish it myself.

I am currently a waitress at a fine dining establishment and have been there for over 5 years, I make pretty good money, drive a nice car, and own nice things, I love to work with people and make them smile so they enjoy their experience. All that being said there's a part of me that hates it. I feel as I am not doing much to benefit others and help them in a way that will change their life, I want to be of service and want to comfort others, I am compassionate, caring, and empathetic. It is something I feel I always had, but never did anything about it. I feel as if these qualities can be put to better use and nursing is a career I can see myself doing and going home exhausted knowing I helped someone else.

Just because someone has had an undesirable past does not mean they cannot change, and have a different direction in life. No one is doomed by my past and believe anyone deserves a second chance.

Thank you

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I would attend a community college for your prerequisites, work hard and apply to four year programs.

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I would attend a community college for your prerequisites, work hard and apply to four year programs.

Ditto. And forget worrying about your age. Loads of people enter nursing in the 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s....29 is nothing.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello Janine94,

Thanks for your response! You are right... anyone deserves a second chance. I feel as I did! I didn't take the first 12 years of school seriously... I was not motivated and felt as I wasn't smart enough. However, at the age of 37, I had a moment of enlightenment. I stopped for a few minutes to analyze my life and meditate over what I have and not have done in life. I quickly realized I needed to change paths. At first I thought medical school would be the answer, but chemistry and I didn't get along... so I looked into nursing. It turned out to be the best decision! I have to admit nursing was not easy for me, but well worth it!

My advice: take all the credits you need for nursing school... then apply to accredited nursing schools near you. Do not limit yourself to one school. Be open minded. Trust the fact that if this is for you, you will end up where you need to be. Focus on passing each class with the best of your abilities. Keep moving forward. You might have to repeat a class or two (just like I had to), but persevere. Do not worry about your age and the "what ifs"... deal with the situations as they present to you.

Nursing is a noble profession that comes with sacrifices, but they are well worth it! You will see and feel the fruits of your work. Always do your best... genuinely and unselfishly. God will lead you through the struggles. You are in life where you are supposed to be.

Feel free to IM me in the future if you need encouragement or advice. Best wishes!

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Ditto. And forget worrying about your age. Loads of people enter nursing in the 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s....29 is nothing.

Agreed! I would take the prerequisite courses that would cost the least and go from there. Remember you're still young...even at 29 in case it doesn't work out. I am going into my second career at 53 and am so happy I am pursuing nursing. Keep in mind that a nursing degree can afford you different opportunities in the profession; administration, teaching, consulting, etc. In other words, you would probably be able to find your niche since there are many paths you can take.

We all have pasts (good and bad) and yours is a small glimpse of things you've experienced in your life which have, no doubt, helped to bring you to this point. Use your past as a tool to help you further your future and keep moving forward. I wish you the best!

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