I Think I Messed Up =(

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Hello. I have been attending community college for 2 years now trying to do pre-reqs. I am a former military medic for the U.S. Navy (5 years). I earned an associate's degree in science. I have completed all the prerequisites but I did not do communication because my DD214 marked it off. I only took a general chem course not organic. I also never took developmental psychology course or nutrition. Due to life circumstances, I cannot keep spending much of my time doing school anymore unless I use my GI bill but I need it for higher education [if I get in at this point]. So, it looks like I might be missing 3 courses. Some schools do not require it all but I am still missing 1 or 2 here and there. Do you think it is okay if I apply to nursing programs but leave these requirements blank? This is my biggest obstacle right now because there nursing supplementary forms are staring me in the face with their "list your communication course" or "list your biochemistry course" requirements. I don't know what to do anymore.

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Pick one program at a time and find out if you can apply without all of the courses done. If you are told that you can apply with the course "in progress", then do so. If necessary, go on to the next program, doing the same thing, until you are accepted to a program and start. Sooner or later, you have to find the time and the money to take those courses, so settle on a plan and get started. Also ask about the possibility of getting a waiver for any of the courses. Good luck.

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Thanks. I'll call around and ask. I am kind of freaking out because after 5 years of experience as a military medic, I am being forced to start from scratch like I came out of high school. I am afraid this is too much as time goes by.

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Are you able to change location at all? I know of many schools in California that do not require any of those to get into the program. You will have to do a speach class before you graduate bUT that's totally doable. Mira Costa in SD specifically gives extra favor to vets and corps man. Good luck

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I can switch location because I have the GI bill to help me. I was hoping to pursue a traditional BSN.

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Keep in mind that some programs give preference in the admissions process to those who have completed all prerequisites prior to application even if it is not stated as a requirement.

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I figured but I was hoping that my 5 years of experience as a veteran could carry me since I did medicine in combat zones, around the world, clocked well over 10,000 hours and more but a lot of these places don't even ask me for any of this. X_X

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I found that my prior experience meant nothing outside of being "allowed" to take advanced placement exams because of actual prior course completions. Surprised the school provided advanced placement at all.

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Well, I am going to really try to make it. I have a fear of being like those homeless veterans. So many of them. And most veterans don't even use their GI bill. I am starting to realize why.

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Do you have a good VA counselor guiding you through school and the use of your benefits? The reason I ask is because I've used my benefits for the last year and have been able to complete all of my pre-reqs for the BSN program, and I will have enough of it to carry me through the BSN program and beyond. Now, I did take a lot of 5 week and 3 week crash courses to accomplish this, but my counselor was very helpful when it came to how to get the most out of my benefits without having to go out of pocket.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!

Please look into Vet/Military-friendly nursing programs. A quick Google will turn up those results. These schools have expertise that can help you translate your current qualifications into nursing pre-requisites. They are also equipped to provide you with ongoing support as needed during your education.

Wishing the absolute best of luck on your educational journey.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.
Thanks. I'll call around and ask. I am kind of freaking out because after 5 years of experience as a military medic, I am being forced to start from scratch like I came out of high school. I am afraid this is too much as time goes by.

Speaking as one holder of a DD-214 to another:

After 5 years in the military, you know how to adapt and overcome.

Stop with the defeatest statements like, "this is too much" and do what needs doing.

You might be able to CLEP the development class and perhaps find a suitable online chemistry course. I found a development class in intersession which took only 10 days to complete.

Leaving blank spots on your application will almost surely get it tossed as incomplete.

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