I'm confuded about the RN program???

morningstarRN, RN · Jul 1, 2008

The application process is different at different Universities and Colleges. It sounds like you will be taking the Compass placement test. This test will determine what core classes you need to take prior to taking the nursing pre-reqs. For example you may need to brush up on Algebra before taking the science pre-reqs.

As far as what order you apply to nursing school in, that depends on your school. Some require all pre-reqs completed, others accept applications with a few left to go. Some schools have wait lists and go off of them, others go simply on grades, then some look at points and consider volunteer work as well. Try going to your schools website and looking at the requirements. Most schools also have a nursing seminar that will answer a lot of these basic questions. You can call an adviser and schedule an appt. to discuss the schools requirements if you don't find the answers you need on line.

Good luck!

AB092504 · Jul 1, 2008

It completely depends on where you're applying. Most schools have certain prereqs that HAVE to be completed before you can even apply, but then you have other gen ed courses that need to be completed, that you could work on while waiting for your clinicals to start.

Like my local community college, I have to have A&P1, Algebra 1, Principles of Chem, Biology 1, and College Success Strategies course (2 credits, which I can have waived because I have a previous degree, make sure to look in to this since you're an MA, you may be able to have some things waived or transferred in..) I have to have these done before I can even put in my application for clinicals.

But then in addition, I need English Comp., A&P2, Micro, Psychology, higher level math, English Comp 2, Sociology, and a Humanities. But these DON'T need to be completed before I apply. You can take them as you go along, but it's recommended that you get as many out of the way as you can.

It really absolutely depends on what school you're looking at though, they all have different pre-req/gen ed requirements.

Good luck!

JettaDP · Jul 1, 2008

You need to set up an appointment with a nursing advisor. Write down a list of your questions that you need to have answered. Also, look at your college catalog. Many catalogs will give you a lot of information about your schools nursing program.

And, if you apply and get rejected, you just have to keep you head and apply again. Apply to multiple schools if it is possible for you to relocate to a new location.

lilag02 · Jul 2, 2008

First off, good for you for going back to further your education to move up. It's a great feeling, isn't it? As far as getting the college thing down, it's going to vary between schools. My recommendation is that you get the course catalog for your school and then talk to an advisor. Also, talking to other students who have been through, are going through, or are planning on going through your school's nursing program can help. For example, a friend of mine graduated from the program I plan to do a couple of years ago, and my SIL is working on pre-reqs for it and has already talked to an advisor. According to the course catalog, I only need Comp & Rhet., A&P I, A&P II, and Intro to Psych before I apply. However, my school accepts students based on a point system, where you get points for course work completed and GPA, among other things. I've been told by both my friend and SIL that it's wise to knock out all of the other courses before applying, not only to raise my points, but also to make my life easier when I actually start the nursing program. These are things that I could only find out by talking to others and finding out how it actually works.

Good luck to you, you will figure it out! :specs:

Laura

coolpeach · Jul 2, 2008

1. You need to pick a few nursing programs that you want to apply to. Each program will have different pre reqs, applications guidelines etc. How do you even know what pre reqs to take if you haven't picked out a program? Do that now!!!!

My requires 4 pre reqs completed before you can apply, but you will NOT get a spot. There are like 15 support courses which they RECOMMEND you complete, but you can apply before completing, but you will NOT get a spot. Most people who get in either have ALL the pre reqs and support courses completed or just 1 left.

I have been on here for a while and it seems that's the way most school's are, but I have heard some are different so check with the school you want to attend for nursing.

Once you are ready to apply if you don't get in you just apply again. Make sure you do everything the nursing school wants so you can maximize your chances. My school bases everything on your GPA, entrance exam, and support courses. I have heard some people say their school also gives points for volunteering, past healthcare experience, face to face interviews and other things. Don't do anything if it is not listed on the website of the nursing school you want to go to. If it's not listed they will not consider it.

FutureNS · Jul 3, 2008

first off, good for you for going back to further your education to move up. it's a great feeling, isn't it? as far as getting the college thing down, it's going to vary between schools. my recommendation is that you get the course catalog for your school and then talk to an advisor. also, talking to other students who have been through, are going through, or are planning on going through your school's nursing program can help. for example, a friend of mine graduated from the program i plan to do a couple of years ago, and my sil is working on pre-reqs for it and has already talked to an advisor. according to the course catalog, i only need comp & rhet., a&p i, a&p ii, and intro to psych before i apply. however, my school accepts students based on a point system, where you get points for course work completed and gpa, among other things. i've been told by both my friend and sil that it's wise to knock out all of the other courses before applying, not only to raise my points, but also to make my life easier when i actually start the nursing program. these are things that i could only find out by talking to others and finding out how it actually works.
good luck to you, you will figure it out!
laura
oh, thank you! that was where i was getting confused also. i understand it now thanks to you.