JJC-Looking for another school in area

joanie2341 · Jun 1, 2012

Don't let that advisor discourage you! I went to JJC (in my early 30's at the time) and there were 2 women in their 40's in my group alone. I think the average age of a JJC nursing student is 31 or around that. If you've got the grades and the pre-reqs done, go for it!

I thought the program was wonderful! And if you've already done the pre-reqs for that program, stick with it. Each program has it's own pre-reqs. I know there is University of St Francis in Joliet (BSN only) and I think Lewis University. But both of these programs are pretty expensive.

amy1129 · Jun 1, 2012

I just graduated from St. Francis in May, and I absolutely loved it!

abohland · Jun 5, 2012

I am accepted into the day program this fall. I am 36, and have a full time job and a family. Your only as old as you feel. I'm going to do this, so should you, don't let anyone tell you your too old. Good luck!

mstopka · Jun 5, 2012

I can't believe an advisor told you that - I thought they were there to encourage no matter who you are. Just learned in my soc class, that would be DISCRIMINATION!

Look - I think many of us trying to get into nursing are "older" women. It seems the "younger" girls that have been in my classes haven't taken their classes as seriously as I have - I am in my 30's. I think a lot of the older girls will be in competition with eachother because we all want this SO badly. I'm sure there are younger girls out there that also want it badly, but they do not have the life experience we do and probably don't have a large family to support.

I would try hard to not be discouraged by one ignorant comment by an apparent ignorant person. There is St. Francis though - they do require more prereq's than JJC and they are more expensive, but that is an option for you.

Good luck!

melc0305 · Jun 6, 2012

I am 39 and will be attending Lewis University's Accelerated BSN program in Fall of 2013. I can't believe she told you that! I think nursing is pretty common as a 2nd or later career.

I have not heard of St. Francis but I will look into it, too. Although I'm accepted at Lewis and I like the program, it will be really expensive and I'm not looking forward to loans.

Not sure how far you'll travel, but there's Waubonsee CC in Sugar Grove, College of DuPage, Lewis in Romeoville, Aurora University.

irisheyesRsmilin · Jun 21, 2012

I had quite the opposite response regarding my age at JJC

One of the first things I did when considering JJC's nursing program was sit down with nursing counsoler and ask " am I too old for this?" Apsolutely not! was the reply. I am now in early 40's and all done with pre req's and all things needed. I will hopefully get into the RN Program there starting Jan 2013.

MANY of the students I have met along my way are my age, some even older. Age has nothing to do with this decision I feel, and you should chase your dream no matter what!

I would love to go to St Francis or Lewis, but financial aid, grants and federal programs are not available to me ( married, make too much $) The good GPA scholarships do shave off some, but I cant rationalize spending well over 50k for my BSN. My plan is JJC for my RN and sail on into my online BSN at Governors State ( i will have about 8 or 9 classes to do)

MUCH CHEAPER!

I think sometimes we forget the mountain of debt college loans leave us with. There are people my age still paying for that mistake from back 20 years ago. Please consider that when considering a college.

Best wishes to all of you!

nscott127 · Jul 30, 2012

Hello everyone, I am new to this but I am looking for some help. I am currently attending JJC and not impressed at all. I have completed all of my pre-reqs and talked to a nursing advisor and was told I am too old I maybe should not even try to attend because it could be difficult competing with the others. REALLY!! Mind you I am in my early 40's. This was very discouraging.
So needless to say I am looking to transfer somewhere else and I am lost of where to go from here. I don't want to give up but I am really getting frustrated.
PLEASE HELP

Many nursing students at JJC are in their 30's - 40's. Three of us in my clinical group of 8 were in our 40's last semester. You wouldn't be out of place at all. Apply! Save money!

blancazuniga · Dec 31, 2012

Mel.....I want to attend Lewis badly because it's the only night bsn program. It is expensive but it's beats going to school another 3 years. School is stressful expecially you have th and the responsibility of the family. This will be my second career. The only problem is lewis gives you one shot at the tease and they said scores must be 85+. This scares me. I applied and I just need to take math, stats and organic chemistry. Any advice.

melc0305 · Jan 1, 2013

Unless it's changed recently, Lewis uses the Kaplan Test and they only take the math and reading scores. The test contains math, reading, science, and writing (which is more like reading comprehension). Trust me, math is not my friend and I managed to pass! If you are going to apply to Lewis and take the test, I highly recommend getting the Kaplan study guide. It was very helpful in reviewing basic math and has practice tests to familiarize you with the process. It is scary that they only let you take it once!

If you can afford it, I would recommend taking the accelerated adult Stats at Lewis with Dr. Kempiak if you go this route. I was so scared to take it, but he made it really easy and was very helpful.

Agree that the price tag sucks! But I'm hoping that the BSN will be worth it in the end. Also, since I already have a BA, I think the accelerated was a good option for me. Let me know if you want any more info.

PurplePRN · Jan 5, 2013

I'm about 40 and have experienced nothing but encouragement from the JJC staff. In fact, the median student is in her mid 30's and female at JJC. So I'm confused as to why anyone would say that to you. Best wishes finding another program. If someone told me I was too old, I'd consider it a challenge and a pleasure to exceed their expectations.

blancazuniga · Jan 6, 2013

Mel,

Thank you so much for sharing the info. I have the book it's the 5 edition. I applied and they got back with me telling me I have a 60 day window to take the test. For me that leaves 45 days left I wish they would have told me this when I applied. Do you thind this enought time to study. The book has algebra and geometry. I will be taking the algebra and organic chem this spring at Waubonsee.

I am wondering if I should just wait until I am done with those classes to take the test. I was told the math is mostly converstions, decimals and simple math. The book also has lots of word problems and only two practice exams. My plan was to redo the exams over and over and time my self. I do not want to blow it. The Olivets Naz accelerated program is 49K, Depaul,is also around the same price. I did my first bachelors in an accelerated format and I loved it. With a family it's better to sacrife 18 mths verses 2 1/2 years. Do you work while you are in school. Do you think one can handle the program and work at the same time. I worked while I did my bachelors in BA & my kids where younger and I did it. Yes, I had no social life but it was worth it. But everyone says nursing is SO hard. I want to know how it's going for you so far.

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Please advice

Also for those looking at Waubonsee and JJC remember that you have to live in the district or you cannot attend. Waubonsee does not have a night program. I called JJC to see if I could do the night and they said no. They take their in district people only for nursing