Second Career: How do I begin?

[imp0526]

Hi folks,

Here's the quick and dirty on my situation:

--I already have a B.A. in French and Int'l Business and an M.A. in Educ. Policy, both from UMD-CP;

--I am 28;

--I am a grants administrator;

--I have been dreaming of switching to nursing for several years;

--I really am not sure how to get started;

--I already have a significant amt of student loan debt.

Given this laundry list, does anyone have good tips for programs that I could pursue in the MD/DC area?

Currently I'm looking at UMB's BSN program -- after what looks to be two years of fulfilling prereqs, which I would do at Montgomery College (?) to save money. JHU's accelerated BSN program looks great, but there is no way I could swing that kind of additional debt.

If you have any ideas or advice, I would LOVE to hear from you - please reply!!

--L

[goldenstarkist]

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel in this position. I got in with a cumulative GPA of 3.15. I also submitted two letters of recommendation and wrote an essay. At the time, they did not require these supplements but I did them anyways to increase my chances of getting in. I know a few people whose GPA was higher than mine who got waitlisted and then got in. I think you should still apply to Towson and other schools as well. Lemme know if you have any other questions. Good luck =)

[honeydippeaches]

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel in this position. I got in with a cumulative GPA of 3.15. I also submitted two letters of recommendation and wrote an essay. At the time, they did not require these supplements but I did them anyways to increase my chances of getting in. I know a few people whose GPA was higher than mine who got waitlisted and then got in. I think you should still apply to Towson and other schools as well. Lemme know if you have any other questions. Good luck =)

Yeah, they still don't require those supplements. Unless, you're applying under the "special consideration" catergory. Which is if you have less than a C in any of the pre-reqs or if you had to repeat more than one class. Since, I didn't fall under any of these catergories I didn't write an essay or get recommendations. I figured they wouldn't look at them if you weren't applying for special review. I kinda wish I did now, being that my GPA is not stellar...I know ppl apply with 4.0s!!! I already applied...I should hear a response by early november. Otherwise, how do you like the program? Did you feel like it prepared you for the real world of nursing. I'm also looking at AA programs at CCBC and the accelerated program at HCC.

[goldenstarkist]

I still have three more months until graduation. The program at Towson is not the greatest, but I think it depends on the individual as well. There's a few unnecessary courses in this program and they really grill you on APA citations. I know the passing rate is higher at the community colleges because they don't have to deal with all the writing classes. However, there is what's called a BSN in 10 that's an issue. I'm not sure if it's going to be implemented or they've been discussing, but basically from my understanding if you have an associates degree in nursing, you will need to acquire a BSN within 10 years or you will lose your license. I think the best thing to if ur at a BSN program is to sign up for an externship or work part time as a student nurse to get the feel for nursing and be comfortable with your patients. Towson only has one med-surge class and I think students could really benefit with at least two. They have writing classes because they are suppose to prep you for your master's. The good side of Towson are most of the teacher's are nice, they respond to your emails quickly, and I enjoy the small class sizes.