Mom of 2 with a GED. Is nursing school possible?

Cat365 · Dec 14, 2016

As you said. Anything is possible. It just depends on how much you want it.

I would suggest setting up a meeting at the college to discuss your options. I would also discuss the idea with your husband since once you actually get into the program it can be very time intensive.

Consider your resources. Do you have friends/family/baby sitting options?

if you are concerned about your lack of study skills consider taking a small course load at first of prerequisites. Maybe six credit hours not the 12 that is considered full time. If you can afford to pay out of pocket for classes possibly even less. This will give you an opportunity to get your feet wet and develop good study skills while not overwhelming you. It will take longer to get a degree, but will be less time intensive and less stressful than full time school. It will also mean that your children will be a bit older when you get into the nursing program.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 14, 2016

I know two Chief Nurse Executives who both started out with GEDs. One now has achieved a PhD and the other a DNP. So, I can categorically state that simply having a GED is not a barrier in itself. Begin your journey by taking your pre-requisites at an 'open enrollment' Community College where it won't make a difference whether you have a GED or HS diploma.

Chances are, you will have to take a test to determine whether you are ready to take college level courses - or will need to begin with remedial courses instead. Don't despair if you have to take take a couple of remedial courses - many students with HS diplomas (and decent HS GPAs) also have to take them. It's may take a while to achieve your goals, but if you have enough determination there's no reason why you can't.

Amberdawn82 · Dec 14, 2016

I was homeschooled my whole life (and it was not very good quality once I got into middle school), and got my GED at 16. I am now 33 and have four kids, and just finished my last nursing pre reqs. It's been hard, especially the first year, but I have gotten into the groove and have done much better than I thought I would. You can do it! It takes a lot of discipline, but is so worth it!

NerdyKnitter, CNA · Dec 14, 2016

I had a very subpar 9th grade public education when I got my GED. I did really well in my first college career. Now at age 39 I'm doing really well in my second college career. I have two pre-reqs left and going strong. I have 4 kids and a job. Formal schooling isn't nearly as much of a predictor of success as intelligence and drive. I am positive you will do great. Go for it!

MBA2BSNRN · Dec 15, 2016

IMHO, HS education is a poor indication of how successful someone will be in college. I was a horrible HS student; skipped class all of the time and graduated in the bottom 5% due never going to class. I remember during 1 semester during my junior year, only showing up on the first and last day. However, 10 years after HS, I decided to use my post 9/11 GI Bill and earn a degree. I earned my BA and MBA in only 4 years with a 3.7 GPA. During that time I worked full-time and I have 3 boys. One of the most important things in college is to keep motivated and read your syllabus. My wife is a professor for a nursing college and it amazes me on how many students don't read the syllabus. They miss due dates and then when they are making up their late work; they focus on assignments that actually aren't worth that much of the overall grade. For example, her students will focus on the discussion post that are only worth a total of 10% of the final grade but fail to complete a project that is worth 25% of the final grade.

Nursing is absolutely one of the best degree fields. I would gladly trade my MBA for a BSN! I'm looking to get into a accelerated BSN program now and studying for the TEAS. I wish that I would have taken A&P prior to taking the TEAS.

jess.mont, ADN, RN · Dec 15, 2016

I'd suggest taking an introductory college math class at your local community college. Most will give you a placement test to show you what level math you should take. Take one class. Next semester, take a chemistry class - preferably one geared toward health-care majors that includes a lab. The lab will give you hands-on experience with the concepts covered in lecture. Next, try a straight liberal-arts class that you'll need for nursing school - usually sociology or psychology. If you like English and have the time, pair it with the freshman composition class you'll probably need. Then take a biology class - again, one for health-care majors. This will be your pre-req for Anatomy, so you could take that next if you thought you'd apply for nursing school within the next four or five years. Just take it one step at a time and work to master the concepts at each level before moving to the next because they all build on each other. I bet you can do this!

pb4ugo · Dec 16, 2016

I obtained my GED & I had also been out of school for about 8 years. I recently completed my pre reqs & will be applying for the A.S. program soon! The first year of college was tough, I took a remedial math class as my math skills were horrid. Taking the remedial math class set me back a couple semesters, but in retrospect, it was the best thing for me. After I completed the math, I moved on to my science courses. I did not have to take chemistry as my program does not require it. It's tough when you've been out of school for a long time, but over time, you'll figure out a study method that works best for you!

OliveOyl91, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2016

The only time my GED has come into question was when I first enrolled at my community college. They asked if I had a high school diploma or a GED, because if I had my high school diploma I would be placed into classes based on my SAT scores. However, with my GED I took a placement test at school at was allowed to start math and English classes at the level the test scores allowed. I tested into college English, but had to start out with pre-college math. Since I never took high school chemistry, I had to take "preparatory chemistry" before I could take the nursing prereq "introduction to chemistry".

My school's nursing program application simply asks, "Do you have either a high school diploma or GED?"

Buyer beware, BSN · Dec 21, 2016

I know two Chief Nurse Executives who both started out with GEDs. One now has achieved a PhD and the other a DNP. So, I can categorically state that simply having a GED is not a barrier in itself. Begin your journey by taking your pre-requisites at an 'open enrollment' Community College where it won't make a difference whether you have a GED or HS diploma.
Chances are, you will have to take a test to determine whether you are ready to take college level courses - or will need to begin with remedial courses instead. Don't despair if you have to take take a couple of remedial courses - many students with HS diplomas (and decent HS GPAs) also have to take them. It's may take a while to achieve your goals, but if you have enough determination there's no reason why you can't.

Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!