My husband and I recently moved to VA from CA due to his military orders.
A little history before I get into the question part...
I'm 24 yrs old and have 2 years of college completed from a Cal State University (undeclared major) (total of about 55 credits completed)
I also have 5 units completed from some state mandated training I had while working as a 911 dispatcher for a Sheriff's Dept. (my most recent job I left behind in CA)
I want to go into nursing now that we have moved and know we'll be staying here for at least several years.
My mother in law is a nurse, as well as my aunt, one of my childhood friends and my great aunt. Most of them are advising me to go the route of getting my 2 year degree in nursing and then doing 2 additional years afterwards to get my BSN. (In hopes that an employer may possibly pay for the additional 2 years of education to get my BSN, or possibly repay a student loan, etc,etc)
I am just very confused where to start first and foremost. I was going to make an appt to meet with a few guidance counselors at some of the local cc's out here to see what they advise. I'd like to get started as soon as possible but I know it's almost August and I think it's too late to apply for financial aid and get started. I know I'll have to get some pre req's out of the way anyway before I can get into a nursing program and then there will probably even be a waiting list for that.
Does anyone have any good info on any of the area schools and nursing programs?
What routes do you recommend?
Did you complete all of your courses through a campus environment or did you do some of it online?
Where should I start and what's a reasonable timeline to complete the various things I need to do to become an RN?
Any help is greatly appreciated - I am new to all of this, as well as VA itself and feel pretty lost. Thanks in advance!!:uhoh21:
And thanks for supporting us military members as we are going overseas for the nonsense. I am currently in the navy and have been for 8 years. I am getting out next year I am 27 and have my Associates in Health Care Management. But... I want to be a nurse with the military schedule it's impossible to go and start a school to become a LPN or RN. The only thing I could complete is online courses so I have to wait until I get out. I don't even know where to begin either. I want to eventually work in the nicu so I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me. I am almost in the same situation as you are I currently live in virginia beach and we don't even know if we are staying here or moving at the end of my enlistment. My husband is trying to join the reserves (army or navy) until I get out then he will go full active duty leaving me time and oportunity to go to school morning or night and to get a part time job. Oh! Did I mention I have a two year old and want another child. So I have a lot going on in my brain, and a lot of undecided things to accomplish. I know that Medical Careers Institute is known to be a good school and it's fast paced. The price is up there but I guess it's worth it for the education:) Good luck and keep your head up.
junebug62
68 Posts
no matter what I would say get your gen.eds out of the way....that way you are more flexible if you have to move.:welcome: