NEED ADVICE! HELP! Nursing programs in Dallas

[jennac1075]

Well....I'm 33, have 5 children, 2 not in school yet. For several years now, I've wanted to go to nursing school. Here in Dallas, I think I've checked out every program there is and talked to every admissions person at that school. They all tell me the same thing. 500 apply, 24 get in. You don't have the top scores on the NET test, well someone else will. That's for LVN. The RN programs are the same way, but I will have to spend a year taking pre-req's in English, Chem, Speech and others and again 500 apply, 24 get in. I really can't afford or take a year to possibly get into a program. TWU has 800 apply and only 80 get in, and that's between the 3 campuses. I used to work there in Admissions, so I know how hard it is. So, here's what my questions is.

If I go through a program at Platt, Concorde or Dallas Nursing for LVN, (I know it is more expensive), but can I still go somewhere and bridge to an RN? And if so, where?

Does anyone know the cost of the LVN program at any of these Tech Schools?

Do you know if they teach the same things as the community colleges?

Do you know if the programs are day, evening, full time, part time?

I know I should call all these schools, but the reps are sales agents and work off commission I bet. At least they seem too. I had a horrible experience at High Tech in Irving. A rep straight out lied to me about the school license and what they teach.

Thank you for your help!

Hopeful Nurse,

Jennifer

[ZanatuBelmont]

Well....I'm 33, have 5 children, 2 not in school yet. For several years now, I've wanted to go to nursing school. Here in Dallas, I think I've checked out every program there is and talked to every admissions person at that school. They all tell me the same thing. 500 apply, 24 get in. You don't have the top scores on the NET test, well someone else will. That's for LVN. The RN programs are the same way, but I will have to spend a year taking pre-req's in English, Chem, Speech and others and again 500 apply, 24 get in. I really can't afford or take a year to possibly get into a program. TWU has 800 apply and only 80 get in, and that's between the 3 campuses. I used to work there in Admissions, so I know how hard it is. So, here's what my questions is.

If I go through a program at Platt, Concorde or Dallas Nursing for LVN, (I know it is more expensive), but can I still go somewhere and bridge to an RN? And if so, where?

Does anyone know the cost of the LVN program at any of these Tech Schools?

Do you know if they teach the same things as the community colleges?

Do you know if the programs are day, evening, full time, part time?

I know I should call all these schools, but the reps are sales agents and work off commission I bet. At least they seem too. I had a horrible experience at High Tech in Irving. A rep straight out lied to me about the school license and what they teach.

Thank you for your help!

Hopeful Nurse,

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer -

I'm currently in the LVN program at Tyler Junior College. Tyler is 90 minutes from Mesquite. This might seem far-fetched, but are you in any position to commute? I say this because there are 200 positions in the LVN program open annually (actually, 180 for August-July and 20 for December-November) and only 250 or so apply.

Sorry, I don't know where you'd find information about online LVN programs, but I know they're out there via google.

[firechalice]

I graduated from the texas health resourses program. There is no easy way to do it. It will require work! I do not have children but i had to support me. Presby is where I worked through out the program. I now work a the #1 hospital in the world in one of the top cardiac facilities in the world. :heartbeat You just have to do it. For a few years things will be difficult. You will have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice.

DON'T DO IT JUST FOR THE MONEY as you give up too much and will probably be disappointed. The money is good but there is so much more to consider than the money.

El Centro is great (my alma mater)! Collin county is good. Just apply everywhere that you can. If you get LVN fine. If you get RN fine. If you get BSN fine. Just get in! You can always go back! You probably need money so I think the associates degree is best.