Need Nursing Program Advice

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I am new to Spokane, just moved here from Dallas a couple months ago. I have already applied with SCC and have an appointment with the nursing advisor on Monday. I have my BS in Biology and have taken all the pre-req's; however I just decided to go for nursing and it has been a several years since I have taken some of the classes like Human A&P etc...

I was told by one of the counselors that there is a year and a half waitlist, but that I would go before the students finishing their classes this semester as long as all of my information was in by March 29th. I really don't want to wait this long and I want to keep all my options open and apply to other community colleges since I can't afford the out of state tuition. I have heard some of the other schools don't have waitlists, but they do require you to be a certified nursing assistant.

So I guess I am wondering if I should take the CNA classes? Also, should I be studying for the TEAS test? I see that some schools require this as well.

New to WA and new to nursing so any information would be very helpful! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Have you already investigated the job market in your area? I believe that the Pacific NW is in a real downturn - new grads are not able to get jobs and this situation is not expected to improve any time soon. Under these circumstances, you should not be in a hurry to graduate.

If it has been several years since you took A & P, I would advise you to use your 'wait time' to re-take it, along with any other basic science. Take a med terminology class if you can. This will all make your nursing courses much easier. Becoming a CNA may help you become more comfortable with the 'patient touching' part of nursing, but won't really provide you with a leg-up on the academic front.

Hang in there - things will be better by the time you are a GN.

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