new with questions

[osdbmom]

Hi,

I guess I just have a few questions. I am considering....just sort of thinking this out...but considering changing my major to nursing.

Right now I am going to Mott, in my second year and am currently in the Medical Practice Management (billing/coding, transcription, medical office assistant) program, and working on an associates in Business. I have already taken A & P, CPR, Med Term 1 & 2 and am currently taking phlebotomy (plus lots and lots of other general ed requirements) and have not gotten less than a 4. in any of the "medical" classes. This stuff is typically very easy for me to pick up. I just love it....especially phlebotomy.Oh, phlebotomy is SO fun!:) lol

The more business type classes Im doing, the more Im seeing just how much sitting is going to be involved. I don't know if I can do this...I don't want to just "sit", I want to work, hands on, with people.

I have considered, off and on, switching to nursing. One thing that has held me back is the wait time. But, now that I've got some certificates on the way, I'm thinking I could at least get work ( I hope) and could keep taking classes until I get up the waitlist.

this week is spring break, but I think when I go back, I might go talk to one of the advisors in the health sciences area. Just see what I might be up against.

Although the medical stuff and any language type classes (english/comp, COMM, etc) tend to be easier for me, math is my downfall and something I have always struggled with. I am working through my math classes slowly, and have Dosages and Calculations to take next semester. I am doing okay, but have had a lot of people tell me that if math is a little harder for me, I'd never make it as a nurse. I am doing okay in my math classes, I just have to study longer and harder, probably, than most people.

I had thought about transfering to Baker (seems like thats what everyone is doing), but I actually LIKE Mott (I know, Im probably in a minority there), but I do. I think their nursing program is good.

From what I have read (and I could be reading this wrong), if you choose the nursing program, you have to finish all the pre-req's first...then you are on the wait list, right? the pre-reqs are what, basically gen ed requirements, plus like A&P, med term, nutrition? so I might already have some of those done.

I guess I don't have one specific question. I'm just kind of feeling this idea out....would love any advice, ideas, thoughts. thanks.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

You'll need to check with an advisor at Baker whether they have a wait list or a points system to get in. However, ALL the schools in Michigan require that you have your pre-reqs completed before even applying to nursing school. Some programs only require Intermediate Algebra (or pass the math entrance exam at the int. algebra level). Some require algebra & statistics. Depends on the school.

I'm hoping to get into LCC's program next year. They're a points-based system, so no waiting list! However, it's very competitive for the points. Some programs give you bonus points for having medical assistant experience, so definitely check with your program's advisor. I'd highly recommend attending a pre-nursing seminar at the schools you want to apply to.

Are you looking at getting just the RN or the BSN? My goal is to get my RN at LCC and then complete an RN-to-BSN program either at MSU or UM-Flint. However, I'm still going to apply to the other nursing schools in my area and see if I get in. I'd just prefer to go to LCC since their program is highly regarded.

Good luck :)

[osdbmom]

thanks. I think, if at all possible, I'd like to stay at Mott. Initially, I'd like to do the RN and then maybe go further. I know so many people who are quitting, moving, or transferring to get away from the waitlist, maybe the waitlist will shorten:) lol

I'm going to talk to an advisor next week, and go from there. I wonder if anyone here has completed Mott's nursing program?

Flint really needs just a nursing school.....someplace that ONLY does nursing...so the other 3 schools in this area aren't so overwhelmed with students.

[ElainaDeVeaux]

good morning from northern california

my grandson graduated high schoolthis past june, and remains focused on rn\bsn\pa as his career path incollege. he is currently seekingemployment to cover his living and educational expenses and has decided toeither enroll in a lvn or lpn certification program to afford him the opportunityto work in his field of interest as he forges through college. i seek recommendations and guidance for mygrandson. please define the differencebetween and lvn and a lpn the pros and cons of both with regard to his ultimatecareer goals at this very young juncture. thank you for any assistance you may offer.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse

LVN = Licensed Vocational Nurse

The LPN is usually given by a college where the LVN is usually granted by a vocational institution (however, some CC health programs offer LVN...your mileage may vary)

LPN allows you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam (national license), from what I understand. However, in my area, it's just as competitive to get into an LPN program as it is an RN or BSN program.

The good news is that many colleges offer a fast-track LVN/LPN-to-RN program. I will say that the job market for LVN/LPN isn't so great. Many hospitals are requiring RN/BSN.

[ORoxyO]

Do not worry about the math at all. It is very simple basic math. I think we had a total of 3 equations through nursing school other than simple conversions (kg to lbs, etc)

[lisamirza]

I have been on the wait list at Mott since July 2011. I am now number 44 and will start in fall next year, 2013. Dosages and Solutions and Pharmacology have to be taken within a year of entering the program. You can get on the list once you have A&P 1 and 2 done, english 101 and 102, microbiology, nutrition, multicultural health, and math 120. I have had a wonderful experience so far at Mott. The waiting stinks, but other than that, I can't complain about anything! Let me know if you need any other info! I just joined this website....seems pretty helpful!