is nursing really worth the debt

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Hello everyone,

I would really love to be a nurse. But, because I made a c in both human anatomy 1 and 2. I have been denied acceptance to my local community colleges. I am now forced to turn to private nursing college which have higher tuition. The two schools that I am looking into are keiser college which is now accredited and jersey college. Keiser college only offers an adn which cost 38,000. Which does not include any books , uniforms. This amount only includes the tuition and nothing more. if I choose to attend this program I would be in a lot of debt. When I already owe 9,000 in loans from a previous college.

Or i can attend jersey college, which offers a lpn program . This program will cost me 15,000. I will probably average about 6,000- 8,000 more in debt. Later I can attend the local community college bridge program which my financial will be able to cover . So my lpn-rn program will be free. I will just have to pay back the loans I have already accumulated.

The reason I want to attend keiser college, everyone says lpn are being phased out. I have spoken to several lpn who tell me to go straight to becoming a rn. I do not want to accumulate too much debt an I will only receive my adn. The reason I want to attend jersey college, I will have less debt. I can work while attending the bridge program. Where I live lpn can only work in long term faculties. I do not really want to work in long term facilities. I want to work in a hospital.

Finally, my question is : For the nurses who accumulated debit from loans while in nursing school. Was it really worth it to become a nurse in the end? Is your debit manageable?

PLEASE ONLY RESPONSE IF HAVE DEBIT. PLEASE DO NOT RESPONE STATING THAT UOUR EDUCATION WAS FREE.

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Specializes in Public Health.

My advice is to retake those two classes. They are important and you need to have a solid foundation in these things.

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I incurred debt (not debit) to go to nursing school and it was worth it. Although it took awhile, I ended up with a very good job at a good employer and pulled down about $190,000 last year.

Nursing school permitted me to avoid relocating my family, forcing my wife to give up her tenure, dropping my kid into a new school, and losing my house.

I don't love nursing by any means but it can be a solid job in these parts.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
My advice is to retake those two classes. They are important and you need to have a solid foundation in these things.

That was going to be my suggestion as well. Retake the classes and get better grades.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'm graduating in May, and I have $35,000 in debt (no I in debt, FYI). That is worth it to me, and I plan to pay it off as quickly as humanly possible.

The general rule is to not take out more than you can reasonably expect to make in your first year.

One consideration is the job market where you are. Student loans start requiring payments 6 months after you graduate. What are the prospects for new grads? Are most finding a job within that time frame? New grads with the same licensure you'll have?

I would probably say to do the LVN then the bridge program asap. That amount of debt is totally manageable, and you can work as a LVN while you're in school. You might look into LVN-BSN programs as well.

I also agree with the posters above about retaking anatomy. If at all possible, do it! Advocate for yourself with the school, get a waiver, whatever it takes. You'll need a strong foundation when you go to school.

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I thought it was a typo. But then I saw it 3 times and chuckled.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.
My advice is to retake those two classes. They are important and you need to have a solid foundation in these things.

I agree. Try to retake those classes so you can get the needed knowledge and to help bring your gpa up.

Nursing school is more difficult than the anatomy classes taken. You don't want to spend a lot of money and not pass. Also I believe credits from most private schools won't transfer so you are stuck.

I had a lot of debt from nursing school. I quit my job to go full time and concentrate on getting good grades. After you land a job if you are diligent you will pay the debt off quicker. I did.

Lastly, go straight for the RN. As an LVN I believe you only skip the first semester of nursing school.

Skipping one semester of nursing school is not worth $15,000.

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
I incurred debt (not debit) to go to nursing school and it was worth it. Although it took awhile I ended up with a very good job at a good employer and pulled down about $190,000 last year. Nursing school permitted me to avoid relocating my family, forcing my wife to give up her tenure, dropping my kid into a new school, and losing my house. I don't love nursing by any means but it can be a solid job in these parts.[/quote']

Where are you getting 190,000?! Do you even have time off? Even with OT I'm finding myself doubting this, sorry.

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Specializes in ED Clinical and Documentation.

An education is an investment in your future so really do you want to stay where you are or make a better life for yourself. I see many ppl complain about the cost of education but have no problems spending ridiculous amounts of money on designer clothes etc. I also agree that you may want to take your anatomy and physiology classes again because even though a c is passing, it is your foundation for all your other classes esp clinicals . I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

Ask yourself why you got a 'C' in those classes. It could be they are just too hard for you. Maybe you have difficulty with reading comprehension or memorization? Your use of the word 'debit' makes me suspect this could be the case. If there are underlying issues it is not worth the $$ to retake those classes either.

Nursing classes are even more difficult. There are strict standards for passing and if you don't make the grade you are dropped from the program. You are still responsible for the fees and tuition for that semester.

The "for profit" schools are risky. Some of them have reputations for being diploma mills and providing subpar education. Especially now that the nursing job market is not so great I argue that they aren't worth it. But you have to decide for yourself.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

you need a broader general education foundation, study and repeat those courses you did poorly in.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

i am not "in debit" i do however, have a debit card :shy:

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