$$ for nursing school

Have you considered getting a job at a local hospital that will perhaps pay for your tuition? Maybe working as a CNA? All the hospitals around here have pretty good programs, usually require a work committment after graduation.

I worked as a CNA on the 11-7 shift at a local hospital, which then reimbursed my tuition. It worked out very well, since with the tuition reimbursement there was no post-school commitment (that was only if they gave you money BEFORE you took classes). Worked out well for me, but was tough working while going to classes full-time. Good luck!

As a bonus, the experience was incredibly valuable to me once clinicals began.

Most student loans like Stafford and Federal Direct loans are not tied to any income levels. You can borrow $6500 your first year and $7500 your second year. It's only Perkins loans and a few others that are need based. You might want to check out Nursing Student Loans from HHS also. They have a lower interest rate than the Stafford or Direct loans.

I worked as a CNA on the 11-7 shift at a local hospital, which then reimbursed my tuition. It worked out very well, since with the tuition reimbursement there was no post-school commitment (that was only if they gave you money BEFORE you took classes). Worked out well for me, but was tough working while going to classes full-time. Good luck!

As a bonus, the experience was incredibly valuable to me once clinicals began.

Lori, did you work full-time while in school? I'm looking at trying to work this fall, but only want to do it part-time, either a couple of nights or on the weekend. Also, the hospital I'm looking it has a completion bonus of $5000 for CNAs for finish their LPN, I'm sure it's more for RNs.

Well, I am also a medical assistant, but no one will hire me because I have no experience but how am I suppose to get it then?? I applied to an urgent care center near home so I will see how that pans out. Yep paid 7k for a medical assistant course back in 97 and got no where with it, I guess you have to know someone for everything to get in. Anyway thanks for the posts and keep them coming.