WANNA BE newbie needs some help! Please

U.S.A. Ohio

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i hate to sound so ignorant in asking......but, i have been out of highschool for 12 years, i just went through the classes and testing for my ged, i passed very easily, and now i am lost once again. i am very new to the college thing all together, so lost may not be the operative word.:uhoh3::uhoh3::uhoh3:

i would very much like to go to nursing school, and as i understand it, i will have to take my prerequisites(which ones..i have no clue) before being accepted into any program. but honestly that is all i know!

:chair:

i don't know if i am to take my pre classes from the college i plan to attend for college, or if it even matters how i take them, or where. am i able to get on a waiting list for nursing now, while i take my other classes?

i have not been to the college to speak with anyone yet...... i ran into this site and thought i could get some insight before actually going to the college, so that all the information i am sure they are going to give me is not so overwhelming.

also, i would like to get some on the job experience. i have heard that becoming a stna is a good way to do that. i called the ohio department of health, and they sent me a list of assisted living homes that offered training.....but none of them offered the classes any longer. so how do i do this?

hey, thanks for any help you can provide=)

CMColumbus, I respect your opinion but the "you don't actually have to wait" thing is flat-out false for many of us. There are a lot of people on these boards (and in real life) who have had to apply a couple or a few times to get in because of space limits. While it is true you have prereqs to do, you cannot apply til you have them done (which I am not complaining about, it makes sense). Also, you can take the non-nursing classes in the curriculum while you wait but that does not take any of your wait away. You're still going to have awhile to go. They've closed this summer's application period and will make it available only to those who have been trying to get into the program in the past. I'm between a rock and a hard place because it's the best option for me, also, however. I will be applying to the online program this fall and hopefully entering in fall of '08.

See Im confused, I asked the lady I spoke to in admissions if the credits transfer and she said it's up to the school I go to next, if they choose to except them and thats with any school. Yeah it is more expensive but we want to move in the next 2 to 3 yrs or I would go to Cols state. About the credits though, is she just not being honest or???? And what does that mean, if I decided to get my LPN here and move and get my RN in North Carolina (where were planning to move) none of the work I do at Bohecker would count? Is it better to go all the way and get my RN with tem as well or will it even be recognized in another state? Im just not sure what she is aying and what kind of effect that would have. Im already preparing to quite my job and go FT in Oct after my baby is born but Im a little nervous now.

Sassy7cassy, well yes its false and true at the same time. And I fully explained why. I explained how you didn't have to wait to start school. But I clearly stated you still have to wait to start the nursing classes.

You still have a wait, as you'll have to wait to get into the program. You can take non-nursing classes until you're blue in the face but you will still have to wait to get into the program and take the nursing classes. While taking the non-nursing classes ahead of time WILL lighten your load once you're in the program, it does not make the program shorter once you're in it. It's still seven quarters long and you still have to wait to get into it. I know it seems all perfect when it's in black and white but once you've been farting around with the folks at CSCC for a year it loses its shine and you see it for what it really is -- a headache. But alas, it does remain my best option as well so I wait.

Lovee_T, if you know where you would be going to school in North Carolina I would try and coordinate with them. They will be able to tell you if they will accept Bohecker's credits. It might be hard to get ahold of someone at that school (like it is at CSCC unless you go there in person) but keep on it -- you can definitely get your answer. :)

Ok, I have to step in and voice my opinion. I think getting the STNA, while seeming a good idea, is actually a waste of time. Enroll in college and go for your LPN or RN immediately. Don't waste a bunch of time and money getting something you don't need. Some will argue that it is good experience, but here's the thing: once enrolled in nursing school, after one semester, pretty much any hospital will be happy to accept you as a nurses aid. That way, you can get expereince while you are in school, save time in the long run, and even earn a little money on the side. Any school that tells you you must get your STNA first is after one thing...and one thing only...and that is your money!!! These tech schools will tell you so many lies that everyone starts believing them. Trueth is that you don't need your STNA, and if you want to be a nurse, just do it!!! Don't putz around getting stuff you don't need, and that will cost you big bucks. Forget about it, and just get your LPN or RN. That's just my 2 cents worth, but I have seen too many people waste too much time and money doing things they don't need to. Hope this helps.

I agree. I wouldn't do it unless I'm applying at a school that requires it. Some 2-year schools require that you have your certification thing, others just require that you take an STNA class. I would not fart around with taking it elsewhere and would instead take it at the school you'll take your nursing courses at unless you can find it for cheaper someone else. It will probably cost the same to take it at the school though.

Unless you really are wanting to be an STNA in the meantime and are willing to commit to hard work for less pay than its worth.....it really is a rewarding experience, and patients and residents truly deserve the best care available. Just don't feel like you HAVE to get a job as an STNA, because that might be adding too much to your plate.

Thanks for the information =)

Thanks for the info. I had a meeting with Bohecker and they are expensive but the LPN program is only 11 1/2 months and then you go right to the RN program which is 14 1/2 months which sounds good to me as far as time goes. I also checked into Hondros school here in Columbus and they have almost the same program but less expensive. Carrying so many classes at once (sometimes 5) scares me but I figure I did it in high school right? Even though thats been forever ago LOL. Plus you go M-F so it's not all dumped on you twice a week. Anyone got any info on Hondros? You go? You like it? I guess I will set up a meeting with them. And the FAFSA...goodness that thing had me crazy for a minute but Im going to finish it this week and submit it. I didn't realize I would have to clean out the little bit of money I have in savings to have a better chance at getting assistance though. Again, any info/advice I appreciate.:confused:

I am a Student Nurse in Michigan, was born in Columbus and have family there and read your all's board from time to time. I just wanted to ask you about the LPN being 11 and a half months and then another 14 and a half months for schooling. Is that for your Associate's RN? my program right now for Associate's RN is 16 months long period. If I had to go to school that long, I would consider getting my BSN. I am 41 years old and have been in college for 3 years now, including all of my pre req's before getting in the program. I plan on getting my BSN and my MSN. I know it's not for everyone, but getting your BSN will open many doors for you in your career. Nursing has a lot of different roles, why let yourself get limited to just bedside nursing? If you have to go that long, you might as well get your Bachelor's degree, will be about the same amount of time. Good luck anyhow, hope your journey is a good one.

Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehab, HH.

In January of 2004, I looked in to the RN program at CSCC, and the WAITING list was 2 years. I became discouraged, and looked into the LPN program at CSCC. I took the STNA class, and med terminology, and was accepted in the program in April 2004. I completed the program december 2005. Passed the boards late December 2005.

If I would have waited for the RN program, I would not have started until Spring of 2006 with estimated graduation Spring or summer 2008.

I started to work as a LPN in January 2006, with a starting salary just as much as a new grad RN. (And at that time I wouldnt have even started classes for the RN program, I would have been waiting)

Now I am pursuing my RN and will still be done before december 2007. Remember the estimated graduation of the RN program ....summer 2008. I am going thru Excelsior College (which is on line) My employer is paying for this.

I am learning and able to apply what I learn on my job. And making money doing something I enjoy and love being a part of.

Hope this wasnt too confusing.

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