part-time nursing classes

[Masters]

Hi, I will start my prerequisite this spring. I am going to work while going to school so I am looking for a part time nursing program. The 2 yr nursing program is so fast paced that its impossible to work while doing associate program. Is the BSN slower paced or about the same as associates? I wanted to take 2-3 classes but didn't know if all the nursing programs had a set amount of hours that had to be meet each semester. I got a catalog for one 4 year college and it has a satisfactory academic progress policy. The college also had a enrollment hours attempted /minimum credit hours required to complete chart. I have noticed that the credit hours are different at each college too so does bachelor have less clinicals practice? Thank you for your help.

[healingtouchRN]

BSN is just as fast! I went thru in 16 quarters until done, taking full load each time, that was 15 years ago. NO SLOW track!!!! BSN does not have less clinical time, I teach in BSN program, very strenuous on students, which is good for reality orientation.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Make an appt with counselor at each school you are considering and explain what you are looking for. I was an LPN then went to bridge course for RN - did it fulltime while working fulltime. Not fun, but I did it and had lots of help from my husband. Now...I'm back in school, completing BSN and doing MSN. Still working fulltime.

[AmyLiz]

I'm in an ADN program & going part-time. It's possible.

[PSA, RN]

I know several people who have went part-time for their ADN at my local community college. They started by taking their pre-req's and co-req.'s first and then they took the actual nursing courses. I did the same thing myself, although for my pre & co-req. I went full time because when it came to the actual nursing courses I wanted to be able to just focus on them. My nursing class was about 3-5 hours a day (depending on the class) with 2 clinical days that were 8 hours. I did not work during school and those who did had a tough time. They just cover so much information. There were a few though that had no choice but to work and they somehow juggled both. So Good Luck and I wish you the best.

[colleen10]

Hi Masters,

I am a 1st semester Nursing Student in my local CC ADN program.

My advice to you is research all the nursing school programs in your area so you can get a good idea of what is out there. With the shortage of nurses, but unfortunately also nursing instructors, you may find that there are a lot of "alternative" programs in your area. For instance, my program is an evening/weekend/internet option. It is specifically designed for mature students that have families to raise or who must work while going to school. I work full time during the week and attend a "Lab" / hands on class one evening a week and then have my clinical on Saturdays. Instead of going to class for lecture I download the notes and communicate with an instructor from the internet.

Because it is a local CC my credits can transfer to many of the local universities if I want to go on and get my BSN.

It is by no means any easier than the daytime program or other programs but the classes, etc. are scheduled in such a way to make it easier on people who have to work, etc.

My hope is to continue working in my present job - sales asst. and non-medical related - through this semester and next and then hopefully at the end of my second semester find a job in a hospital as an aide/PCT. I would like to work fulltime in the summer and then cut back my hours and work a more flexible schedule while I am in my second year of school because at that time our amount of clinical time increases and also the course work will be harder.

What has also helped me tremendously in being able to handle the course load is that I was able to transfer many credits from my Bachelor's and I also completed all of my pre and co-requisites in advance of starting my actual nursing classes.

Best of Luck to you,

Col