Please Help

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Let me quickly explain my situation. My name is Tara, (im new to the forum) and i'm 22. My husband, who serves in the military, and I were recently transferred to Kodiak, AK. The problem is that Kodiak is an island 250 miles off the coast of Alaska. They do have a comm. college, however, they only offer their nursing program every 4 years. It's not scheduled to start again until 2007. (This is about as rural of a community as is gets. We have about 20 mi. of paved road on the island. The rest is mountains and forrest. )The only way I could attend school living here is to fly to anchorage for my classes. This is absolutely not doable. I have a husband and one year to take care of, not to mention the expense. I been desperately trying to find online courses, however, they all require that you already have a license. The only school that I've found that will train you for your LPN lic. is DEaconess College. This was great for me until I found out they want $406/credit hour. I simply cannot afford this. It would cost me upwards of 30g's to get my LPN license. At this point, I am desperate. (Its ironic that it took me this long to decide what I wanted to do, and then it seems almost impossible.)

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions/comments, or could offer any info on online programs I would be so appreciative. Thanks in advance.

Tara :confused:

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

I don't know much about online programs, but check out fastweb.com for possible financial help (scholarships, etc). A friend recommended it. Complete the questionnaire and the site will match you w/scholarships to which school you indicate. I have no personal experience w/this, just, as I said, on the friend's recommendation. Good luck to you, plug away. There are always choices. Perhaps you can delay courses until you get in a more accessable situation???

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Tara - congrats on doing the school thing! Go to the military education office or call them in Anchorage and find out about scholarships and grants for military spouses. Believe me - as a military wife for what seems like a gazillion years - when my husband was active duty - I could get financial aid easily. We were stationed at Ft Greeley in Delta Junction, AK from 86 to 88 and loved Alaska. I did my nutrition and some other classes via tape from the University of Alaska. What about just going to an RN either ADN or BSN program and then you can get all your pre-reqs out of the way while there in Alaska? That might be better in the long run. Take care, stay warm!

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Hi. I was going to say the same as above. If you haven't gotten your prereqs done, just work on that for a couple of years. It usually takes that long anyway, at least for a BSN.

You might even want to try it part-time. I don't have the foggiest idea what the hospital/clinic situation is up there, but could you find a part-time job as a tech to help develop some of the skills you'll need?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

also try:

http://www.allnursingschools.com

you can search for programs all over by type, (LPN, RN, diploma, AD/BSN, etc). Then you can narrow down what works for you and search for financial aid, as well. What trauma nurse told you is GREAT advice. Do NOT pass up the chance to visit the Education Office on post/base and see how they can help!!!

Hang in there, where there is a will, you will find a way.

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Hi, first I'd like to thank you for your response. I really appreciate the suggestions. I did just have one question for you about an ADN program. I will do some research about that tonight, but if you happen to get a sec, if you could just explain to me what that is...Thanks again.

Hi Tara - congrats on doing the school thing! Go to the military education office or call them in Anchorage and find out about scholarships and grants for military spouses. Believe me - as a military wife for what seems like a gazillion years - when my husband was active duty - I could get financial aid easily. We were stationed at Ft Greeley in Delta Junction, AK from 86 to 88 and loved Alaska. I did my nutrition and some other classes via tape from the University of Alaska. What about just going to an RN either ADN or BSN program and then you can get all your pre-reqs out of the way while there in Alaska? That might be better in the long run. Take care, stay warm!
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Specializes in PICU, Peds Ambulatory, Peds LTC.

An ADN program is a 2 year nursing program (Associates degree A.A.S.) Once graduating from this program you qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is needed in order for you to get licensed and practice as a Registered Nurse in the USA.

I do agree with the others about taking your pre-req's first. They do take about a year or so to finish. Good Luck to you! :)

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Good luck to you!

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Check with the community college program to see exactly what they require. If you haven't started, just getting through A&P and micro with good grades with a child and a husband will take you two semesters. Do your pre reqs before you worry about getting into a nursing program. I agree, make sure you check for scholarship funds for military spouses.

If you know you probably won't be in Kodiak in 2007, I'd start discussing where you and your husband want to go next so you can tailor your nursing school pre reqs to the requirements of the next location.

Kodiak is very isolated, but it's a great family location. Lots of things your child will never see anywhere else in the world! Good luck!

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Hi,

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. I've decided to take some local classes to get my prereqs. done, and then I will take it from there. I will probably enroll in Deaconess to get my LPN and then transfer to Excelsior. I'm hoping to get grants and loans if needed.

Nursing is definately the field I know I was meant to be in. It took me having a child, and knowing what it really meant to take care of someone to realize this. I really appreciate everyone taking the time out of their schedules to help me better understand how to accomplish this.

I would also like to say that I look forward to being a member of this distinguised group of individuals, and sincerely I thank you for trying to help me w/ my dilema.

Check with the community college program to see exactly what they require. If you haven't started, just getting through A&P and micro with good grades with a child and a husband will take you two semesters. Do your pre reqs before you worry about getting into a nursing program. I agree, make sure you check for scholarship funds for military spouses.

If you know you probably won't be in Kodiak in 2007, I'd start discussing where you and your husband want to go next so you can tailor your nursing school pre reqs to the requirements of the next location.

Kodiak is very isolated, but it's a great family location. Lots of things your child will never see anywhere else in the world! Good luck!

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