Pre-Nursing Ivy Tech Questions

Stdy2BaNurse · Mar 4, 2006

Hi everyone! I am going back to school to make a major career change to nursing (which I should have done long ago but that's for another thread;) ). Right now they are looking at my transcripts from my first degree (BS in Kinesiology from IUB) to see if any of the classes will transfer. I know my psych grade was pretty good, along with my speech and composition classes (avg B+), but now after reading on all the other threads about the competitiveness of the ASN admissions, should I just start completely over? I already know I'm going to retake my Sociology class (I got a D if I remember correctly at IU). I'm really freaking out here now after reading other threads because I really want to get in after I get my pre-reqs out of the way this next year!
Should I try to apply to get in for LPN and ASN at the same time just in case? Should I take my prereqs from Ivy Tech but apply for ASN at all the local schools? I picked Ivy Tech to begin with because it's the cheapest and I have to get loans just to go back to school so I don't want to be too in debt at the end. Both of the other local ASN programs are so expensive (over $300 per credit hour!)
Should I start studying for the TEAS as soon as possible? Is that also the LPN program entrance exam? Do I go on my own to take the TEAS, or do I just study on my own but I take it at a certain scheduled time from the school?
Any advice/words of wisdom/anything(!) is greatly appreciated!

Okay - 1 step at a time :)

First of all, congratulations on such a big step. Second, considering you have a degree from IUB I am assuming you are from the Bloomington or surrounding area and are interested in attending Ivy Tech-Bloomington...that's where I am currently. Let me give you my experience - which mirrors that of 3 of my friends that are also attending.

There are anywhere from 25-40 seats for the ASN program 1 time a year. The way you 'get in' is by having the highest # of points - combined points from your TEAS score and your classes. I am DONE with all my pre-reqs (which Sociology is not one by the way!) and have A's in all. I got an 89 on my TEAS. So as the school looks at scores, I have 265/276 possible points. One of my friends has 2 B's...this drops her points considerably because one was Algebra and one was AP2 - which are weighted heavier.

Regarding the TEAS - I waited until I completed all my pre-reqs because I somehow thought that it would make a difference on my score. I truly think I did myself an injustice because I waited and had to fight deadlines to get the test done by - not good for added pressure. If you can get your hands on the study guide (www.atitesting.com) or get it at the bookstore, start reviewing it now and you will be fine to take it just by studying that guide.

The LPN exam is different - it is called the PSB and I have heard people say it is harder than the TEAS....which I cannot fathom - but that's just me. Again, study guide is for sale in the bookstore.

As for advice on what to do from here....there are fewer pre-reqs for LPN and a good chance of bridging into RN. It all depends on how much time and money you are willing to spend. I personally would rather focus my time and attention on getting the best grades I can get in all the pre-reqs. Even if you do go LPN-to-ASN, you still have to complete them at some point. Study hard for the TEAS and take it at a time when you are not worried about classes or pushing against an application deadline. As far as taking the test itself, you study on your own. Then you go to the Registrar's office and get an 'authorization to test'. From there you pay the Bursar $30 (at least that is what it was this spring) and then you take the receipt, authorization and your picture ID to the testing center. As long as you are there 4 hours before they close, you can go anytime, you don't need an appointment.

Wow - this is a huge post. If you want to talk further, why don't you pm or email me :) I will be glad to answer questions and/or give you more info on courses, etc.

P.S. I would apply at more than one campus if you can - I've applied at Bloomington & Columbus.....

Traci

miskid · Mar 7, 2006

Okay - 1 step at a time :)
First of all, congratulations on such a big step. Second, considering you have a degree from IUB I am assuming you are from the Bloomington or surrounding area and are interested in attending Ivy Tech-Bloomington...that's where I am currently. Let me give you my experience - which mirrors that of 3 of my friends that are also attending.
There are anywhere from 25-40 seats for the ASN program 1 time a year. The way you 'get in' is by having the highest # of points - combined points from your TEAS score and your classes. I am DONE with all my pre-reqs (which Sociology is not one by the way!) and have A's in all. I got an 89 on my TEAS. So as the school looks at scores, I have 265/276 possible points. One of my friends has 2 B's...this drops her points considerably because one was Algebra and one was AP2 - which are weighted heavier.
Regarding the TEAS - I waited until I completed all my pre-reqs because I somehow thought that it would make a difference on my score. I truly think I did myself an injustice because I waited and had to fight deadlines to get the test done by - not good for added pressure. If you can get your hands on the study guide (www.atitesting.com) or get it at the bookstore, start reviewing it now and you will be fine to take it just by studying that guide.
The LPN exam is different - it is called the PSB and I have heard people say it is harder than the TEAS....which I cannot fathom - but that's just me. Again, study guide is for sale in the bookstore.
As for advice on what to do from here....there are fewer pre-reqs for LPN and a good chance of bridging into RN. It all depends on how much time and money you are willing to spend. I personally would rather focus my time and attention on getting the best grades I can get in all the pre-reqs. Even if you do go LPN-to-ASN, you still have to complete them at some point. Study hard for the TEAS and take it at a time when you are not worried about classes or pushing against an application deadline. As far as taking the test itself, you study on your own. Then you go to the Registrar's office and get an 'authorization to test'. From there you pay the Bursar $30 (at least that is what it was this spring) and then you take the receipt, authorization and your picture ID to the testing center. As long as you are there 4 hours before they close, you can go anytime, you don't need an appointment.
Wow - this is a huge post. If you want to talk further, why don't you pm or email me :) I will be glad to answer questions and/or give you more info on courses, etc.
P.S. I would apply at more than one campus if you can - I've applied at Bloomington & Columbus.....
Traci

Thank you so much for the info! I wish I was still in the B'town area. I moved back home to N Indiana after graduation and I am still here. I'm looking at the Ivy Tech SB campus or maybe Valpo. Yo ureally made me feel better about all this. I met with an advisor that gave me a heads up on the pre-reqs, so at least I think I know what to register for this summer/fall. I am really excited about making this transition - I wasn't this excited when I went to college the first time. :) My next task is getting financial aid - Oh, so much fun! Apparently the Fin Aid office and the FAFSA have this crazy idea I have all this money lying around. HA!

Thanks again!

Stdy2BaNurse · Mar 7, 2006

I know what you mean about the FAFSA & Fin. Aid office...it's like - HELLO! There is one working adult in our household. You mean to tell me you think I can pay for ALL of my school without ANY help???? Okay....

Hang in there :) And good luck to you!!

dawn1971 · Mar 8, 2006

If you already have a degree, why don't you think about a fast track program for your BSN? They tend to be a little less competetive, and seem to take about the same amount of time as an associate's....