I'm currently taking prerequisite courses at a local community college for an ABSN program. I'm already certified as a CNA, but I haven't worked yet. I'm considering enrolling in a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program to increase my chances of getting a hospital job. 

The program I'm looking at costs about $4,000 and takes around six months to complete. My goal is to start working in the medical field before nursing school and hopefully continue per diem while in the ABSN program. 

Some people have told me to just start applying for CNA positions right away, but I feel that it's harder to get into a hospital without prior experience. On the other hand, students who complete this PCT program often find hospital jobs here in NYC. 

I'd love to hear from anyone in NYC—do you think it's worth investing the time and money into the PCT program? 

I'm looking to begin nursing school, but have to be able to work. Does anyone know of any accelerated BSN programs that offer nights/weekend classes? I live in the Philadelphia area so I would be willing to travel to New Jersey or Delaware as well as Pennsylvania.

Thanks!

I am deciding between two routes to become an RN.

Option 1 is an 18 month ABSN program at a private school. Tuition would be around 50 to 60k after a scholarship. This would allow me to become an RN around age 32. I have already relocated for this program.

Option 2 is taking the community college route. I would complete prerequisites locally, work as a CNA during school, and apply to ADN programs, then bridge to BSN later. This route would likely put me at becoming an RN around age 35 or 36.

Some other factors are that the cost of the ABSN feels stressful, and relocating to a rural area has been a difficult adjustment. My long term goal is to work in California.

For those who have gone through either path, do you feel the faster timeline was worth the higher cost, or did the lower cost slower route work out better in the long run?

I am trying to weigh financial stress, timeline, and overall quality of life, and would really value hearing real experiences.

For some background on me, I grew up in the Chicago area but I've lived on the east coast for the past couple of years. I have lots of family and friends in Chicago, and I know that I eventually plan to move back there permanently. Because of this, Rush is really tempting for me because I would have connections from school in the area (which would be critical post-grad) and I wouldn't have to apply for licensure in Illinois when I move back (not sure how complicated that process is). However, I don't know if anything can beat the prestige of Johns Hopkins. It would also be a much cheaper/easier move for me than Chicago, so that's another pro.

I know that there's no one "right" school per se, but is Johns Hopkins the obvious choice because of how many doors it would open up for me? From the nurses that I've talked to they've all said that it doesn't really matter where I go to school, and that I should just go wherever is cheapest/makes the most sense as long as it's accredited. I think Rush is very well known in the Chicago area, but if for some reason I end up moving anywhere else they may not know of Rush, but they will definitely know of Johns Hopkins. It's also worth noting that I just toured Rush, and I haven't seen Johns Hopkins yet. So that might help me make my decision too?

Thank you in advance for all your help!!

I got grade forgiveness and now only the B is considered in GPA but it is still on my transcript. 

I know CA programs allow for retakes however is it possible to get into a csu or a "good" nursing program? I have received all As after chem.

Does anyone have the experience of getting into a nursing program with grade forgiveness or retakes in the science? 

any advice is appreciated! 

This is definitely a new experience, so bare with me. I'm currently changing career paths and planning on applying to a couple of Accelerated Nursing Programs in NYS. I definitely need help with my essay, it is the main reason I am on here, as well as to connect with others who have been or are in the same position as me. It is the first draft, but here it goes:

"There is a saying in my home country Colombia, "you always come back, to your first love." This is exactly what is occurring in my life at this very moment. After many years I'm coming full circle to my first love, Science, and I couldn't be more excited by the journey that lies ahead, and what I am leaving behind.

In High School, what seems like light years ago, I was in love with Chemistry. I dedicated all of my time to reading, studying, and learning about Moles. That little white Chemistry book was like my best friend. But although this subject fed my curiosity, I was extremely good at Art, and my teenage heart was undecided. Needless to say, I opted for studying Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. While in school, my grades begun to drop as the time passed, which should have been a sign that this was not the correct field of study for me, but out of fear to change career path or disappointing my family, I continued with my Fashion Degree. Toward the end of my program, with only one class left, I moved to Panama, the country where I performed my Practicum, and stayed for a year. By the time graduation came around, my GPA was nowhere near what I would have liked it to be today. After obtaining my Bachelor's Degree, I started my career in various retail sectors, which helped me to develop superior interpersonal skills, as well as improve my ability to be perceptive to my customers and their needs.

Throughout my growth in retail, 12 years after that Chemistry class in High School, I still felt as though something was missing in my life. I couldn't help but bring up how much I had loved Chemistry in various conversations, and after gathering my courage, (it is a bit nerve racking changing careers after all), I started looking into prerequisite course to enroll in at my Community College. Taking these classes has been a complete experience, they are by far some of the most challenging, yet exciting, courses that I have taken in my years in school. With these courses, not only have I realized that this is where my passion lies, but how different I am today from the person I was during my undergrad. As a student today I am determined and extremely interested in what I am learning. I'm not going to lie, the first time I took an Anatomy Lab exam I was terrified, after hours of studying I walked in to find a numbered sheet of paper and various test stations. This was unlike anything I had ever done at FIT. The countless hours of studying and dedication payed off after I received an A in this class, and the other prerequisites I've taken thus far.

You may be asking yourself, why does she want to go into Nursing after being in Fashion? Well, I honestly can't think of any other career that combines Science, my customer service experience, and my love of learning. Nursing is not just helping people. Nursing opens the doors to countless opportunities, growth and career paths. It is a field that is ever changing, where new treatments come around daily, and no day is ever the same. It is a study path that requires dedication, sleepless nights, and extreme responsibility. As a future graduate, I would love to see myself working at a Hospital, and at one point volunteer in a Latin American country, continuing my education by obtaining a PhD.

Honestly, I feel like Nursing is limitless, what you put into it is what you receive back. Two of my close friends, whom are Nurses, tell me how satisfying their job is. After a hard day of work, even if they had a terrible day, they made a difference in someones life. They do this by not only being caring people, but by being knowledgeable in their fields, getting as much training as they possibly can, attending conferences and maintaining their credentials up to date. My friend is a perfect example of how this field is ever-growing, she is considering going back to school to pursue her Masters as an Anesthesia Nurse. This is something that really catches my interest, being able to continue studying Science/Nursing. I would be that student that always gets butterflies in my stomach out of excitement to see what grade my hard work obtained. The student that will stay up until the wee hours of the morning to read the full chapter, highlighting along the way. I would put my all into this field.

Needless to say, New York University is a world renowned school. According to US News, NYU is ranked in top 6 Nursing schools in the country. It would be a privilege to be a part of a program that has been changing the Nursing field since 1932. Attending NYU would allow me to perform my rounds at some of the best New York hospitals. It would not only provide me with the opportunity to learn from some of the best doctors and teachers and teachers in the country, but to learn alongside an impressive pool of candidates, whom I would call my peers. This 15 month Accelerated Program would greatly prepare me for what would be the biggest test in my life, the NCLEX, and for what would come after graduating, (nursing certificates or Masters degree). Being accepted to this program would tie everything together for me, proving that I have come a long way, from the student I was during my Undergrad, and circled back to the right path. Providing me with the chance of a lifetime, it would be more than an honor to represent NYU as an RN throughout my career path."

Hello all,

I am looking for the best online A&P II and Human Growth courses that are not through Portage. The lockdown browser was extremely stressful, and I would prefer to avoid doing that again. I took A&P I about 15 years ago, but both programs I am applying to have accepted it and told me I only need A&P II, but I'm having trouble finding a true A&P II option (many are listed as "Physiology" only). I would love to take it through JHU since it's open book there, but that would require me to retake Anatomy again too which would be costly. 

I need to complete everything by July 31. Any recommendations are appreciated!

 I'm a Texas resident with prior degrees (I have my MBA and MPH) and I'm in my 30s. I have been in the corporate space for 12 years and one day I sat down, did some digging and knew that this is NOT it. In my previous roles in corporate, I have worked closely with Physicians and Nurses.  Spent some time digging deep and looking through childhood dreams and lo and behold I found a high school capstone with nursing programs apart of future dreams. Love how that happens ? 

I'm feeling torn between a few paths:

• ADN (RN) then RN-to-BSN
• Traditional BSN
• ABSN (though I'm not fully sold on this route due to cost and intensity)
• MSN?

I'm trying to balance timeline, financial responsibility, program quality, and long-term career flexibility. For those who chose any of these paths:

What would you do again (or differently)?

Did ADN → BSN limit you at all in hiring or advancement?

For Texas nurses, are there programs you felt particularly well-prepared you?

I value realistic feedback over "fastest route" marketing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am not in a rush. But also want to make a smart decision! 

Thank you so much and have a great day.

Should I apply to more schools? Also, from the looks of it, what are my chances of getting into program?

I'm currently taking my prerequisites at a community college in Southern California, hoping to transfer into a BSN program (I know it's super competitive). My top choice is UCI, and I've been working hard toward that goal, but Anatomy is killing me RN. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for this accelerated Anatomy in Summer. It's moving so fast that I've already passed the drop deadline, and now I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with a B.

Any chances left for me to transfer into UCI Nursing with this B? ?

For context, I'm certified as both MA and CNA, currently work as MA doing back office mainly. I also have some foreign nursing education (though none of it transferred when I moved here), and I'm bilingual, not sure if that's a plus or no. Should I get some volunteer hours to boost my application?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

The HRSA Scholarship Program supports students in various healthcare disciplines who commit to serving in underserved communities, directly addressing critical regional shortages of healthcare professionals.

Available HRSA Scholarship Programs

HRSA offers targeted scholarship opportunities to fund health professions' education:

• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Focused specifically on nursing students committed to working in Critical Shortage Facilities (CSFs) upon graduation.

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program: Aimed at primary care providers, including advanced practice nurses, dedicated to serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas (Hopsas).

• Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program: Specialized funding for healthcare students serving native Hawaiian populations.

The Service Commitment: All scholarship awardees must fulfill a mandatory one-year service commitment in an eligible, underserved facility for each year of financial support received (with a minimum commitment period).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an HRSA scholarship, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Enrollment Status: Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. professional program. Eligible nursing pathways include:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

  • Graduate-level nursing programs (MSN, DNP)

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks

  • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) programs

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

• Legal/Financial Standing: Must be free from any federal judgment liens or conflicting active service commitments.

What the Scholarship Covers

The HRSA award provides comprehensive financial support, significantly reducing or eliminating educational debt:

• Full Tuition & Eligible Fees: Paid directly to the academic institution.

• Monthly Stipend: Direct financial support to cover living expenses during the academic year.

• Annual ORC Payment: An additional single payment for "Other Reasonable Costs," which covers textbooks, clinical supplies, uniforms, and required instruments.

Timeline & How to Apply

The HRSA application cycle typically opens in late winter or early spring and closes in late spring or early summer.

1. Review the specific application checklist for your target program (e.g., the NHSC or Nurse Corps checklist) to gather letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essay responses.

2. Submit all verified documentation through the official HRSA Online Application System.

Given the ongoing, nationwide demand for qualified nurses, these programs offer a direct pathway to finance your education while securing immediate, impactful employment post-graduation.

How does financial aid affect me between a MN and an ABSN, isn't ABSN fin aid only on private loans, would that mean my credit would have to be great to get the loans to cover my tuition, would I be better off financially paying for loans for graduate school rather than a 2nd bachelors degree? I personally would rather get a masters then a bachelors but IDK if the price is worth it? It is a great school and I have dreamed of attending it.

Sorry for all these questions! ANY help would be awesome.

Like many prospective students, Maria isn't entirely sure what accreditation means, why it matters, or how it directly impacts her financial aid eligibility and career mobility.

If you are navigating the nursing school admissions process, understanding the difference between institutional accreditation, program accreditation, and state board approval is critical to protecting your time and financial investment.

The Difference Between Institutional and Program Accreditation

When researching nursing schools, you will encounter two distinct layers of accreditation: institutional (the entire college) and programmatic (the specific nursing department).

Institutional Accreditation: Regional vs. National

Colleges and universities as a whole are accredited on an institutional level.

• Regional Accreditation: Historically considered the gold standard. Credits from regionally accredited institutions transfer easily to other colleges.

• National Accreditation: Often associated with vocational, trade, or career-focused schools.

Programmatic Accreditation: The Nursing Degree

Just because a university is accredited does not mean its nursing program is accredited. Nursing program accreditation is a separate, voluntary review process that evaluates the specific curriculum, faculty, and clinical resources of the nursing department.

The Main Nursing Accreditation Bodies

Nursing education programs are primarily accredited by two independent, national governing bodies. Neither is "better" than the other, but they focus on different types of degrees:

1. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

• Scope: Accredits all levels of nursing education, from practical (LPN/LVN) and associate degrees (ADN) to bachelor's (BSN) and advanced master's/doctoral degrees.

• Where to find it: ACEN-accredited programs are common at community colleges and technical schools.

2. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Scope: Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, CCNE focuses exclusively on baccalaureate (BSN), graduate (MSN), and residency/doctoral (DNP) programs, including online nursing degrees.

• Where to find it: CCNE-accredited programs are typically found at four-year universities.

Specialized Graduate Accrediting Bodies

• Nurse Anesthesia: Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

• Midwifery: Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) — formerly the ACNM Division of Accreditation.

How to Verify Accreditation

Accredited programs prominently display the ACEN or CCNE logos on their websites. However, the safest way to verify a school's status is to search the official, real-time directories directly on the ACEN website or CCNE website.

State Board (BON) Approval vs. ACEN/CCNE Accreditation

A common point of confusion for nursing students is the difference between state approval and national accreditation.

Can You Attend a Non-Accredited Nursing Program?

While choosing an accredited school is highly recommended, a non-accredited program is not automatically a "bad" school.

The Local Community College Exception

Consider a scenario common in many rural or midwestern communities: A local, traditionally regionally accredited community college offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The program boasts a 98% NCLEX pass rate, and local hospitals eagerly hire its graduates because of their excellent clinical reputation.

However, the program lacks ACEN or CCNE accreditation simply because the specialized accreditation process is highly expensive and resource-heavy for a small institutional budget. To offset this, the college maintains formal articulation agreements with nearby universities, ensuring their graduates' credits transfer seamlessly into RN-to-BSN programs.

For someone in Maria’s position, this specific unaccredited program could be a viable, affordable path—provided she verifies the transfer pathways first.

The Major Risks of Non-Accredited Programs

Before enrolling in a program that lacks ACEN or CCNE accreditation, you must weigh three significant risks:

1. Financial Aid Restrictions: To receive federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans), the federal government requires the institution to hold recognized accreditation.

2. Transfer of Credit Roadblocks: If you want to pursue an RN-to-BSN or MSN program later, major universities routinely reject transfer credits earned from non-accredited nursing programs.

3. Employment Barriers: Elite healthcare systems, Magnet-status hospitals, the federal government (including the VA hospital system), and branches of the U.S. Military often maintain strict hiring policies that require a degree from a program with national programmatic accreditation.

Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

To protect your career and your wallet, ask the admissions department and local employers the following questions:

• [ ] Is the program approved by the State Board of Nursing? (Crucial for NCLEX eligibility).

• [ ] What is the program’s official ultimate NCLEX-RN pass rate over the last 3 years?

• [ ] Do local hospital systems actively hire graduates from this specific program?

• [ ] Does the school have formal, written articulation (transfer) agreements with accredited universities for RN-to-BSN progression?

• [ ] What are the program's graduation, retention, and job placement rates?

• [ ] Are students in this specific program eligible for federal financial aid?

The Verdict for Maria

For Maria, the local community college may offer the exact financial lifeline she needs to transition from an LPN to an RN without taking on crippling debt. However, her first step must be a meeting with the registrar to confirm that local hospitals accept the degree, and that a clear pathway exists to transfer her credits to an accredited BSN program down the road.

Are there any other quick turnaround 28 days or less online school classes similar to these portage ones that people know about?

I'm such a fool. And now I'm so nervous and petrified. Please help!