meginnurse

Thanks for the info. Was tuition reimbursement a factor for you?

I just started ADN and am looking towards BSN. I have a BA so BSN would take less time. I'm wondering if after graduation if it's better to immediately continue to the BSN or start interviewing for jobs and hold out for tuition reimbursement? Any info appreciated!

Watch or listen to the mentioned videos over and over. It's about repetition and sometimes hearing the same material presented in different ways helps you better understand it. I also like AK Lectures on youtube. Very thorough!

Yes that's the important question. Each program has it's own prereqs and they can vary depending on the school. This also applies to BSN programs so, even if you think you know the BSN program you want to apply to, it may change which could lead down a path of taking prereqs you end up not needing. Typically, the majority of BSN programs require statistics, one or two chem classes, and possibly ethics/nutrition (sometimes these are also required for the AS as well). Be sure to get everything done for the AS first so you won't be delayed entering the school. Then take a look at BSN programs and prereqs. Good luck!

Have you taken biology in high school? Yes it's doable but if the answer is 'no' I wouldn't advise that course load. Heavy and intense and, since it's your freshman year, get adjusted to college life and how it works with your personal life before diving in that deep. Best of luck!

Since absn programs are quite expensive, have you thought about going a different route? Like getting the ADN first and then bridging with a BSN-RN online program? You may finish a little later, or maybe about the same time since you have to delay anyway, but the savings may be worth it.

I took these two courses together. There was a lot of overlap between them and I did not see the purpose of PSY100 if human growth and development is required. My program requires both so I had to take it. Try PSY205 online at Waubonsee. They offer an accelerated as well as a regular class. PSY100 is recommended but not required.

Wow! I commend you! I worked very little when taking prereqs. I don't think I could really grasp Micro/AP info while working. Please post how it goes. Good luck!

I took APII as a hybrid class. I really liked it, especially because I felt like API was a self-teaching experience. Since it's a lot of memorization, you can do that at home and bring any questions you have to class. Not bad at all.

Yes. This is the route I'm taking as well after researching the BSN programs. It's going to save a lot of money and I'll be able to start my ADN program sooner since it requires less prereqs than the BSN program. I plan to bridge to BSN and will end up graduating in the same amount of time as if I had only done BSN. Since you would like to get into the job market sooner, take a look at this option, especially since you're in a market where you can get a job with the ADN. It would also give you a break between programs if you need one. Best of luck!

Agreed! I would take the prerequisite courses that would cost the least and go from there. Remember you're still young...even at 29 in case it doesn't work out. I am going into my second career at 53 and am so happy I am pursuing nursing. Keep in mind that a nursing degree can afford you different opportunities in the profession; administration, teaching, consulting, etc. In other words, you would probably be able to find your niche since there are many paths you can take. We all have pasts (good and bad) and yours is a small glimpse of things you've experienced in your life which have, no doubt, helped to bring you to this point. Use your past as a tool to help you further your future and keep moving forward. I wish you the best!

I wouldn't waste the money to take bio unless it's needed. I agree with the above post to watch youtube vids to familiarize yourself with the subject. It's the one thing that saved me when I took API. I mostly watched Khan and AK Lectures but found other videos if I wanted more info than those provided. There's tons of free info out there so use as much of it as you can!

Hi, I am also 53 and will begin my ADN program in January. I took a year to complete the necessary prerequisite courses and went for it! I will be 55 when I graduate and plan on working for at least another 15 years. So I guess it all depends on how much longer you plan on working vs the cost/time it will take to finish the prerequisite courses and your degree. I've found there were many opportunities I had in the past that I did not take advantage of (including becoming a nurse 10 years ago), so I didn't want to let this one pass by again. You've obviously thought about it since you took the time to pose the question, so it's worth the time to dip your toe in the water and see what happens. Good luck!

Me too! Starting nursing school in January 2018 as a second career. You have many years ahead of you. Keep moving forward!

My sentiments exactly!