kjack87

I am in an accelerate MSN program, and b/c ours is set up in 2 phases, we do the prelicensure phase just like an accelerated BSN program would and I'm in my second semester of phase 1 and we don't even have enough time to breath. We had a test on day 2 of this semester. we then had to read 400 pages and be ready for a test in 1 week. There is one girl in our program who works, 4 hours on day every other week so she can pay her cell phone bill. If you're able to find time to work, then more power to you, but i would find it extremely hard to do so.

I am currently in the program and you can pm me for more info..

This was very helpful! Thanks...

Is anyone else on the site starting their accellerated program in May? or know anything about the schedule.

I made a crucial decision over a year ago, that if I was going to spend the next 20 to 30 years working, it needed to be in a career that I was excited about. So, I researched nursing programs like crazy and I finally found the best one for me. I was expecting a package via mail to notify me of my status, but I received a phone call, an email, and I'll be getting package next week that says I'm accepted into UAB's AMNP program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I took ALL 3 science prereqs and labs in 1 semester and got A's and B's, so I know that I am ready for the challenge. I can say that I'm a nursing student!

Think about your future today. If you want to further your education beyond the ASN, its better to do it now, especially if you don't have any major responsibilities like husband, kids, mortgage, because as you get more attached, it will become harder to fit school into your life. On the other hand, if you need to make money sooner, then go the ASN route, but make sure it isn't 2 years plus a year of prereqs, because if that's the case the 4 yr BSN would give you more bang for your buck. Now about your scholarship, is it good at any school in AL or just UAB?

I think one of the first things that everyone going through a career change needs to do is evaluate why they want to be a nurse and from there figure out what path you want to take to get there. There is a website that lists all of the accelerated programs in the Country(as of 2006). The other thing you can do is go to your state (or any state you are interested in) Board of Nursing website and it will tell you the approved programs and some even have the history of the NCLEX pass rates. Another thing is do not let previous GPA or financial issues keep you from applying to programs, because even though getting into nursing school my be difficult, schools offer financial aid and scholarships and partner with hospitals for loan forgiveness programs, so keep trudging through the wealth of information and experience here and good luck!

Hi Loriwga, Getting into a nursing program is not easy, but the benefits, flexibility, job security, and fulfillment you will find will definetly be worth it. Online options are few and far between because you NEED so much clinical experience, and one of the things you will want to investigate is the NCLEX pass rate for whatever school you decide, if you do choose nursing. In the GA area, there are a few schools that offer part time programs and that is the University of West GA and Brenau. It will take you a few years to complete it, but you won't have the intensity of going to class every day as with most program. Also, if you are willing to transfer to another state for 12 to 18 months, you can finish an accelerated degree and get back to your life and the working world! Good luck with your decision and if you decide to go to nursing school APPLY EARLY!!!

Congratulations Atl Jon! So, do you work an 8 hour shift or 12 hour shift over the weekend?

Jeni, I am from Alabama and I spent a summer in Denali ( 4 hours from Anchorage and 2 hours from Fairbanks) when I was 21. I had a hard time adjusting, but I had no car and I cried half of the summer. the good thing is that I had 5 more people from my school that were there so they shared the experience with me also. I should be finishing up my program in April of 2009 and I've considered moving there because it is so serine (sp) and I want to live a simple life. I think I'd like to be closer to a city though. It sounds like the traveling assignment in Alaska would be a good idea before you decide to pack it up and move there. Snuggli, What part of Alaska do you live in?

You may also want to consider an accelerated program, since you will have your degree.

I keep running into people who say that I should be able to find a scholarship for my program, but besides the few hospital scholarships offered in the Atlanta area (i.e. NEAT) I am having problems finding money for school. I will be going to school in Southeast Georgia in January. Does anyone here have any ideas?

Only once a week and the program is only a year. How do you get clinicals in? I will have to check that school out also. ARe you currently enrolled there?

You might also want to apply to some schools that are located outside the metro atlanta area. If you are applying to KSU, I know they receive about 1000 applications for 25-50 spots. There is also a school lin North Georgia Brenau, they offer some programs. If money is an issue, check into hospital scholarships.

How did you find out about the nurse extern program. Do you have to be in school to do it?