mrsz1968

Thank you all for the responses. I have no problem working whatever jobs I need to in order to get some experience under my belt. I also may opt to continue on for the BSN, I just don't want it to be mandatory! As it is with many other job fields, it's not what you know but WHO you know. You know the drill...

Hi all! I am still very early in my pre-req phase but I have had two people in the past few months tell me that nursing is now going to require a 4 year degree! Has anyone else heard this? If this is the case, I am not sure I can move forward as I cannot afford two additional years at a university! I am already pushing it at 42 years old and starting at the community college. What have you heard?

Congrats to all of you! Future price, I relate to you because my parents both died from different cancers and I am now 42 and I too, want to go back to school to pursue nursing and possibly work in oncology. Hats off to you. I am looking into different paths now. I may want to go on for the BSN after the Rn like some of you. I was under the impression (please correct me if I am wrong!) that Galen credits are not accepted at 4 year universities like USF or University of Tampa? If they are accepted, I can consider Galen so please let me know. Good luck to you all!

Thank you SO much! You've been a great help. :)

Hi everyone. I have a few questions and I hope someone can help me. I am older, 42 and returning to school after 20 years. I never finished my college (AA) degree out of state but had almost enough credits to in liberal arts. When I was young I didn't care about school and my GPA reflects that. I am now starting my pre-reqs at HCC Dale Mabry in January. Took my placement test this week and I have to take remedial math (no surprise) but I am all set for reading and writing, I tested college level. Am I REQUIRED to submit those 20 year old grades? I don't want to because it will destroy my GPA and I don't have time (or money) to re-take all those classes I did poorly in 20 years ago. If I don't mention my prior schooling, will I be ok? Also, are there older students during the day for those pre-req classes? Not that it matters much, I am fine being the oldster but would love it if I was not the only one. Thanks in advance for any insight you all can share. Good luck to everyone! :)

Previous poster, that is not true. If you head over to the HCC board you will see some people have been accepted into HCC with 3.6 and higher. You definitely do NOT need a 4.0 GPA, A high one, yes, perfect, no.

I am posting on this old thread too. I am scared reading some of the admissions horror stories on this site. Is it easier to go the LPN bridge to RN route? What schools can you go to to get the LPN that will transfer to HCC? Are there any? Honestly I would rather try and go that route anyway. I hope someone can help! I am 42 years old, going back to school FT, and not sure I can compete with hundreds of applicants at HCC after taking the pre-reqs.

I am very interested in this as well and would love more info.

Hi all! I have a quick question. Assuming I pass the needed tests to get into erwin...I am 40 and have been out of school a LONG time now so i will need to brush up on test taking. I am pretty sure I can pass the test to have a 12th grade level. What is the other exam and is there a book I can get to help with the test? Second question, lets say I go to Erwin and want to continue on to my RN. Will HCC accept ALL my Erwin credits and if not, does anyone know how many they will take. I am just trying to figure out the advantage of going to Erwin route as opposed to HCC directly into the RN program...although i realize it is very competitive to get into. Any advice or insight would be appreciated more than you know! Thanks in advance.

I need your advice, please! I have read through many threads here and see conflicting ideas about a good way to get a nursing degree. I see some people go the route of taking pre-reqs at HCC and then applying for the nursing program. But it seems that taking those pre-reqs is no guarantee someone will get into the program? I also have seen others suggest going through an LPN program and then going the bridge program through HCC. What is the advantage to that? Would you suggest one way over the other and why? What are the advantages of going either route? Currently I am a SAHM but my youngest will be in pre-school next Fall which will open up my schedule enough to dedicate finally getting back to school. I just need a little direction and advice since I don't know where to start! I appreciate anything you can offer.

Do any of you have older students in your class? I am 39 and starting pre-reqs at HCC Dale Mabry and am hoping I won't be the only older person in these classes! Best of luck to everyone.

OP - the housing here in Florida is predicted to drop another 28% in the next 5 years. They will have to reform the taxes and insurance sooner or later, or average people won't be able to afford it. Heck they already can't. Yes, the taxes and insurance are still very high and have COMPLETELY outpaced inflation....but I still love it in Florida. My husband is an avid boater and would tell you to come to Florida any day!

I am so inspired to see the replies to this question. I am 39 and in the very beginning stages of considering this route. For those of you who are in a RN program, are you in 2 year programs like those at community colleges? I am meeting with an advisor in two weeks at our local CC about starting pre-reqs, and am even nervous about that. I have been out of school for 16 years. YIKES. Anyway, thanks to all for your stories. They certainly make it seem less daunting to this 39 year old SAHM of two small children.