passion to help

True, OTR's currently hold a masters and PT's, at least in California, are now required to hold a doctorate, and I believe OTR's are pushing for the same. I am one of those individuals who changed from ADN to COTA/L and still wonder if it was the right decision for me. I loved nursing but decided to drop at the end of third semester. They're both wonderfully rewarding fields, nursing and therapy and good luck to enjoying thinking about joining either career field. As for sign-on bonuses, try to work it into your hourly salary rather than taking one lump sum that way the taxes work out better for you : )

I began pre-reqs for becoming an RN at age 42, completed them at age 48 and began applying to ADN programs. Fortunately, I was invited to participate in an accelerated program here in Sacramento. I am now 52 years old and my words to anyone thinking about becoming an RN after age 45, believe in yourself and if it is your dream to become an RN, then follow your dream and go for it! You can do it!

Hi Denise, Did you make it through 3rd semester? I hope so. If you did, do you have any tips for me? I withdrew from 3rd semester four weeks before semester end because, I didn't think I could maintain a 75% which was grade needed for passing. I'm scheduled to retake 3rd semester commencing in August; I'm excited and nervous because, I haven't done any clinical since Nov. Thanks for any advice you can offer me and best wishes to you in your career as an RN.

I would have to say first semester was the most difficult, at least for me; because, you're adjusting to the pace of the program plus all the information then add 2 1/2 days of clinical on top of that per week. Wheweeee, it was truly an adjustment! I was in an accelerated program in Calif and ended-up withdrawing four weeks before the end of the third semester. I was exhausted and didn't think I could maintain the necessary 75% by end of semester. I'm scheduled to re-enter third semester of the regular-paced program in August which I'm looking forward to it; although, I'm a little nervous because I haven't done any clinical work since the beginning of Nov. Good luck to each of you : ) in getting through nursing school. It's wonderful to have this link of people with which to share our thoughts.