livewell

So if my goal is to stay in Colorado for school, when it comes time to file as an independent (which won't be for another year or two anyway), I should do so in Colorado? Also, I currently have a Texas driver's license, Colorado license plates, and I'm not registered to vote. Would it make sense to renew my license in Colorado and also register to vote there? Would that make me "more eligible" for Colorado residency?

Thank you guys again for all the helpful information. Does anyone know how you establish residency when you file as an "independent"? Is it automatically based on where you are a resident at the time you file, or do you get to choose a state at that time?

Thanks for everyone's input! I think y'all are right - I'm pretty sure I'm considered a resident of whatever state my dad resides in (Colorado). One more question though.. If I want to do my BSN in Colorado, but I also want to start filing as an independent after I graduate from Baylor in TX, I should wait to do that until after I've been accepted to a school in CO right? That way, my residency for admission is based on my dad's location, and then when I file as independent, I can choose CO as my residence? Does that make sense?

So I'm a little confused about what state I'd be considered a resident of. I was born in Texas, lived there until I was 18 when I moved with my family to Colorado. I took a year off and lived there for a year before returning to Texas to attend Baylor University, where I've been for the past 2 years. When I graduate from Baylor, I intend to do an Accelerated BSN program. The problem is, money is obviously a factor and I'd really prefer to go to a school in my "home" state so that I can pay in-state tuition. I'm technically still a dependent, so I assume that normally my residence would be whatever my dad's is (Colorado, since he's lived there for 3 years now). BUT, what if I decide I want to do my BSN in Texas. Can I argue the point that I've lived there my whole life except one year between high school and college, and that I intend to go to school there and eventually stay there permanently? Or if I decide I want to go to school in Colorado. Could I say that because I am financially a dependent of my father, that my residence should be in the same state as his? Does anyone have any information about all this, or know where I can find some? Thanks!

Thank you guys for the info! arciedee, After receiving an MSN with the intention of becoming a NP or CNS, do you simply take a certification exam or is there further training/schooling after your Master's? Also, I've looked into CNA programs nearby (I can't go far because I'm still in school), and there really are none. Do employers like hospitals or nursing homes ever train you for becoming a CNA, or do I have to go to school for it? I'm thinking the volunteer route sounds more practical.. MWJamesLDS, After hearing your opinion and doing a TON of research, I agree that an Accelerated BSN makes the most sense. No waiting list, done in a year, and if I can get into a school close by then I could potentially be paying in-state tuition. Then I can have some time to decide on a specialty, get some experience, and later apply to an MSN program. I'm really liking how University of Colorado Denver Health Science Center looks. Any ideas how difficult it is to get in? *

Hello! I'm currently working on my BA in Psychology, and am very seriously considering a Direct Entry Master's program after I graduate. But seeing as I'm completely new to all of this, I have a lot of questions.. First of all, is this a common path to take for students who have just graduated with their Bachelor's? Or is it targeted more at older individuals making a career change? Also, if I eventually intend to become a NP, but don't yet know what specialty I'm interested in (I have zero nursing-related experience), is it a better idea to go for an ADN or BSN so I have time to decide? Or is that too much of a waste of time and money? Lastly, when/if I do apply to a Direct Entry Master's program (or an ADN or Accelerated BSN for that matter), what kind of job/volunteer experience would you suggest? The Direct Entry programs are obviously designed specifically for individuals without prior nursing experience, but I don't want to go into it completely unprepared. Any insight whatsoever would be very much appreciated!