MDB1968

NMnursingstudent, Thank you for your insights! Most certainly appreciated! I am still in the "researching" phase of the second career....I will be attending the CNM informational session this weekend and have been in contact with SFCC as well. I may indeed apply to all of the colleges (UNM, CNM, SFCC) and go from there. You are not the first person I have heard comment similarly on UNM CON. At this time in my life, the clinical aspects of nursing are where my true desires are. Not that the "academic" side of the house does not interest me, however, having gone through 4 years of Bilology/Chemistry background in the past, the more "hands on" aspects of nursing are much more appealing to me. I will definitely be asking more questions in the future as I build my knowledge base! Thank you for the offer to pick your brain!!!! Best wishes in your studies!!!! :)

kboylan, Thanks a bunch for the informative answer! I am exploring all opportunities but have ruled out Pima and Apollo. Fortunately for me attending full time will be easily done (not in the workload department but in the TIME department). The unfortunate aspect is that my BS in Biology is now 19 years old....so essentially I would be a brand new student in the University's eyes. I am going to pursue all avenues available aside from P & A.....keeping my fingers crossed! All good things come for those who wait! Regards, :)

Hi everyone, Can anyone shed some light on which programs they liked/disliked, did you feel prepared, cost, etc for the program you were in? I am considering CNM and SFCC with the possibility of UNM CON. Thanks! :)

kboylan09, Congratulations!!!!! How long did it take you to get accepted? Was it your first try?

Hello Everyone! I made an introduction on the main page located here and consider myself fortunate to have found this community! I am 40 years old and have decided to pursue my passion for nursing. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Biology but unfortunately for me I received my degree in 1990.....a bit long for a transfer of credits...LOL. I will be able to start pursuing this endeavor full-time in Feb of 2010 when I can leave my current job. What I have found disheartening are the waiting times for new nursing classes. I have a friend who is also in a similar situation and he indicated that the waiting time for CNM is two years. I spoke with UNM CON today and they said while there is no waiting list, it is an extremely competitive with over 200 applicants and roughly 40 are selected. The second degree program is even more competitive and I do not have "current" credit hours to even qualify from what I learned. Pima Medical and Apollo College have no waiting lists, if any, but are very expensive. I am still awaiting materials from both of them. Santa Fe Community College is less expensive with relatively no waiting time but clinicals could be located far away from what I have gathered. The people I spoke with at the college were very nice and helpful. I would certainly appreciate if anyone has any insight to the differing programs out there in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. For those of you that have finished or are enrolled in the programs, what are your thoughts on each? Are there places to avoid? What would be your suggestions on how to realize my desires to become an RN? I am very excited to pursue a career that I truly want to be involved in! Thanks for any and all advice you can provide.:) My dream of becoming a nurse may have been delayed for a few years:chuckle....but eventually I will get there! I am also very thankful for discovering this site....everyone has been wonderful thus far! :)