cathyn518

Hi, I am in New York. Tution here is 141 dollars a credit hour at Schnectady County Community College. Not sure what to do because even if I took the prereqs this year, I would only have algebra, bio and chem done this semester which means I would have to apply with just these three for fall of 2012. I cannot imagine postponing another year to apply. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether to take the three intro prereqs at a community college or at continuing ed?

I am 54 years old and seriously wanting to attend nursing school. I have had to grapple with my age as an issue (I guess it is mostly my issue!) and am now faced with the application process for nursing schools. Of course both nursing schools in my area require algebra, bio and chem(with labs).Both say they are competitive and I have no reason to doubt that this is the case. I checked into the cost of taking these courses at the community college and the cost would be pretty steep, at least $1600. One of the nursing schools I spoke to said that these courses can be taken at continuing education at a local high school. The cost then would be about $600. My question is this, Could it be that the courses taught at the high school have the same weight as those at the community college when it comes to nursing school admissions? I have asked admissions at both schools this exact question, one said yes they would and another said that their "competitive" students have already completed most of the science (micro, AP I and II) so it sounds like they look at the college level courses. Has anyone had a similar situation when fufilling their prereqs? I have a masters in social work degree but not these prereqs. I am afraid to invest $1600 in community college tution and then not get in to nursing school. Money is very tight, I pay college tution on my daughter right now too!

I am confident of myself as a student, I suppose I just worry that either schools or future employeers might bypass me in favor of someone with lower milage. I am excited about this though, as well as scared to death. I am looking at taking the prereqs this september at a community college.

Wow, thank you so much, you have all touched me with your replies and I have much to think about!

I am 54 and have taken the last two decades of my life to raise my family. I am finally at a place where the deck is clear and I can consider going to nursing school, something I have always wanted to do. I do have a Master's Degree in Social Work but would be required to take all the prerequisites, algebra bio, chem A+P 1 and 11 and micro. Everyone I have spoken to says that the average age in nursing school is 30=I am way outside that average. I am not discouraged by the hard work required, I am just fearful that I will apply and not get in, because of my age or lack of relative professional experience. I have always been a good student and would be thinking I could do well in the courses. Realistically, I don't know if my age and relatively non existing work history would prohibit me from becoming accepted. I am applying to Ellis school of nursing in Schenectady. That is just the first part of my worry, however.What if I do get in and then am not able to get a job as I would probably be starting out around 57? Could I go through all this and then have no one hire me because I am too old? I scarred of taking a foolish chance that just won't work out. I am at the bottom of the food chain in my family and pay college tuition on two kids and taking a chance to do the prerequisites which are almost a full year at a community college is frightening So I can't afford to take a chance if the odds are stacked against me. I would appreciate the honest opinion of those who have first hand knowledge and who could advise me.