kla1983

Thank you EVERYONE for your responses, it's so great to have some other options and to hear that I'm not out of luck, I am trying to stay positive! :) I thought about the LPN route, though can't find a program in Tucson besides another for-profit which is $17k for an LPN! Insane! I think PCC has a a wait list even for LPN program! Which is crazy. I really just am trying not to smack myself over my past mistakes - like if I would have just gone into nursing when I was 18 rather than the path I did take! I would love to just have my bachelors to eventually pursue my DNP as well. Really, if I could find a place to get my LPN for a reasonable tuition I would definitely start there. But, again, it seems my only options would be to pay an outrageous amount of money for that, then have to pay more to get my LPN to RN at a Uni! Sigh! It's great hearing your success stories, I know there are alot of non-traditional nurses out there and those who have overcome alot more obstacles than I have! It's great to know that I CAN DO IT! :)

I really appreciate your input and advice :) I am going on only research that I have done, and don't have any friends or family down here to discuss my options with, so I really value other people's opinions! I really don't like the idea of graduating with an associates only and being 45k in debt, that is really the one reason I haven't gone in for one if PMI's information sessions. However, that being said, I do not have all the time in the world to go to school - my fiance will be supporting us financially while I am in school, and he does NOT make alot of money - we're both making a few bucks above min. wage. So, that's my one reason that a 4 year program may not be suitable for me, especially knowing that I will have to wait until September of 2014 to even get resident status OR be accepted onto a wait list. Those are the reasons I am thinking that going into 45k of debt, and then getting a job that may not be high paying but may have tuition reimbursement or would pay for my bachelors, may be my only course of action here, reasonably. Which I do NOT like, but I know my circumstances aren't exactly ideal for schools or time requirements. A close friend of mine back home only owes 30k after getting her associates and THEN getting her bachelors, both at private uni's back in NY. And I'd be more in debt than her after JUST getting my associates? SIGH! That brings me to another question: Would I even be accepted into a 4yr program? I know it's very competitive with students that have recent academic scores and 4.0's and high SAT scores, and I obviously don't have any of that. & are there wait lists for the unis? Feeling frustrated and getting a bit hopeless. Just want to finally make this happen!

Hi guys! I'm hoping genuinely to get some advice on my options. I am NOT a traditional student. I'm 30 and definitely live the definition of paycheck to paycheck. My goal has always been to go back to school to become a nurse, however in the past it hasn't been do-able because I wouldn't be able to pay my bills while in school. Thankfully, my fiance and I just relocated to Tucson from New York so I could pursue this FINALLY. So, I have some concerns and questions about what to do and how to get started! First, like I said, I am 30 and need to work to live, so I'm looking for an associates program, or something that can be completed in a short time (4+ years is really just too long to be out of work and in school, for me at this age!). I am also NOT a resident of Arizona yet, I won't technically be one until September of 2014. I have no idea how that works or if I could get that waived to get in-state tuition, but it seems unlikely. I would honestly LOVE to go straight for my bachelors, however I'm really thinking that because of my circumstances, my best option would be to get my associates and go from there. I have been contemplating PMI, though the price tag seems COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS for a 2-yr program. 47k?! How do you even begin to pay for that? Does this seem normal? I know it's been about 10 years since I went to college, but back in the day I paid 5k a year at a state college. I am really considering this program, as it seems to be the one with no wait list (I don't have time for a wait list, unfortunately), less competitive of an admission process (I haven't been in school since 2003 - I don't have a degree and none of my previous credits would transfer as it's been over 10 years), and something that I can complete in 2 yrs and get out in the workforce! After looking at other schools, it seems like the huge price tag at PMI is basically paying for the convienences of being able to get it done quick and well, without all the hassles you'd have to go through as a traditional student at a CC or the time of a 4-year school. That being said, I'd love to hear any thoughts or experiences with PMI. Has anyone gone to this program starting out with NO experience? Any graduates out there? What are the employment prospects? I do see that they offer lifelong job placement, which is attractive - any experience with this? WHAT about that PRICE TAG! If there are any other options that I'm missing (PMI, 2+ year wait list at PCC, or 4-year Universities), please fill me in! Also, remember - I don't have a GPA. I got my GED in 2001 and dropped out of college after a year in 2003. I have a ton of work experience, am relatively intelligent, and very motivated and committed to this. Do I even stand a chance of getting into ANY school? Thanks for any help you can give :) Kayta