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I only had a computer class that transferred. So the pre-reqs that I had to take first were Chemistry and Algebra. There are other pre-reqs within the actual program when you start that you could get transferred in as well. The pace of the classes was manageable. They were quick, lots of information in each class. But you've gotta figure they are only 5 weeks long. I had Chemistry Wed, Friday and Saturday. Every Friday there was a test. No homework at all other than a Powerpoint project we worked on all term that was counted as our final for lab. It was really easy though. I had Algebra the next term on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everything was online and we didn't have a set schedule. The teacher hardly taught anything in the class. It was a free for all. Our tests were on Thursdays and she gave us the passwords. We could do them in class or go home and do them. That class was overwhelming for me, mostly because of the way it was organized. There was SO much homework is ridiculous. I honestly didn't have a lot of time at home to study. I spent maybe an extra hour each night after class to study or finish homework (Algebra). I got home at 10:30pm and my husband and baby were asleep then so it gave me the quiet time I needed. I would do Chemistry flashcards on my breaks at work and study them on lunch. I'd also get to class about 30 minutes early to study on test days.

I officially start my nursing classes in 2 weeks. However, I'm thinking way ahead of the game right now in regards to resumes since I'm doing a career shift. I've been wondering what to do about mine when the time comes. I have never been in the medical field. I have admin/office experience and teaching experience since my other degree is in education. My resume though is quite awful in regards to how it looks since I am a prior military spouse with numerous jobs all over the place. Ideally, I'd like to find a job in the medical field while in school to get my foot in the door - or even volunteer work. Something medical that could be put on my resume. When it comes time to graduate and look for jobs - would it be weird or unacceptable to basically start over with a brand new resume with only medical experience on it? Or would I have to keep my crappy all-over-the-place resume and just add to it? Anyone ever run into this?

So far I haven't heard of anyone that was in my pre-req's getting rejected. Of the people I talked to in those classes, they got in. When I go to orientation on the 8th I'll be able to see who else got in that I don't keep in touch with on a regular basis. The process seemed pretty simple. I had to obviously pass my pre-req's with an 80% or better. I then had to be cleared by Financial Aid. That included making sure my taxes were filed, FAFSA filled out, student loans figured out, etc. I then had to interview with the Assistant DoN and go over my essay and some questions she had for me. I just got my schedule today and for my first 5 week term I have A&P 3 nights a week and a freshman orientation class 1 night a week.

I meant to add that I'm in the night program with classes from 5:30pm - 10:30pm. I asked during my interview what clinicals would be like for us in the night program and the director said they'd fall under that same schedule, with some taking place on Saturdays depending on the clinical site. The only exception to the schedule is the peds rotation since it has to be during daytime/afternoon hours.

I'll pipe in with what little info I do have so far. I just got accepted for Newport News and classes start on the 11th. I took 2 pre-reqs with them though, so I got a taste of what it would be like with my situation. I work full-time and also have a toddler at home. My first class was Chemistry and it was a little tough getting adjusted since it was 3 nights a week including a Saturday. I was stretched pretty thin when it came to balancing work, home and school but I managed it well and came out with an A in both lecture and lab. It was a rough 5 weeks because there was so much packed into the lessons though. My other pre-req was Algebra that I finished a few weeks ago. Boy that was awful. I'm usually pretty good at math, but for whatever reason my class just wasn't grasping the content - we all agreed that it was the teacher and her way of teaching. I kept on with the study plan and managed fine, but I think it was more difficult than my Chemistry class. Obviously I haven't started the nursing classes yet - but the same concept as far as study time and time management will come into play since these are fast-paced 5 week terms with clinicals soon to be thrown into the mix. Most of the girls in my class also work full-time jobs during the day and though it's a challenge at times, it's completely doable as long as you do have that time management and ability to prioritize what needs to be done.

I got in!! Classes start on the 11th I am so excited!

I should hopefully know by tomorrow if I'm accepted into the program or not. I was told they would make selections by the 24th. I worked full time, managed the household, and also have my husband who goes to school full-time - all while taking my pre-reqs and it was challenging but doable. Chemistry I ended up with an A+ and Algebra an A-. The biggest factor that helped me what that I'm in the night program. I would get off work at 5 to be at class by 5:30. But when I got home after class my husband and daughter were already in bed and that gave me ample time to study or do homework without interruptions.

What classes/entrance exams do you have left? As of Saturday, none! I took my TEAS already and have my Chemistry final this week. I didn't need to take any of the other pre-req's required by my school (ECPI) since I had transfer credits from my other degree. I still need to take A&P and classes like that, but it's all part of the program once I get in. When will you begin submitting applications? I already applied How many programs will you be applying to? I only applied to ECPI because I was looking for something fast-paced and accelerated and close to home. Have you already been accepted into a program? I haven't been accepted yet, but will start interviewing probably next month. I'm pretty optimistic about it. :)

I studied for my first exam and got a 98 + 2 extra credit, so a 100. I didn't study as hard for my 2nd exam which was a mistake because I got an 84.

So far for me, old fashioned flash cards have been my best study resource. I also take advantage of the app Study Blue to see other flashcards from the same courses. My teacher has been great with her instruction so everything seems to be sticking pretty well with me. Considering the fact that it's an accelerated class - General, Organic and Bio Chem all crammed into 5 hour long classes, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. We start week 4 tomorrow and so far I have a 96 overall in the class.

Well, I just decided to make a career change. I am 29 and will graduate September next year.

Thanks RunBabyRN! Now to get all of my thoughts down into one concise essay!

Yes might need Chemistry here! Moving onto week 2 tomorrow.

I've been thinking about my essay and I'm not sure where to begin with it. The questions I have to address are 1. Why do you want to become a Registered Nurse? 2. What do you consider to be your single most important accomplishment in life? 3. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good Registered Nurse? I'm not sure on how personal it should be or what route to take. Obviously I have the response of "I want to help people" but I also love being challenged and continuously learning. What solidified my decision to apply to nursing school was when I had my daughter in 2013 (which would be my single most important accomplishment as well, or is that cheesy?). I had great nurses all throughout my pregnancy which was not an eventful one but my delivery on the other hand was an unexpected nightmare. I am so thankful for the nurses that took care of me and all of the hard work that they do for complete strangers and that's something that I want to be a part of. Or should I just stick with something more "cookie cutter"?

Between working full time, maintaining a home and chasing a toddler around.. I get about 7 to 8 per night except school nights since I have class until 10:30 pm.