Question on where to go...stl area

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So I wasn't sure of myself to start off in the medical field, so I made a decision (now I see probably a wrong one) to go to school for Medical Assisting. I will be done in March, do an externship then graduate. I want to be a nurse though, always wanted to.

I've checked out different colleges, associates vs. bachelors, price vs. price, everything! I just can't figure out exactly what to do. Meremac has such a long waiting list and I just don't know. I mean, I'll still have to take pre-reqs and all, like Bio and Chem even before I can apply for the program..is it worth it? I mean, I would be able to work as a rma while I take these classes and all, but it seems like the end is it not in sight. any suggestions?

Thank you!!

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The community colleges do typically have a longer waiting list, I didn't know you had to have all your classes finished before applying. I attend Maryville Univeristy's weekend and evening BSN program, it is pricey but I am able to do it with student loans and some grants. I work full time so this works with my schedule. I am applying to the Fall 2010 program and you don't have to have all your pre ques completed but you have to have finished and passed by the start date.

One of the reasons I chose not to attend the community college was convience of classes, waiting list and it was going to take me 3 years for my ADN and in for an extra year I will have a BSN.

Like I said it is very exspensive but works with my schedule and I really enjoy the school.

There are lots of choices just have to do what works best for you. Good Luck

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I just wanted to add, that in the beginning it can seem like there is "no end in sight" but you will be amazed at how quickly the time will pass. When I started Maryville in the summer 2008 I literally had 3 college credits, I attend fall, spring and summer but as of the end of summer 2009 I have 41 credits.

If you are young you have plenty of time, I know how it feels like it takes an enternity but I remind myself that time is going to pass whether I am in school or not.

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Specializes in Med-surg, ER, agency, rehab, oc health..

Chamberlain has a 3 year bsn program! The price isn't unreasonable... you will come out paying about 3-4 grand a year and the rest you can get student loans for.

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Just reinforcing mmgirls mama's comment.....What was so far away a year and a half ago, is now five weeks away. Five weeks from today will be the first day of nursing classes. As to university versus community college....I decided on UMSL's accellerated program. Yes, it cost $20,000 more than St Charles Community College, but it finishes 9 months earlier with a BSN. I didn't need my business degree to figure out the math on that one.

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I have opted to attend Chamberlain, I've been accepted and start in the fall. I have done a lot of research, and it seemed to be the best option for me. It is a 3yr program and there are no pre-reqs (although having some classes done ahead of time is helpful). It is more expensive than a ADN program at a CC, but compared to 4yr traditional BSN programs, the price is not that different. I will be done in about 2.5 years since i have some classes done already. My grad date will actually be about the same as it would have been if I'd waited out for the CC program.

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