Questions About Nursing Programs in Northern IL

[numom1]

I'm firmly determined to become a nurse, but haven't started the program yet. I'm 35, about to be divorced with three kids. I should be able to go to school during the day while my kiddoes are in school, especially starting next year ('08-'09 school year) as my youngest will then be in Kindergarten.

I'm basically wondering where I should move to in order to get the best chance of getting in the program the soonest. From what I have gathered, in my area - Northern Illinois - Rockford area, all the nursing programs are super hard to get into and you basically have to have straight A's to get into them. I have a few choices around me which include Rock Valley College, St. Anthony's, and of course Dekalb (NIU) isn't too far away as well as Kiswaukee College which is near there. Chicago also is an option as long as it's an outlying suburb.

I'm a very good student and while I do believe I could probably get straight A's, there's always a chance I might not in a class or two and that is bothering me. I don't want to wait 5 years to get into a nursing program so I'm wondering if there is one in my area that is a bit more lenient.

Also, I went to an orientation class at Rock Valley College so I have some information regarding pre-reqs and the like. Since it's been 12 years since I was last in college at NIU, I will probably have to take most of the pre-reqs again. You have to do this before applying to the school of nursing, right?

Anyone have any information on this? Anyway, if anyone has tips, etc. it would be immensely helpful as it will help determine which area I move to when we sell our house (which will go on the market soon). Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Laura

[LMRN10]

Hey there. I'm sorry to hear about the major changes going on in your life right now. I hope all is well.

Well, I am enrolled at CLC which is in Northeastern Illinois (Grayslake). I think there may be somewhere in the Crystal Lake area? Not positive though. Google Searches work wonders sometimes though.

My IL's actually live in Loves Park, so not far from Rockford at all. It takes them about 1 1/2 hours to get to our area. Have you thought about driving up into Janesville, WI? I think there may also be a school there as well. Just a thought. I know my school, you really need to be a resident...if your not, you'll never get in because they always take the residents first. Also, Harper College...I think it is Palatine is another one.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!!

[numom1]

Thanks for the information. I didn't realize there was a college in Janesville. I'm only about 1/2 hour away from there as I live a bit north of Rockford - not quite in WI but close. And, yup, Loves Park is definitely in my neck of the woods. Again, thanks for the information.

Laura