Some good advise please!? (dallas)

[AsEpSiS]

Hi yall! I really need a little bit of help making a major decision. So, please feel free to blast away...good, or bad.

About myself:

I have a BS in bio earned back in 2005. I got an "A" in stats, "B's" in A&P and micro. I retook A&P 1 and 2 last year just to keep things current. Recieved an "A" in both classes.

I plan on retaking college algebra and Chem since back in my BS days, I did rather poorly. Also, I will probably need to redo micro since that class "timed out"

I've worked as a cna, pharmacy tech, phlebotomist and I currently work as an organ recovery coordinator/surgical tech.

I really want to get into a nursing school (ADN, or BSN), but it seems like every place needs different admissions requirements. Even despite an individual having good grades, the odds seem to be stacked against you no matter what.

In efforts to give me a better chance at getting into a program, I'm considering doing a 15 month paramedic program in hopes to bridge if needed. It seems to me that since I'll be taking prereqs the next two semesters anyways, I could do the medic program simultaneously.

This move would give me two options...apply to a RN bridge program, and apply the traditional route. I guess I'm freaked out about waisting time taking these clases that I already took before, score well, and still not get accepted.

Can you guys and girls please tell me if I'm crazy, or does this sound like a good idea!?

[jddm163]

some schools for adn will actually give you credit for classes taken and adjust financial aid.

good luck

[ScientistSalarian]

A lot of programs really *do* have slightly different requirements so I guess my first suggestion would be to zero in on the schools you want to apply to and then base your plans around their requirements. To get an idea of what your chances are find out how they rank applications (usually a point-based system) and what the stats were for the most recently admitted classes. A lot of places handle prerequisites differently - some take only the first try, some average the two grades together, etc. - so just be sure that retaking all these classes will be worth it before you sign up.

Not sure about the paramedic program - aside from simply being able to list it as relevant work experience (which you already have in spades!) on your application it may not be that helpful unless you know of a specific school offering a paramedic-to-nursing pathway.

Good luck!