Starting over. Pre-reqs from 7-10 years ago.

[thatgal]

I am in California, and am looking into virtually every Associates RN program available in-state. I am willing to go out of state. I don't mind re-taking classes, but many colleges just flat out say they allow only one science repeat, and if you were to repeat again, even if it is for recency and/or a better grade, they will not count it. This means I am disqualified permanently. I did not obtain excellent grades my first time going to college. Microbiology - C, Physiology - B-, Anatomy - D (1st attempt), C (2nd). The majority of schools require either a 2.5 or a 3.0 GPA in science pre-reqs, and only one repeat. If possible, I would want to apply to schools that I do qualify for, and study my past classes on my own as a refresher.

I am unsure how to proceed. Should I re-take all of these classes, and submit that to schools I apply to? Ask for permission to apply as an exception? I do not want to give false information, but if I do repeat all the science coursework, then I still technically do not qualify.

There is one RN program here. I do not qualify for. I would have to move my entire family near the college I am accepted. I am also unsure if I would be able to get financial aid, as I quit school as a senior at a state college, so I am far over the unit limit. If anyone has any experience with my situation, please let me know. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

If it was 7-10 years ago since you took classes, and you do not have a degree (Associates, Bachelors), then most likely it does not count for transfers, so "retakes" don't apply, so to speak, because the course has "expired" so by default, you would take it over because the course in itself has evolved...so it would be a clean slate.

In my area, that was how it was explained to me. I had an AA, the classes I took at another university were not counted because they were 10 years old when I went back for my nursing degree, so I had to take over my "arts" in order to complete my degree, and they did not transfer over.

As far as my science classes, I needed to get an A and a B in at least 3 of my classes, so I was recommended a CLEP-like process through Excelsior college. I self studied and took a test to get a passing grade. I did A&P parts I & II (one test) and Microbiology (I). I got an A and B respectively.

Find out from the schools directly, be upfront about your situation. If you were a dependent (under 24) when you first went to school, and are above 24, you are an independent student, and the qualifications may change. Ask each program to clarify. If it matches up, you have a chance for a "clean slate." Most places have no issue for giving in the information, and pointing you in the right direction, financial aid waivers, etc. when you explain you situation, provide clarity, and have a plan to follow out your goals. Good luck!!! :)

[zoe92]

I know in Maryland, you MUST retake any sciences after 5 years. So you can retake all your sciences and have none of them count against you as a one time retake (due to failing or wanting a better grade, etc). From what I've read, California has extremely long wait lists that take years. I would look out of state. Maybe move to Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, maybe even Utah. Do a lot of research on the job market in the area so you can decide whether you want BSN or ADN. If you move to a place where ADNs don't have a lot of choices, aim for the BSN. Start at a community college to save money and start taking those pre reqs over. Good luck!

[Nurse2B2016]

If it was 7-10 years ago since you took classes, and you do not have a degree (Associates, Bachelors), then most likely it does not count for transfers, so "retakes" don't apply, so to speak, because the course has "expired" so by default, you would take it over because the course in itself has evolved...so it would be a clean slate.

In my area, that was how it was explained to me. I had an AA, the classes I took at another university were not counted because they were 10 years old when I went back for my nursing degree, so I had to take over my "arts" in order to complete my degree, and they did not transfer over.

As far as my science classes, I needed to get an A and a B in at least 3 of my classes, so I was recommended a CLEP-like process through Excelsior college. I self studied and took a test to get a passing grade. I did A&P parts I & II (one test) and Microbiology (I). I got an A and B respectively.

Find out from the schools directly, be upfront about your situation. If you were a dependent (under 24) when you first went to school, and are above 24, you are an independent student, and the qualifications may change. Ask each program to clarify. If it matches up, you have a chance for a "clean slate." Most places have no issue for giving in the information, and pointing you in the right direction, financial aid waivers, etc. when you explain you situation, provide clarity, and have a plan to follow out your goals. Good luck!!! :)

Hey I've got a question for u. So if I get my adn in nursing and say in 9 years want to go for my bachelors. Would the time limit affect me? Or no since I have a degree? Meaning. Would I have to retake my sciences?

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Hey I've got a question for u. So if I get my adn in nursing and say in 9 years want to go for my bachelors. Would the time limit affect me? Or no since I have a degree? Meaning. Would I have to retake my sciences?

Most likely no, because you have a degree, but that mat have changed. I had to retake my sciences because I had my degree, and the grades had to be higher. I had my AA for 6 years at the time, which is past the 5 year mark for sciences. I did not get a clean slate, however, I used Excelsior to "test out" of my class. The universities in my area use Excelsior or CLEP (College Level Examination Program) to fulfill this.

If you do have plans to return, check with the schools you are interested in and find out if they use those programs, it depends on the area.