Steps to Becoming an RN...

[ejporter66]

I was in school in 2010 studying elem. edu. and discontinued. I want to get back into school and eventually become an RN. The community colleges I've looked at admit students based on a point system. Points are determined by TEAS V test scores, college classes in specific fields or HS classes in specific fields like science and math. My GPA in 2010 wasn't good (2. something possibly 1. something) so I'm really studying for this TEAS V exam. Here are my questions:

1. The schools I've been researching all say their nursing program is a 2 year (5 semester) plan which will prepare me to take state RN exam and after that I'll be employable to work in a health clinic. Can I really become a professional RN with an ADN or will I need BS to really be elligiible?

2. Will I have to take pre reqs before actually being admitted into the nursing program? I didn't take the required courses in math in science to be considered for points. If a school accepts HS graduates with no college courses, is it likely that the pre reqs are combined with the actual nursing program? Or is this wishful thinking?

[leenak]

1) Yes you can become an RN with an ADN program

2) You will need to check with the specific schools. ADN programs tend to have less pre-reqs and may also roll some of the pre-reqs into the program. Generally, they will want you to have some of the science pre-reqs done before applying to the program.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I'm afraid "2 year program" is a bit misleading, as most nursing programs that say that are not telling you that it's often a year or two of pre-reqs that must be done BEFORE matriculation into the nursing program, which THEN starts the "2 year" clock. So yes, there are those that do it in 2 years, but there's lots of variables, such as what courses they've already completed, whether they had AP classes in high school, etc.

As the previous person wrote, only the individual schools can tell you how they run their programs: whether they will matriculate you into the nursing program before you complete the necessary pre-reqs or not. Some subjects are considered "co-requisites" in that you may take them during your actual time IN the nursing program, but again, that's up to the individual schools.

Honestly, it looks like your biggest hurdle is going to be getting into the school's programs at all. Most nursing programs are rather competitive, and a very poor GPA (such as yours) might just drop you to the bottom of the waiting list. Be prepared for that; I'd make some appointments to speak with Admissions at the school(s) that interest you before going any further.

[ejporter66]

Thank you for your answers. I plan on making appointments with admissions advisors at all 12 schools I'm applying to next week. Hopefully with preparation and good advising I might be ready for the fall.

[nursingschool*]

Good plan. Talk to them all. They will all be a little different. They will also answer all of your questions. Your GPA will matter but they will tell you where you can retake courses. It is competitive out there so don't get discouraged. No matter what, you will have your work cut out for you.