Still long way away from going but I have some questions...

CNA2day · Feb 11, 2012

I've decided that nursing would be a good career for me, but I'm still young (15) so ya' know, I'm really thinking ahead, I didn't really have an idea about what I would want to be, but we had to take a online test during class and my top two options were "Registered Nurse" and a "Licensed Practical Nurse" and I really like the idea, but I had some concerns about it.
What kind of classes will I need to take?
I know I'll need biology and maths, but how much maths will I need? I'm not very strong in maths.
What kind of pay is each of those?
I mean, hourly, monthly, yearly, I know they vary, but what is it on average?
Is that amount good to live off of?
I don't really know about this kind of thing, so ya' know....
Thank you for any help ^^

I would take as many math and science courses as you can in highschool. You need microbiology and Chemistry as well as College algebra and statistics (depending on the school)

For my nursing school pre reqs I have college algebra, Speech, microbiology, chemistry, Psychology, Anatomy, physiology(sp)... I think i missed a few but that gives you a good idea. After those classes then you can apply for either a 2 year nursing program or a 4 year nursing program. If you high school offers you to take dual credits with a college for credit I encourage you to do it as it will give you some of the prereqs needed for nursing school.

Nursing varies on the payscale but they generally start out at least $20.00/hour and increases substantially with experience.

LPN's make quite a bit less and the schooling is not that much less. Also LPN's are not allowed to do as much as RN's and typically are not hired in hospitals.

If you are interested when you are looking for a job I would auggest getting a job as a CNA in a nursng home, where you will help residents with their skills of daily living. It will give you a good feel of the medical field.

meghan0316 · Feb 11, 2012

Thomas,

I think it is great that you are looking to the future! I agree with the previous post about the math and science.. take as much as you can in high school. You are young enough that you can really work on it before college. The school I attend requires these per-requisites: English 2 semesters Math: College Algebra and Statistics Science: Biology 2 semesters, Anatomy and Phys 2 semesters, Microbiology and Disease Process, Psychology and Human Growth/Development. There are several websites where you can check the average salary for an RN by region, because it does vary significantly. I would definitely go for your RN, and not your LPN because your license would be more useable. In general nurses make enough money to support themselves and live decently. Oh, and I would not work in a nursing home to get experience, it will burn you out quickly, and a lot of people have a hard time dealing with elderly persons. I did this and quit nursing school my first go round. Hope this helps!!

Lmthompson87 · Feb 11, 2012

Definately take Anatomy & Physiology, Algebra, Statistics if they offer it in high school. If your initial goal is to just get your Associates Degree in Nursing you will not need more math than college level algebra and statistics (again check with the college because this sometimes varies). As far as LVN or RN, the RN will make more money and many LVN's wish they went ahead and got their RN. I am in NC and a new graduate Nurse RN can make between $43,000 - $55,000 a year. That is definately enough to live off of, especially if you are single and don't waste your money.

Thomas_Spence · Feb 12, 2012

Thank you for the help ^^ I'll look into getting some extra help in those areas! Thanks again!

Thomas_Spence · Feb 13, 2012

One more question, what is the average cost for nursing school? This is what's available at the nearest college: Nursing School | Nursing College | Nursing Program | Lethbridge College Would that get me my RN, since that's obviously the I want to go for more money, I mean it's not ALL about money, but it helps.... The cost kinda threw me, I mean my family isn't exactly rich, were not poor, but ya' know, obviously I'll have to save myself, I've already decided I'm going to put money away when I start working (I can't until next year as I'm from England and only have a student visa) is that a good price? Will it get me what I need?

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 13, 2012

What are your options, in terms of scholarships or grants?

I'm not from England; I'm from the U.S. In my state, the government uses the money that comes from lottery ticket sales to fund students through college.

I have a different scholarship that is funded by a doctor and his wife who live in my city.

At my school, I pay according to how many credit hours I take. So for example, I'm taking 15 credits. The doctor pays around $250 per credit hour, so that's how much money I get for school. They told me if I get into nursing school next year, my tuition will be around $7,000 a semester. I'm really not looking forward to that, haha, so I'm trying to keep this scholarship.

I think it's a great idea that you're starting to save money! Better safe than sorry, right? :) Good luck!

Thomas_Spence · Feb 14, 2012

I'm in Canada, I'm from England, that's what I meant by student visa

I'm not all to sure, I know about low & medium income family grants, which I might qualify for. I don't know about getting a scholarship, I'm not really sure how to get one, but I'll look into it.

Thanks, I guess if I do get some sort of grant or scholarship, the extra money would be nice anyway

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 15, 2012

Ask your school counselors, they should know all about scholarships and they might even be able to help you apply for some!

My university, I believe, does offer scholarships for international students.

Kendel.G · Feb 15, 2012

Okay, so I'm a 16 year old (I've already graduated from HS though) and am starting my Prerequisites this semester in the form of CLEP tests (you could also take AP as well). For me, it takes about 3-6 weeks to study for a CLEP (I use REA to study). If you're like me, you aren't going to want to spend too much time working on Pre-Reqs (I wish mine were done yesterday). I wish I started doing the CLEPs sooner so I could actually do some of the necessary course work this semester (I'm doing some really oddball classes instead). So check into what classes your college requires (What I'm doing is getting my ADN at a local community college, then transfering to get my RN to BSN then possibly MSN) and then check out what CLEP and/or AP tests you can take to get those Pre-Reqs out of the way. Here is a list of the CLEPs I'm taking:

Biology

College Algebra

Psycology

(My College doesn't accept the Composition CLEP, but if it did I would be taking it)

Also, check and make sure the school you want to go to accepts CLEP before you take the tests.

This is a good way to get active in pursuing your degree now! So you don't have to wait later. Also, look into taking a GED or High School Profiency Test to get out of High School early and start on your college education sooner. That way you could be entering the nursing program at 18 or 19 instead of starting your Pre-Reqs then.

You seem like a very driven individual and you are going to make a great nurse.

ryanalice · Feb 15, 2012

So those REA books are good? I'm hoping to take the Algebra and Bio CLEPs and I'm teaching myself those subjects now. I was also wondering about how long I should take to really learn each subject. I'd like to take the tests in April, or May at the latest. But I heard the Bio test covers 2 semesters worth of college Bio so I hope I'm up to nailing that material in a couple months...

Thomas_Spence · Feb 17, 2012

I don't think I could do the whole leave high school early thing, I wouldn't possibly have enough money by that time.... I will look into all the test's and things, I just don't think that would be a possibility, thank you so much for the help! I'll look into getting some extra help in those areas also.

And thank you, it's nice to hear (Well, read) people telling me I can do it, no-one seems to think I can Thanks again!