Stressing

Hello all, I am new here :)

I currently hold a BA degree in English. My intention was to become a teacher in Special Education. When I first went back to school (I am 35 now, married with children) 8 years ago, I wanted to go for nursing. But I chickened out because I thought it would be too hard. My kids were really little and I didnt have any confidence that I could do it all with such a tough program. So instead, I went for medical assisting and then said forget it..lets go for something big. So teaching just sort of happened. Well I finished my BA and was supposed to start a Masters program in Special Ed and I realize...I really don't want to be a teacher. I want to be a nurse. Its what I wanted in the first place and I regret not just doing it.

My problem is that the final realization hit me now, right when applications for Sept are due and I had no idea that there are some schools that have prereqs. I could apply as a freshman with no transfer but what would that mean, would I not be able to use my credits? When I apply as a transfer, they tell me I need to have taken A&P and a chemistry class. I am so sad. I just spent the application fees, trasncript fees and everything to apply to 3 schools and now I fear I am not going to get in because of this. I am such a mess now because I know that means a whole year wasted. I will have to wait till next year. I am getting older, I really cant afford to just do nothing.

I also applied for a Occupational Therapist Assistant program at the CC here. I may get into that but still, I want to be a nurse! My husband says if I get into that, just do it and if I like it then great! If not, I can apply for nursing next year, having met all the prereqs by then.

My plan C is to take the CNA certification courses and be a CNA for a year, while also taking the prereq classes throughout the year. I know in my area CNAs dont make much more than 9-10 an hour, but I only make 10 an hour now working in an office. So it would likely be more beneficial for me since it would be geared towards what I want.

So I guess I came here for..I don't know..support? advice? a pep talk? I am feeling so down because I didnt know about the prerequisites. I have a total of 180 college credits and still..it wont be enough. So sad