Hi, I think I'm stuck with nursing, since I spent 3 years doing pre-requisites for it. I have about a 3.8 and currently at a CSU. I've thought of possible alternatives, but none work without years and years upon the 3 I've already done, sketchy employment prospects, and mountains of debt.
Anybody else feel like they're "stuck" in the nursing major bc 1) it's very specialized, and 2) it's hard to do any other career based off the pre-reqs, ect, done and some medical fields (like MD) are clearly out of reach...
I did get accepted to a program once, O-O-S, but things happened which made me come back to CA and wrecked a little. Nothing happened to my GPA, however.. but a year of absence later..
What are some easy CA programs to get into? I tried California State University, Chico... was rejected 2 years ago at #77 on waitlist or so. I know the Butte college program here is the easiest, if I wait 3 years. I should have applied 2 years ago, but then I thought I would go straight to bachelors route instead and got into that other program. I might end up waiting 3 years for that lottery, or get into a master's entry program after getting a BA (which will take 2-3 years) from csu chico. I'm in a hard spot where there are no other options, and I also cannot afford private programs (working on grants only - lost a scholarship, also) and bachelors programs are too hard to get into with only a TEAS score of 83%.
I have completed these pre-reqs:
Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Gen Chem I, and Human Genetics (no lab)
Statistics and Trig (pass/fail)
Sociology, Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, Child Development, Basic Nutrition, 2nd psych class, Spanish I, American Lit, 2 English classes, one which is Critical Thinking (no across the lifespan devlop - not offered at BC or CSUC)
What do you suggest I do?? Go for BA while waiting for AA, and possible master's entry? Any help is appreciated! Either way, it appears years down the road bc I didn't apply earlier
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
What about physical therapy, Athletic trainer, Prosthetics specialist, I known people with the preteqs you have going into many areas incluing medical research and Pharmaceuticals. All of these require further degrees.
I got into my BSN program with a slightly less than spectaular GPA under the stipulation that I would maintain a certain GPA while in the program. This was a private University an I had to interview with the dean for acceptance. I spoke of my passion and desire to help drive compassionate nursing into the 21st century. Now if I had interviewed with, "Well I have mountains of debt because I've been irresponsible with credit cards and nursing seems to offer the money I need even though I have no real passion to be a nurse" I doubt I would have been accepted. Not trying to be mean just keeping it real.
PS: You do in fact get back what you put out into the world. If all you see is the negatives of your situation you are not likely to see the positives.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
OK - here's the rub. Even if you get into a school, easy or not, Nursing school is physically and psychologically demanding. You mention an tafget salary of $50,000.00. I am not sure where as a new grad you expect to be making that much as most of the new grads I know are making far less as they are accepting part time perdiem jobs for aroud $26 to $28/hr just to get their feet in the doors of patient care.
You appear to be a veteran, so firstly Thank You for your service. Next the hard cold truth about debt. The only way to get out of debt is to work. If you have loans and grants for school get a job any job. Waitress, Walmart etc... and while you are living at home with mom and presumably not paying rent - use every dollar toward your. You should be able to pay off $17,000 in a year or so if you work hard. Stop using credit cards to pay for things - only spend on what you absolutely need to survive - being able to spend on what you want comes with maturity and financial responsibility.
When I was young and in more debt than you - I worked a full time job and went to school at night to pay off my debt and realize my dreams.
OK - here's the rub. Even if you get into a school, easy or not, Nursing school is physically and psychologically demanding. You mention an tafget salary of $50,000.00. I am not sure where as a new grad you expect to be making that much as most of the new grads I know are making far less as they are accepting part time perdiem jobs for aroud $26 to $28/hr just to get their feet in the doors of patient care.
You appear to be a veteran, so firstly Thank You for your service. Next the hard cold truth about debt. The only way to get out of debt is to work. If you have loans and grants for school get a job any job. Waitress, Walmart etc... and while you are living at home with mom and presumably not paying rent - use every dollar toward your. You should be able to pay off $17,000 in a year or so if you work hard. Stop using credit cards to pay for things - only spend on what you absolutely need to survive - being able to spend on what you want comes with maturity and financial responsibility.
When I was young and in more debt than you - I worked a full time job and went to school at night to pay off my debt and realize my dreams.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,212 Posts
What about physical therapy, Athletic trainer, Prosthetics specialist, I known people with the preteqs you have going into many areas incluing medical research and Pharmaceuticals. All of these require further degrees.
I got into my BSN program with a slightly less than spectaular GPA under the stipulation that I would maintain a certain GPA while in the program. This was a private University an I had to interview with the dean for acceptance. I spoke of my passion and desire to help drive compassionate nursing into the 21st century. Now if I had interviewed with, "Well I have mountains of debt because I've been irresponsible with credit cards and nursing seems to offer the money I need even though I have no real passion to be a nurse" I doubt I would have been accepted. Not trying to be mean just keeping it real.
PS: You do in fact get back what you put out into the world. If all you see is the negatives of your situation you are not likely to see the positives.
Hppy