Took pre-reqs 12 years ago

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Twelve years ago I was about ready to transfer into a BSN program, had taken all the pre-reqs, but like an idiot changed my major to Business. Now I am kicking myself and want to try to get back into a RN program, thinking Fall 2007 as I already missed this year's deadlines for most four year schools. I received A's in all the pre-reqs so retaking them is not something I want to do. I have read some schools saying pre-reqs to be taken "within 10 years" and other schools just don't mention anything about a time limit.

And to add some humor for you, the real kicker is I didn't realize I wanted to get my RN degree until recently. I just got out of the Army (infantry) and started this gi-bill to pay for a year of Paramedic training that I'm in right now, 11 months to go but will still have about $20,000 left of the gi-bill. I know I could always try to work as an ER Tech (with Paramedic cert) for the rest of my career but I really want to be an RN in an emergency department.

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Very few schools will accept (for transfer) science courses that are more than 5 years old, so it's a pretty safe bet that you will have to retake your sciences.

Whether or not the other 12-year-old courses will transfer is up to the individual school. I would think your best bet would be to get in touch now with the school(s) you are considering and get firm answers from them, so you will know where you stand.

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I would check with each school but it is like elkpark said, 5 years is usually the limit for any science courses. Your other classes may transfer though. Good luck and welcome to allnurses!

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I am attending a community college and my sciences were 9 yrs old and I am doing them again.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

MOST schools will not accept after five years.

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thanks everyone for the replies. i guess the answer is it depends on the school. i surprised myself right now on finding some schools.

the following bsn schools i've found state no time limit on prerequisites, this is just a few, there are many more, to give others some hope also:

university of michigan

http://www.nursing.umich.edu/admissions/secondcareer/apply/sc-faq.html

oregon health & science university (ohsu) school of nursing

http://www.sou.edu/cgi/deptcat3.cgi?dept=nur

michigan state university college of nursing

http://nursing.msu.edu/bsnreg_faq.asp#adn

university of missouri-columbia

http://www.missouri.edu/~nursing/academics/rnbsnprereqs.php

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

The schools may not state a limit, but when you sit down with a counselor you might find out otherwise. So talk to a counselor. Good luck!

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The following BSN schools I've found state no time limit on prerequisites, this is just a few, there are many more, to give others some hope also:

Are you saying they "state no time limit" as in, they specifically state that they have no time limit on the "age" of courses they will accept, or they just don't say anything on the website about whether or not they have a time limit? You will find it extremely difficult to find a school that does not go by the informal-but-pretty-much-univeral "five year rule" for science courses. Frankly, I would be v. skeptical of a school that would accept science courses older than five years.

And, as MBA2BRN commented, just because they don't have a clear statement on their website, that doesn't mean that you may not find out when you actually talk to a school that they do have a time limit. NO school has everything you need to know about them on their website ...

Good luck with your search and new journey. :)

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Specializes in Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

If you really do have to repeat ALL your pre-req's look into the possibility of taking the CLEP exams and testing out of them. I know you can do this for at least Bio and Chem; especially if you are already familiar with the material you'll save a lot of time and a lot of money!

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Another thought too...

Don't kick yourself for not having known years ago what you now know about yourself...that's the process of life and growing that we all experience in one form or another. If you feel that Nursing is your true calling, be GLAD that you've found it, and don't let anything (including redoing prereqs. which you just might enjoy) stop you. Keep the BIG picture in mind and try not to be in a hurry...don't be discouraged! You can do it!

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Specializes in Ortho/Neurosurgical.

Actually contrary to what most people posted here, I took a majority of my pre-reqs approximately 10 years ago....with that being said, the only ones I had left were Chemistry (A in lab and lecture) and Microbiology (B in lab and lecture).....all fundamentally work and require knowledge of A&P and math/science courses. I still remember all of my nutrition information, I think it just depends on whether you were even interested in the information when you originally learned it. Just as a refresher while I am waiting to see if I was accepted, I checked a wonderful anatomy book from my library at the hospital I work at and read it in my down time (which I have alot of right now, slow season for sick kids I guess). I am amazed at how much I retained.

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I took some of my prereqs about 10 years ago and the nursing program counselor at the school I'm going to (Modesto Junior College) said they were still good. (Whew!)

Good luck to you.

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