Trying to decide which way to go (re: school)

[jlan79]

I'm not a nurse, but I decided to post here instead of the NY Nursing Program board because this one seems more active and I'm assuming people here all had experience in this.

I have a BS in another field and need all the science courses required to get into any of the Accelerated programs (I'm looking at NYU and SUNY Downstate in particular). I need about 4 courses for NYU and 6 for SUNY. I initially wanted to take them at some community college as a non-degree student, until I learned that I will have trouble getting courses since I get last priority at registration. Then I thought of enrolling at Hunter college as a transfer student and be a full time matriculated student. That way, once I get my prerequisites, I can apply to Hunter nursing program AND to others. BUT, I found out that many of the prerequisite courses have their own prerequisites that as a full time student I have to fulfill (ie, for Anatomy and Physiology, I will need 2 Chem classes as prereqs and 2 more Chems as coreqs) so I end up taking a lot of the courses I won't need.

I'm so confused that my head is spinning. Since I literally have no science courses transfering over (I was a finance major), is it better to just to the non-degree and keep my fingers crossed? That way I can probably by-pass the prereq requirement (If I understand correctly, they don't care about pre-reqs if you're a non-degree). Is it maybe an option to take courses at multiple schools, just to get those few courses and not be shut out?

Sorry for the long post, but I need major help! Thanks all!

[AcuteCareinProgress]

It's not hard to apply to be a 2nd degree student. You'll still have pretty low priority for registration, but not much you can do about that. In terms of the chem classes - you have to take gen chem w/lab & organic w/lab. But they're generally taken together, so lec & lab for general in one semester, lec & lab for organic in next semester. The lab is a 1.5 credit class.

The prereqs for the classes apply to everyone, it doesn't matter what your status is. It's about have the background needed to enable you to do well in the class. And all nursing programs I know of require at least gen chem, if not organic, and with lab. Good luck! I've liked Hunter.

[thedit]

Have you talked to any advisors? I know it can be kind-of tough to actually speak in person to them, but maybe if you are persistent enough....

I know a lot of positions these days (esp in NYC) prefer that you have a Bachelor's degree....in nursing. By the time you finish nursing school, the economy might be a little better, and maybe hospitals won't be so picky...but I'm not sure if I would rely on that reasoning. Plus, you do get paid a little extra for the degree, although it's almost insignificant. As acutecareinprogress said, any program I know of requires several chemistries. It's also nice to have that as a basis before A & P and your nursing courses, but I understand time and money can be an issue.

Bottom line: if possible, I would recommend going with a Bachelor's degree in nursing, even if it means a few extra semesters. Definitely try to meet with advisors from different schools, though, and explain to them exactly what you've said here!

BEST OF LUCK!

[olivia28]

I say try your luck applying as a non degree student. some professors may be willing to give you permission to take the science courses that are closed because so many folks drop these classes within the first two weeks. you could also just apply as a liberal arts major to your local community college. I know CUNYs can be daunting, I am Hunter college grad myself and would not go back to a CUNY for my nursing degree because of the hoops they make you jump through. I ended up taking my prereqs in NJ and it also ended up being cheaper, not to mention much less of a hassle. I also researched online science courses, check the sunly learning network for details.

bottom line, you do what you need to do to get those prereqs done if a nursing degree is your goal.

Good Luck!