Hi! I'm new to the forums, and have made the decision to enter the nursing field. I'm a sophomore in college right now, was a biology major, but recently decided to make the move into nursing. I went to talk to my advisor, and everything was going pretty well until it was mentioned that I was planning on working while going thru the nursing program. She immediately told me that this was impossible, and getting any additional help from her after that seemed futile. She just seemed like she was no longer interested.
Anyways, I never really got the information I needed, so...here I am. lol. I'm looking to get an associates right now (from reading on these forums I'm guessing that's a ADN), and maybe going on to get a bachelors later. Or maybe, with the classes I've already taken, a bachelors is the best choice...I'm not sure yet...that's where the confusion sets in. When I'm looking at the degree program at my school, it's a "block curriculum" and it's a 2 year degree. Do all of my classes have to be taken in the order listed? When do I apply for nursing school? If I'm taking the classes am I not already there? I don't get it... She mentioned something about the Hesi test too before she got irritated with me trying to tell her I must work, so I don't know when to take that either.
All-in-all, I'm pretty confused and frustrated right now. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks in advance for your help! I've been reading some other posts, and they have already answered some questions.
Hey Yakadoo! I'm VERY knowledgable about the Lone Star College nursing programs. (i'm a student there. I almost done with all my classes, but transferring somewhere else) I can help "advise" you the best way i can. Before we go any further, I have a few questions for you:
1) What classes are you currently taking now?
2) Have you taken A&P1, English 1301, and General psych? these are the VERY "bare bones" prereqs that need to be done before you even apply.
3) Have you taken any of these other courses:
A&P 2
Sociology
Speech
ANY Chemistry
Kinesiology
Microbiology
Lifespan& Development
Art (or art appreciation)
The more classes you get out of the way, the more competitive you are, and the less classes you have to take if you are actually accepted into the program. And with less classes you can try to squeeze more hours to go to work.
Hey Yakadoo! I'm VERY knowledgable about the Lone Star College nursing programs. (i'm a student there. I almost done with all my classes, but transferring somewhere else) I can help "advise" you the best way i can. Before we go any further, I have a few questions for you:
1) What classes are you currently taking now?
2) Have you taken A&P1, English 1301, and General psych? these are the VERY "bare bones" prereqs that need to be done before you even apply.
3) Have you taken any of these other courses:
A&P 2
Sociology
Speech
ANY Chemistry
Kinesiology
Microbiology
Lifespan& Development
Art (or art appreciation)
The more classes you get out of the way, the more competitive you are, and the less classes you have to take if you are actually accepted into the program. And with less classes you can try to squeeze more hours to go to work.
Please let me know so I can help.
Right now I'm taking Biology 2, Finite Math, and Weight Training as a Kinesology class. I was planning on being a biology major...hence these classes.
I was under the impression that for some of the nursing classes (such as RNSG 1209), I had to take BIOL 2402 and some of the others at corequisites...is this not the case?
If that's true, and I can get some of the other classes out of the way, I'll be well on my way to applying for nursing school...I will still have to take some courses, but I have chem, math, kinesiology, an art class, and english out of the way.
All that being said, I have also found that Houston Community college and the Kingwood campus both offer late nursing classes that will fit my schedule much better. Especially HCC, but I've searched HCC on this site and found that some are saying they aren't "accredited"....thus making it hard to get a BSN later, I assume? I don't really know, it's just what I'm gathering. I'm still on the line on whether or not I want to go for my BSN right away or do my ADN first. Since I'm not interested (at least not right now) in management or anything, I'm thinking I'll go for my ADN first. I can always get my BSN at the University center thru Prairie View. Of course, I DID learn (thru these forums) about the ELine online nursing BSN...so, that's ANOTHER option. I :redbeathe these forums!!! Thank you all!!:bowingpur
I know, isn't allnurses.com AWESOME?! Yes, Kingwood and HCC does have evening classes. But Kingwood only opens their application periods for the spring time. HCC's night program I'm not as certain. But I do know that their application periods are for both Fall and Spring. As far as HCC's accredidation is concerned, I would call them or check on the Texas Board of Nursing website.
As far as your other classes, if I were you, I would take A&P 1 and general psychology next semester. Do your best in these classes. This way you can get those out of the way so that you can be eligible to apply to the programs next year.
Yes, most nursing classes require pre-req classes to be allowed to sign up for the course. For example, right now I'm taking Pharmacology. The pre-req was A&P1 and A&P2 (or currently taking A&P2) But I got 95% of those pre-reqs done before I applied. You don't HAVE to have them ALL done, but trust me, a good MAJORITY of applicants will have most done.
I know, isn't allnurses.com AWESOME?! Yes, Kingwood and HCC does have evening classes. But Kingwood only opens their application periods for the spring time. HCC's night program I'm not as certain. But I do know that their application periods are for both Fall and Spring. As far as HCC's accredidation is concerned, I would call them or check on the Texas Board of Nursing website.
As far as your other classes, if I were you, I would take A&P 1 and general psychology next semester. Do your best in these classes. This way you can get those out of the way so that you can be eligible to apply to the programs next year.
Yes, most nursing classes require pre-req classes to be allowed to sign up for the course. For example, right now I'm taking Pharmacology. The pre-req was A&P1 and A&P2 (or currently taking A&P2) But I got 95% of those pre-reqs done before I applied. You don't HAVE to have them ALL done, but trust me, a good MAJORITY of applicants will have most done.
Keep the questions coming! I love to help!
I understang the pre-reqs, but what about the ones that are also listed at co-reqs? For example RNSG 1209 has BIOL 2402 listed as a co-req. Can I take BIOL 2402 before I enter 1209 or do I HAVE to take it at the same time? I would assume that if I already have it done, it isn't a big deal, but the way it's listed, it makes you think that you have to take the two classes at once.
I am really interested in the HCC classes, although I have not found many people who talk very highly of the program itself. It does have a lot of "cons"...being downtown, parking, etc., but the times they have available for classes are nice. Kingwood has good times too. I'm researching Tomball classes too, as they are the next closest to Cy-Fair. Cy-Fair's classes are right in the middle of the day, so I don't know that they would really work, but I'm still looking.
And as far as ADN or BSN programs, It's up to you on which one you would like to pursue. ADN programs require less pre-req classes and is quicker. (it's cheaper too, and when you graduate you can find employers who can help you pay to continue for your BSN.) I, personally, am going straight into the BSN program. But it really does not matter!!!
Unfortunatly, I don't think your General Biology will satisfy the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Nursing programs look at the "big 4": A&P1, A&P2, Chemistry, and Micro. BSN programs require more prereqs such as:
College Algebra
Statistics
English 1 and 2
Government 1 and 2
History 1 and 2
Nutrition
English Literature
While you are taking classes, do yourself a favor and get updated on your immunizations (hepatitis B's and all) . They will need to be complete when you get ready to start Nursing school.
Thank you, you've been a lot of help! I am going to to ahead and sign up for A&P, Sociology, and whatever else I can find. I'm on the right track for a BSN, but am going to shoot for an ADN first to get higher pay than what I get now (and a different career:D), and by the time I finish my ADN and get settled a little, I should be ready to go the BSN track easily.
Co-requisites can be done before or during nursing school. All it means is that you do not HAVE to do them before you enter the program. Many people like to get these classes out of the way before so they have more time during nursing school. It would be a good idea to take these classes ahead of time.
My advice, go onto the website to find out all of the courses that you are eligible to take BEFORE getting into the nursing program (meaning you do not have to be accepted into the program in order to take the classes) and get them done first. Even if they are not required to get into the program, once you are in the program, you will be glad you have them done, and you'll have more time to work.
Trilldayz,RN BSN
516 Posts
Hey Yakadoo! I'm VERY knowledgable about the Lone Star College nursing programs. (i'm a student there. I almost done with all my classes, but transferring somewhere else) I can help "advise" you the best way i can. Before we go any further, I have a few questions for you:
1) What classes are you currently taking now?
2) Have you taken A&P1, English 1301, and General psych? these are the VERY "bare bones" prereqs that need to be done before you even apply.
3) Have you taken any of these other courses:
A&P 2
Sociology
Speech
ANY Chemistry
Kinesiology
Microbiology
Lifespan& Development
Art (or art appreciation)
The more classes you get out of the way, the more competitive you are, and the less classes you have to take if you are actually accepted into the program. And with less classes you can try to squeeze more hours to go to work.
Please let me know so I can help.