Want to Start Nursing School...Totally Clueless.

OC85 · Dec 14, 2008

Well, luckily its not a big deal if you've been out of HS for a while. Many community colleges have nursing programs that are open to anyone who completes the list of pre-requisit classes with a certain GPA [different programs have different requirements]. There are private schools, as well, but they are going to be a lot more money. Point is, you dont have to get your education by fighting your way into a super competiive 4 year university. There are plenty of people just getting started with nursing school well into their 40's, so I think for someone your age, it should be no problem.

I would suggest looking at your local community colleges first, since they tend to have the least expensive programs. Just be aware that if you want to go RN, you're almost definitely going to have to invest some time in pre-requisite classes. These usually include Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology as a minimun, plus any additional classes depending on the particular program.

Princess_M83 · Dec 14, 2008

I was in kinda the same boat as you. I started going to college and then stopped for 4 years. Just be patient and give yourself lots of time to re-learn how to study. Community Colleges are wonderful, they have to work harder than Universities to remain accredited with the BON and they are much less expensive. I would research colleges in your area and talk to a Counselor before you try to register. Good Luck:yeah:

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Definitely check out local community colleges as well as BSN programs in your area. You'll get a sense of what prerequisites are required for most schools. Most schools will want Anatomy & Physiology (2 semesters) before you enter the program, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, statistics, and these courses often have prerequisites (I had to take basic algebra before I could enroll in statistics).

Nursing programs often will have information on how to get started in applying to their program, what their admissions requirements are, etc.

shrimpchips, LPN · Dec 14, 2008

basically what hiddencat said :)

and of course then decide where you want to go - would you rather go to a community college and get your associate's (ASN) or to a university and get your bachelor's (BSN)? There are pro's and cons to each. Community colleges are more affordable than universities and generally tend to be closer to home (but not always, and heck, there might be a university that is in your area). ASN programs are also two-years in length, however the waiting list for these ASN programs tend to be longer. For example, my local community college had at least a three-year wait to get into the program, and it wasn't by GPA - it was by whenever you applied, but of course there were minimum GPA requirements. If looking into a community college, you should inquire about their admission process and the approximate wait to get into the program. A two-year program can be decieving in that sense. A lot of places/hospitals are also now requiring for an RN to have at least a BSN in order to work there, so I would look into that, too. If you go the BSN route, it will cost more from a university and the BSN programs generally go by GPA, but again check your school's admission requirements. You can also do more with a BSN and further your education if you are thinking about becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or nurse practitioner (NP) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), all which require a master's (MSN) degree, and you can't obtain an MSN degree without first having a BSN.

I hope this helps a bit.