What should I do? Start in Aug at Durham Tech or Jan 2011 at Wake Tech?

[NCphoenix]

Hi All,

I need advice - sorry, long post. I have submitted my application to Durham Tech for the Fall 2010 and it was implied that I will get in. However, my long-term goals are to get at least a BSN, preferably an MSN. So I did some research today. It seems that the requirements are about the same for BSN and MSN online programs. You get in on a conditional basis, just move on after the BSN.

I looked at ECU, Western Carolina and UNC-Chapel Hill. I've pretty much discarded UNC because even though it's the closest to me, there are too many hoops to jump - volunteer work, too many classes to still take, higher tuition and there is no online MSN program. For both ECU and WCU, I would need to take approximately 7 classes after my ADN in order to apply for an online BSN or MSN.

With this in mind, (7 classes to go), I started to think about when and how I would do this. It seems like it would be too much to try to fit those in while in nursing school. I could probably do 2 over the summer but 5 over 2 years still seems like a lot when you consider that I have a family (two kids - 2 and 16) and still would like to work part-time. So I started thinking about doing them all at once - 5 classes this fall. That also means no Durham Tech in Sept. Since they only have Fall admission, then I'd be looking at Wake Tech for Jan. I have the points to get in, would need to take Patho to get more and take the TEAS test - no problem.

Summary: Durham Tech in the Fall, graduate in May 2012 with an ADN - 15-20 minute commute OR Wake Tech in January, graduate Dec 2012 with a 30 minute commute but I have all the pre-reqs for a BSN done.

Does anyone know which is better - Durham Tech or Wake Tech? anything else you can tell me about their program? where are the clinicals? did you like the teachers? anything you did or didn't like?

Also, any info or opinions on ECU or WCU are welcome. I can't wait to be a nurse but am trying to be smart about how I go about it. I am certainly not about to waste time if I can avoid it.

Thanks.... this is what happens while you wait to get in to a school - information overload!

[jenniferkristin]

I will be applying to Wake Tech 2010 if I don't get into Johnston CC this go round. I am excited about getting in to nursing school!!! I will be taking my A&P this summer. What date do we have to have our prereq's for the January deadline completed?

[NCphoenix]

Hi Jenniferkristin,

The deadline for spring admission is July 1. By then you need to have all your pre-reqs done, be on the CNA registry and have taken the TEAS. You also have to attend a mandatory information session before then.

I'm still waiting to hear from Durham Tech. I would have to take some classes over (over 5 years) to go to Wake Tech and by the time I do that I would have to apply for Fall 2011. If I don't get into to Durham Tech now, I'd also have to wait for Fall 2011 but DT is much closer to me. We'll see - there's still hope.

Good luck!