I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Here's my story...I'm 26. I've finished my pre-reqs. I just got on the well pulicized 2 year wait list at Phoenix College. It should be easy enough to decide and wait out the two years...but time is ticking I'll be 31 by the time I graduate from PC. Also time is money...like the Apollo rep said. "By the time I get into PC I would be out of Apollo and making money" Yes with a huge student loan to pay off. Do I go to Apollo College and actually finish in two years?
I can't seem to discuss this with my family, they always ask me when I'm going to be done. I tell them another 2 years (not including the 2 year wait). My cousin recently graduated from Pima and got a job at a hospital (in just over two years). My Uncle (her dad) asked my mom why I was taking so long. Since I had been in school longer than her. She has 60,000 in student loans but, she's an nurse and working while I'm still not making end meet.
So what if I decide to wait the 2 years and then I get in. I would have to quit working. How do I bring in money? Student loans? So in turn by the time I'm done waiting 2 years, do 2 years of clinicals and take out enought money to support myself...it could possibly end up being the 46,000 for the two quick years at Apollo. :innerconf
Sooo...what would you guys do? I know I'm still young but I want to start a career and be able to support myself. I know the price tags are starkly different and length of time if a factor...I would just like some insight. I have only talked to my mom and boyfriend about this and they've told me to go with the community college since it's cheaper but then on the other hand when I tell them about the wait list their faces change a bit.
I didn't need a co-signer for the biggest portion (and that's with a foreclosure). BUT, I do have a monthly payment for the portion student loans and grants didn't cover of $379/month. So I do have to struggle with that.
That would be awesome if you get the job at PCH! Did you look at their website to see about tuition reimbursement?
At the info session they said everyone would need a co signer and at my interview they asked me if I had anyone to co sign for me. I said I'll have to get back to you with that
Are you under 18? The only other reason I could see you needing a co-signer would be for private loans to cover what federal loans don't. Maybe you should start a new thread and ask this question. It doesn't sound right to me.
I would definitely do some research on various routes you could take before paying the price you would pay at Apollo, GCU, Chamberlain, etc. Also, I would look at the history of the pass rates of these schools, as well as how many candidates took the test during that particular quarter. ASU has a good program, but it is very competitive. Banner is also a great program to look into. I agree with some of the other posters as well to look into LPN programs and alternative programs at the community college level before burying yourself in debt.
I graduated from PC last year. Most of the hospitals I did clinicals at would not even consider hiring from apollo. Granted there are a lot of hospitals in the valley, But I would call the nurse recruiters and find out if they have any reservations. Also, as a new grad, I could not find a job in AZ. and had to move out of state. Good luck and I hope the economy is recovered by the time you graduate!
I was told because of the economy EVERYONE would need a co-signer for a private loan. Minus the cost of pre-reqs that would transfer along with Pell grants and such I knocked off about 12,000 but still needed ohh about...34,000.
I know some hospital won't hire Apollo grads. Like Scottsdale Healthcare. I haven't been through the program and, well, it's approved by the state board, right? So I don't know exactly why...
I made an appointment with a Gateway advisor to look into the LPN fast track. I have all my immunizations, CPR, fingerprint clearance and I've also completed the CNA course through PC so I should be able to get in their next go around. And like Marlene said after that I could apply for advanced placement into block 3. I've never had problem getting money for school so I know I will be able to complete this route.
I would love to work for Banner but if I take the LPN route I'm not eligible for the fellowship. I have two friends that work for Banner and they said even if they reccomend me I would still have to first land an unbiased interview and make it through that before they would even look at the reccomendations. Which is good to see Banner doesn't just hand out jobs because of "who you know".
Thank you for all the suggestions and help. You don't know how stressed I was (still am) but being able to write back and forth with people that know what's going on, has been awesome.:cheers:
I'll find out by tomorrow if I get the job at PCH. I looked into there education assistance and they offer 5,250 a year!
Maria, something else very important to consider are your future goals. If I'm not mistaken, Apollo isn't an acredited school...what that means is that if you decide in the future you want a BSN, those credits won't be transferrable to the school you want to receive your BSN from. You would essentially be starting all over. I know right now it might be hard to think about that far in the future but it definitely should be part of your decision-making process. You'd be surprised how many ADN nurses decide to seek a BSN after awhile.
You have to be careful with those pass rates, too. Some of the un-accredited schools will only send the authority to take NCLEX to the State Board on students they are sure will pass. So, graduating doesn't necessarily mean they're going to send your graduation info to the board. You have to pass their pre-test before they'll send your paperwork so you receive your authority to test. At MCCNP, if you graduate, you can take the NCLEX.
If you want to become an RN, then attending an LPN program would honestly be a waste of time! I am currently enrolled to start at Chamberlain College of Nursing in July. They are FAR cheaper than GCU and are accredited by the same accreditation as GCU, ASU, etc. ASU was too competitive. They haven't accepted anyone with a GPA below 3.8 and I have a 3.648 GPA. I really like Chamberlain and the people there. There is no wait list. You have to pass their HESI2 test and have at least a GPA of 2.5 and it's a BSN program (accelerated), but when comparing to all the other colleges, I chose this one over those. I also have two AA degrees, so I didn't want to get another Associates degree, that's why I didn't go the community college route. I only have two years since I've already knocked out most of my pre-reqs required for that program. They are relatively new, but have four other schools around the US with NCLEX pass rates of 97%. That's pretty darn good! So, I think it all depends on what you put into the program, also. Look around and do your research! Good Luck! Oh, I also am taking out student loans and may have to take out and alternate private loan if I choose to quit my job (if I can't handle the time constraints of nursing school and working and children). So, it's possible. I'd rather be in debt and become an RN then keep putting it off and continue struggling like I am now!!!
There are a couple of schools that you can get your BSN through that accept Apollo credits. Yes, it limits you, but it is still possible.
So tempest, you went to PC and none of the hospitals would hire you? I do know of Apollo grads that were hired by local hospitals. Apollo had a bad first year but has steadily improved.
MS_Woods
9 Posts
At the info session they said everyone would need a co signer and at my interview they asked me if I had anyone to co sign for me. I said I'll have to get back to you with that