What would you do?

[sskaar]

I have a non nursing bachelor degree and am accepted to a direct entry MSN program an hour and a half away from home. It is 2 years long and the I have 1 year post masters school for my PMHNP.

My original plan was to attend community college near for 1 year then transfer for 2 years of grad school.

However, there is a one year wait list for my community college program.

I will have to work part time while attending grad school if I go now. If I work the next year and save, I can go to school without working.

I am 41 years old, time doesn't feel like it is on my side

There is $30k difference, to the high side, of going direct entry vs the wait.

Considering there is no guarantee of getting into community college in a year compared to a sure thing, I'm torn.

I would love some advice from anyone who's been where I'm at.

Thanks!

[NeedASugarDaddyOrSomething]

Are these other reputable colleges with an ADN program in your area? Our local community college has a ridiculous waitlist for the nursing program too, so I went with a technical college (fully accredited and not-for-profit) which has a 2-year ADN program. I plan on getting my associates and becoming an RN then doing an RN-BSN program entirely online through Ohio State. You can also do an RN-MSN route if you choose.

I would go ahead and start now since you’ve already been accepted into the program (congrats!!!!) and if you qualify for financial aid, you can hopefully get some scholarships/grants and take out student loans for the amount that you need to get by due to not working full-time. You can do it!!! And don’t worry about your age! My mom went back to school at 50 and got her bachelors and masters in Early Childhood Education. You can do this! Best of luck with whichever route you choose. ?

[NeedASugarDaddyOrSomething]

Oh and what is your current bachelors degree in? Are you able to transfer credits?

[sskaar]

Thank you! My current bachelor's is in computer science/business. I've been working in IT for 20 years but am totally burned out. I have decided to just go for it, I'm accepted and can start now so in two years I will have my MSN and one year after my PMHNP. It's going to be tough no doubt but I'm resilient :) Thanks again!