Where Do I Start, To Become A Nurse ? (Reading Pa Area)

[Mommabear_mvj]

Not sure If I have the right forum, but I reside in the Berks County, Reading, Pa area.

Background: I've been a stay @ home mom since between 2000-2002. I never went to Vo-tech during school, so I have no career skills or background. THe only thing I've ever done is be a cashier. Now that my middle child is heading to Kindergarten next week, my DH and I have been thinking about me getting a real job, a good paying one. He suggests nursing.

Anyway, I know I would have to take Pre-reqs, most likely at Racc (reading area community college). And then pick where to go to nursing school. But its the finances that are bugging me. Is there anyway, I can sign on w/ a hospital or employer before I even apply to Racc? Are the pre-reqs even covered when an employer does pay for your schooling? I know it takes years to complete this, but I'd like to have some security knowing doing this now will pay off. Is there anywhere around that will hire you while your taking classes. As you see, I have no experience/knowledge about this schooling thing. lol.

I live right down the street from St. Joe's Hospital on 183, so that would be ideal, but probaly not likely.

Is other words WHERE DO I START?!?

[mntgrl]

Hi Mommabear,

I don't live in Berks, but I too was in a similar position as you are. I had no idea where to start. You need to ask questions. I went to my community college and spoke with the professors, academic advisors, and the adult education advisors. They let me know what I needed to get done and where to start. The community colleges also have someone who will sit down with you and go over financial aid. Since nursing is so competitive they gave me a list of all the area nursing programs. I researched each that interested me by calling them and getting as much information as possible. Also while working on my pre reqs speaking to other students really was helpful. As far as paying for school, I found a hospital program that allows me to work for the hospital after I graduate and they forgive the debt or they will give me a no interst loan if I decide to work elsewhere. They did not pay for the pre reqs but community college is very reasonable. You could look into loans, but it may not be too much of a stretch to just pay for it out of pocket.

Good Luck

Mntgrl

[TeleNurseCH07]

Hi Mommabear. I am from the Berks Co. area. I graduated from RACC's RN program in June '07. I also took all of my pre req's there as well. RACC is very affordable & has a good (but tough!) nursing program. They also have an LPN program as well. There is also The Reading Hospital School of Nursing in the area, too. My suggestion is to call and talk to an admission specialist from both of the colleges and they can help u decide on pre req's and cost factors. Also, attending Open Houses at the colleges will give u valuable info. too.

I agree with mntgrl's post. Alot of places will reimburse some of ur tuition once u graduate. And there r several loans & grants that u may qualify for that may help with the cost of tuition while u r going to school. Talking with a financial counselor from the college will help u in deciding how to help with the cost. Hope that helps. Good Luck!!!