Where do I begin?

Many universities that offer RN degree completion programs also offer "generic" nursing education (a 4-year BS program for those entering college for the first time), and/or accelerated BS programs which are typically 2 years or less and are designed for candidates who already hold Bachelor's Degrees in other fields.

Community colleges usually offer Associate's Degree programs, but with pre-requisites and waiting lists to get into the Nursing portion of the program, they often take more than 4 years to complete.

Please consider making appointments with academic advisors at area schools to learn what they offer, what the likely timeframe to graduation would be, and what your expenses would be.

On a personal note, as a fellow SAHM, I would encourage you to take it easy with schooling until your baby is in school. The time demands are great, and she'll only be a baby once!

Good luck to you!

Although my SAHM days are behind me, I can tell you that some colleges offer special accelerated-entry programs for those who already hold bachelor's degrees in non-nursing disciplines. This is from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, but check with your CC:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/AcceleratedProg.htm

Good luck!

Thank you for the input. I need to get busy, and have all of my transcripts sent in. In order to do the program at the community college, prior to the nursing courses, I know I will need to take Anatomy/Physiology I/II and Developmental Psychology- in addition to getting CNA and CPR certification. After researching an Accelerated BSN program nearby, I don't think I could handle the intensity.

I believe a nursing degree requires intense, continuous learning; I'm afraid of getting overwhelmed, depressed, and dropping out. Would it be a radical idea to go for LPN and work later toward the RN?

Thank you for the input. I need to get busy, and have all of my transcripts sent in. In order to do the program at the community college, prior to the nursing courses, I know I will need to take Anatomy/Physiology I/II and Developmental Psychology- in addition to getting CNA and CPR certification. After researching an Accelerated BSN program nearby, I don't think I could handle the intensity.

I believe a nursing degree requires intense, continuous learning; I'm afraid of getting overwhelmed, depressed, and dropping out. Would it be a radical idea to go for LPN and work later toward the RN?

Nope, not radical at all.

Good luck whatever you choose!

I'm a SAHM to 22 month old twins. I haven't started my nursing program yet, still doing prereqs. I'm getting ALL non-nursing and Bio classes done at a CC before nursing craziness begins, then I plan to transfer to a university BSN-MSN program.

The CC is 1/2 the price and I'm doing most classes online. My Bio's and labs are on campus, but the rest I do online after the little people go to bed. Most CC's have schedules that are very mom-friendly and online classes are terrific.

I had planned on an LPN or ADN, but I thought, if I can stay at home now and I don't have to rush to work, I can take FEWER classes and spend LESS time getting my Bachelors than going through all the steps in between. I look at it this way...Kids + school= really hard. Kids + school + new job= no thanks. I'd like to see my kids before they go to college.

Just me thoughts...

PS. to all those ladies out there who work full time and have kids and go to school, I am in awe. You are some tough cookies.

Thank you all so much for giving me ideas about how to get things started. Twinsmama, you've got a clear vision on your goals and how you are going to go about accomplishing them... and with twins...wow! way to go! I think I'm going to get my act together, take what courses I can, when I can, not stress, and enjoy my family.

Thanks again for the kind words!