Which school? Need Help!

[jennymarie821]

Just a brief background on me seeing as how I haven't officially introduced myself to the site yet. I'm married with two young children ages 3 and 1. I have always wanted to go back to school to pursue Nursing and I've decided now is as good a time as ever. :) Four years ago I was at Penn State at a local campus but left, started a family and the rest is history. I've been in contact with them and once I finish paying my grant off I am welcome to come back. I'm just not sure whether to go back to the four year university or go to one of the other schools I've been in contact with.

Penn State - I spoke to a nursing advisor. I only need two prereq's, algebra and chem to get into the nursing program. They do not allow these two classes to be taken at the same time so I would take Algebra in spring 08 and chem in fall 08. Their cutoff for entry into the Nursing program is Nov 30 so I would not be able to enter the program until Fall 09. It seems SO far away so I've been looking into any alternatives.

West Virginia Career Institute - They contacted me and said they have an 18-21 month program and want me to come in and talk to them on Friday. I don't know any details as far as cost or anything yet.

I'm so confused as to what would be the better school to attend in the long run. My ultimate goal would be to get my two year associates degree, get my RN, get a job and continue school towards my four year degree. With that in mind does anyone have any advice they could offer?

Also, my aunt said that she took a 3 or 6 month course (can't remember which) and it cost her about 600 and she is a CNA and works at the local hospital and has for many years. She said I should go for my CNA and then work towards the two or four year degree. Is that a good idea?

I'm so confused......Plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz help! Thank you to anyone who responds to a bright and shiny newbie!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

If you want to go for the RN, go for it. Doing the associate degree program will allow you to then work and see where you want to go from there.

Nothing wrong with being a CNA first to see if you like nursing. However, I'll be honest here, what a CNA does and what an RN does are two different jobs.

[jennymarie821]

Thank you very much for your response. :) Actually I was hoping more to get advice on which school to go to.

Do my two year Associates at Penn State, get a job and continue for my four year at the same school? Or do the accellerated 18-21 month associates program at W Vir Career Institute or somewhere similar and then go on to finish my four year somewhere else?

I know what a CNA does and what an RN does are two different things but my aunt suggested it just to start with. :) I appreciate any further advice you can offer.