Is Morrisville within commuting distance? Are there any community colleges near your home? If you can live at home, you will save a lot of money. Also consider whether you will be able to handle a very stressful, fast-paced ABSN program. I have heard people explain that these programs can be like “drinking from a fire hose”. But first things first. See how you do on the first 2 prerequisites.
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My goal is to take the two courses and see if I can handle them. Coming from a different background that probably will be a major setback since I am starting from zero. My CC is 45 minutes while the four years is just 15 minutes. If anything, it seems like my only way to even start this journey is to get a loan. Another option is to pay out of pocket.
Yes you do need the prerequisites for the MSN.
Take 2 prerequisites at the school near your home and see how it goes. Another option is to ask the ABSN program if they accept online prerequisites through a community college.
Have you had an opportunity to shadow nurses?
I Haven’t had the opportunity to shadow any nurse.
Hi. I completed an ABSN program and then an MSN, and now work as an NP. For me, it was definitely worth it, and I love my job, but it is A LOT. You have to really want to be a nurse, or it will not be worth it. What is your reason for pursuing this? What is your goal in nursing?
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I think it is important to understand what nursing is all about before you begin.
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I’ve been wondering what you’ve been doing with your math degree. Did you end up not pursuing a masters in math? What made you change your goals? In the past, you said biology was your weakest subject. This does not bode well for succeeding as a nursing major, since you will need to take many biology-related courses: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, possibly Genetics.
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So, one last time before confirming, in my case, is there no way of getting aid for just the two classes?
I am looking to become an EMT
In my state (not NY) you do not need a bachelor’s in nursing to become an EMT. Check the requirements for where you’d like to live and work… I think you are making the process very complicated and very costly…
I’ve been a substitute teacher and aid for almost a year now. Unfortunately, I haven’t used my math degree at all. It does help when students ask for help in math, but they rarely ask. I’ve thought about pursuing a master’s in teaching to get my graduate degree and my certification in teaching. However, I don’t know if it’s something I would like to do for the long term.
I have struggled with biology but that was 10 years ago. Fast forward ten years later, all the experience and daily life is different now. I’m more mature and eager for challenges. I know I will be better this time
I meant, I want to become an EMT so I can have basic experience and knowledge before pursuing nursing.
So just take the classes and get certified as an EMT. That’s step one. You’ll know pretty quickly if nursing is the right path for you after some hands on experience, no? Much cheaper and easier than taking pre-req courses. Most of the EMT’s in my town have full time jobs… so no need for you to relocate and uproot your life until you know that the nursing career is right for you.
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i am not aware of FA for prerequisites.
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A relatively easy way to figure out if nursing is for you is to get your STNA certification and work at a hospital for a while - some hospitals will even pay for and/or offer the STNA classes. I don’t think they take very long. Then you can work alongside nurses and see what they do. My daughter has her BSN and did that, and my future son-in-law did that before he was accepted to medical school.
If nothing else, you have healthcare experience that would look better on an application, and the chance to save some money. Some hospitals may even help you with obtaining a degree (but likely expect you to come back and work for them after graduation).
I don’t know much about being an EMT, but it sounds like a career path on its own and maybe not the best one to help with a nursing decision because it’s not nursing.
I had to Google STNA, as that isn’t a term used in my area. I don’t think it’s an option here in South Central Pennsylvania. We have Patient Care Technician, which may be similar, and of course CNA.
I just applied for both CNA classes and ED tech jobs. CNA is a 5 week course paid by the hospital.
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