Things I’m noting: many outside responsibilities, CC student, reference to UIC so I’m assuming Chicago area.
I see nursing as a recommendation. There are some very strong nursing programs at the CC’s. Talk to an advisor about the Nursing . General steps:
- CC Nursing Program: ADN or ACS (either is and Associate in Nursing). 2 years, Sets you up as an RN (registered nurse). You can start well paying work immediately with this. ($12K tuition total)
- RN to BSN Bridge Program (bachelor of science in nursing) - This is specifically for RN’s who want/need their bachelors. Online. Many give tuition rates w/ affiliated CC nursing programs. ($10 - $15K total). Approx. 1 yr. if fulltime, 2 yrs. if part time.
He will have a bachelors for about $25k total tuition. Living at home.
There are several options going from this point. Many routes in the nursing field for greater growth/salary.
This is a framework. Contact the NURSING dept for specifics where you are. Nursing programs have pre -reqs. (you may already have them) and an entry exam. Most CC’s have a Fall Cohort and a Spring Cohort. 2 year program.
Recently working with young man who may have had greater choice if guided sooner. Highly intelligent 35 ACT. Currently a freshman at CC finishing Calc 3, Physics2, Chem2, Geneds. First Gen, many family responsibilities, job and fragile family finances. REALLY wanted med school route. However, f/his current perspective: too much family risk weighing admittance, debt and time commitment. He is entering nursing program in the Fall. It will give the opportunity to begin working with a good salary, and he has options from there.
Just offering an option. If you decide to take the route earning your BS in Science field, a helpful tool is: Transferology for course equivalencies; CC to 4 yr. Set up a profile
Not all advisors are the same. Use the above tool, and you can contact/research requirements of schools you’re interested in yourself too. Or use the advisor from the school you want to transfer to -
*** IMPORTANT***
From my experience working with students doing the CC route, the longer you linger at CC, the less likely you will ever complete a successful transfer. There comes a point when you have to take the leap to a 4 year degree path or enter a specific program. I remind students, while CC tuition is cheaper, you are still paying for classes. Make sure they are focused or CC too becomes a waste of $$.