Miriam Said:

I want to change careers and go into nursing. I have a High School Diploma and very little college...?

We Answered:

Don't waste your time going for Medical Assisting. While people think it's closely related, it's really not. It's much more beneficial to become a Certified Nursing Assistant first, because you need to hold your CNA certification while in nursing school.

Many people go back to school after 30. I was a little late, too, also with 3 kids. It was tough!

My advice would be to start with a two-year Associates Degree in Nursing program, available at many community colleges. Start doing research into schools in your area, find out about their individual admissions criteria and ask them how competative admission is. Some have huge waiting lists. Some use a lottery system. Some use a points system based on GPA, ACT scores, and gen ed. credits you've completed. Every school is different.

But, generally you will need at least this: A college level General (freshman level) Biology course (which is usually an admission requirement as well as a pre-requisite for Anatomy & Physiology, which you will also need), General (freshman level) Chemisty, maybe Microbiology, maybe Nutrition, and you will probably have to take some kind of general competency test like the ACT, and will need a minimum score of maybe 22 or 25 or something. Your GPA they use for admission to the nursing program will be based on these college courses you take (or anything you took previously).

Once you're admitted, you need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Your nursing school should either provide that course or be able to tell you where to take it. Some states allow you to take the test for certification without taking the course, but not all.

Usually there is a lag of anywhere from 6 months to a year from the time you apply to nursing school until you actually start, and you have to have some pre-reqs complete before even applying. So realistically, you're looking at a total of anywhere from 3-4 years until you actually complete the nursing program. The nursing core itself is sequential, and takes 2 years (four semesters) to complete. It's a good idea to take as many of your general education (non-nursing) requirements as you can PRIOR to starting the nursing core, because the nursing program is very demanding, and I always say that 6-8 credits of nursing courses per semester feels like 10-12 or more, so trying to also take gen eds at the same time is very tough. Especially if you have a family and are also possibly working!

Which brings me to my last point: Once you start the nursing core, full time work is almost impossible for most people unless you have a flexible job where you can work some nights and weekends. I wouldn't recommend working more than part time. If you need money, always apply for financial aid - almost everyone qualifies at least for student loans.

I don't think it's necessary to go straight into a 4-year BSN program. It's hard for many people to take that on, and admission is far more competative at Universities than Comm. College. You can always complete your BSN later - there are lots of schools that have online programs or on campus. Once you're working as an RN, your job will probably offer tuition reimbursement for your BSN. And BSNs don't really make any more money anyway. At my hospital, they only make $1 more than the associate degree RNs. And no, you won't have ANY trouble finding a job with only a two year RN. As long as you have your license, you're good to go!

It's a big commitment, but its one that pays off no matter how old you are. Look at it this way, 3-4 years from now, you'll be 34+ with or without a nursing degree, so you might as well go for it and have it! Nursing is a fabulous career for caring individuals who want a meaningful, satisfying job. It's hard work, it's not without its stress and frustration, but if you focus on the importance of what you do, those other negatives don't hold a candle to the positives.

Good luck!!!

Allan Said:

I have a BA and an AA;I want to go to nursing school now; change careers.?

We Answered:

MBA nurses make big bank! You wouldn't get another BA just go to nursing school. You may have to take some core courses that weren't part of your original major but that would be it. BA RNs also make big bank. I'd go to nursing school then work for a hospital that would pay for my MBA. Good luck its a very hot field right now!

Sylvia Said:

I would like to change careers to nursing. How do I know if I'm cut out for it or not?

We Answered:

You're never too old! There are no limits in life when you want to change things for the better. There are no life police...If you have the money, take the chance! But if you're afraid of blood, and other unsightly things you find in a hospital, maybe it's not for you.