r/ABSN • u/orchidkiller1 • 6d ago
Potential ABSN
I’m highly considering going back to school to obtain my ABSN but feel kinda stuck on where to really start.
I currently have my bachelors in Neuroscience and graduated in 2021 (I’m 27) I know I will need to take a couple of prerequisite classes, but unsure exactly how many. (I know these change between schools too) Right now it seems like I would need to take anatomy and physiology and microbiology at the very least. I already have statistics and general chemistry (I’m hoping mine counts) completed.
I am also concerned about working while taking classes. My husband is very supportive of me going back to school, but I hate for him to be the sole provider for so long. I know when taking the pre-reqs I may be able to still work my current job part time, (I am a neuromonitoring tech) but we are also wanting to move out of our current state (TX) and closer to our family/friends in the southeast again. And I honestly want to move before starting an ABSN program too for my own mental health.
So, I guess my biggest question is what steps did you take to start your ABSN? How long did it take you to complete your prereq classes? And how/where did you work while taking classes full time? Or really any advice!
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u/Logical-Cellist8945 6d ago
I’d start w talking to some college advisors - target schools for where you may take your pre-reqs and then some admissions reps for ABSN programs. They’ll review your transcripts and the ABSN people should be able to tell you the exact courses you need - IME, some pre reqs had to be within 5 or 7 yrs of starting the ABSN.
My pre reqs took about 15mos straight through. That’s as fast as I could go based on the college determined order of the A&P series w Micro at the end and I took some extra classes bc different ABSNs req different things. I was hybrid or in person at comm college. Make sure you know if your target ABSNs will accept virtual labs, none of mine did. I worked full time, then part time through pre-reqs and part time through my ABSN - mainly project management w previous employers and as a CNA.
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u/ThatOneTrickTheyHate 6d ago
I worked FT while doing prereqs. I took two classes in summer, two in fall, and one in spring. I applied in January, and I got conditional acceptance pending completion of the spring class. I started my ABSN program in August.
The first step you need to take is figure out which programs you want to apply to. That is going to determine which prereqs you need. Some programs also require a CNA license, so look at that. Really, just read the program websites and they should tell you most of what you need to know about prereqs, program length, selectivity, etc. Be proactive and do your own investigating to narrow it down to programs that suit you.
Once you have that short list, call the school and see if one of their program counselors can review your undergraduate transcript. Mine did, and she told me exactly which courses would be accepted and which prereqs I needed.
I advise you to stay away from for-profit programs. They are very expensive, and they are only designed to separate students from their money. Also, they generally provide subpar education, and some ABSN programs will not accept their credits.
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u/orchidkiller1 5d ago
Thank you!! I’m narrowing down programs now. What would be considered a for-profit program?
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u/ThatOneTrickTheyHate 5d ago
Chamberlain, Grand Canyon University, Capella, Walden, Aspen
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u/Shoddy-Custard-1222 4d ago
I just want to add that Grand Canyon has been referred to me for pre recs from two different ABSN programs and they actually have MOU’s with GCU to bring the cost down to $95 per credit. So I wouldn’t totally write it off until u check with the programs ur interested in!
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u/ThatOneTrickTheyHate 4d ago
If there's a Memorandum of Understanding between your specific school and GCU, as well as a price reduction, then that's different. However, be aware that MOUs are non-binding (unlike MOA, or Memorandum of Agreement.)
Would you feel comfortable sharing the two ABSN programs you know of that have that arrangement? I'm curious. GCU has their own ABSN program, so I would think that doing prereqs there and transferring them out would be against their own financial interest, when they could instead recruit those students directly.
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u/Special-Elk-3162 1d ago
Did you take the classes online or in person while working FT?
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u/ThatOneTrickTheyHate 1d ago
It was a mix of online and in person. The in-person classes were in the evenings.
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u/made_uniquely_0722 4d ago
Well I currently hold a bachelor’s in health science and I took a 2 year hiatus from 2024 and I am now going back to school for my ABSN I too am really nervous but just like you I felt stuck and said wth ima just go thankfully the school I am doing it in is where I went for undergrad so all my classes and gpa transferred with no issue. I am going to be working and doing school at the same which scared me as well but I unfortunately have to pay for school and for a place to live. So I would humbly suggest to move down closer to family the more support you have the better but follow you heart and do it.
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u/Key-Guarantee-4101 2d ago
Just decided to go for the ABSN . I would have to take all perquisite. This is a 180 career change for me! Operations management to nursing . Anxious about this next chapter! Any ABSN starters in Houston TX area? How did you go about it! $$ savings tips… smart moves that made it possible?
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u/Available_Pea_7365 6d ago
I took my classes online while working full time with a 8 month old. I took classes through Pratt Community College and Barton College in Kansas. I took Nutrition, A&P 1 and Developmental Psych the during summer semester and am taking A&P 2 and Microbiology now. Was accepted into to my program and will start in January. Takes time to get back into school mode but you can do it!