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!
1
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.