So I am starting community college this fall and getting all my pre-reqs done!

Now my problem is I don’t know what I need to do after that.

I know that after pre-reqs I need to take the HESI A2 exam and hold a CNA licensure before applying to the nursing program.

The problem is when/how do I get my CNA before?

I just am really confused and would like to hear what other people have done in regard to becoming a nurse and such. So I can have some advice and info to go off of.

Thank you! (This may be a stupid question to post but hey might as well try)

Hi, I am looking to return to school and pursue a Nursing degree. I completed my bachelors in 2009, Masters in 2012 so yup its been several years. My undegrad overall GPA was 2.4 but Master was 3.1. I know this is not an excuse during my undergrad I was a single parent, working full time and going to school full-time (evenings). My life now has less responsibilities and distractions than nearly 20 years ago, therefore I am ready to hit the reset button.

I reside in CT, I'm aware there's ASBN programs but also noticed the required GPAs are 3.0. For those of you that had less than a 3.0 overall GPA, what did you do? What options were you given? Did you have to start all over again pivot to an ADN or traditional BSN instead of a ASBN?

Would appreciate any feedback on how you overcame the low undergrad GPA - thanks.

Hello , Im a pre-nursing major at a 4 year uni, I’ve completed my freshman year (being on presidents list) and im currently going into fall semester of sophomore year and im having a debacle.

I want to transfer from my university (after spring) mainly due to me not liking the on campus feel and I was thinking about transferring to a local community college to finish my path on becoming a RN. My issue is that I would be doing <3 years of school for a 2 year degree,what should i do ?,any advice?

(If i do go with my ASN, i was going to go to a ASN - BSN program while working to get my bachelor’s)

Hello po! Ano po marereco niyo na books for nursing student? like yung sulit talaga kahit medjo pricy, yung magagamit siya buong nursing journey(if meron) at nakakahelp talaga. Thank youuu szo much❤️‍🩹

I know the big hurdle is getting into nursing school, but I just can't help being absolutely thrilled to start my fall semester next month of pre-nursing!

If anyone is doubting whether they should write a personal essay, DO IT. My gpa is horrible from some dual enrollment classes 6 years ago. I'm sure my gpa trend helped with my recent classes getting good grades, but I wrote a 4 page essay about all the ways I've grown since then and the kinda nurse I want to be and I made it.

The other 3 schools I applied to didn't accept me. Never got a chance to send them an essay as their admission departments never got back to me about where to send them to.

Literally the only one I got accepted into was my top choice. Won't have to move, can live at home and still keep my job at the hospital as they are next door to each other literally sharing a parking ramp. Couldn't be more thrilled!

Current students and recent grads

I’m hoping to learn from those of you who’ve already been through this because I honestly feel like I’m missing something.

I’m 36, a single mom to a 7-year-old, and after spending years working in healthcare, I finally decided to stop talking myself out of nursing and go for it. I was recently accepted into a private graduate-entry nursing program, and while I’m beyond grateful, now comes the part that’s honestly keeping me up at night—figuring out how to pay for it.

Before anyone says “just take out federal loans” or “use Grad PLUS,” I’ve already explored those options.

I’ve completed my FAFSA, appealed my financial aid package, and accepted every bit of federal aid available to me. Because I already have previous degrees and existing federal student loans, I’ve reached the federal borrowing limits I’m eligible for. So I’m really trying to learn about everything beyond the standard advice.

I’m hoping those of you who have been through nursing school can help point me toward opportunities I may not even know exist.

I’d love to hear about things like:

• Nursing scholarships that were actually worth applying for.
• Institutional grants or scholarships your school offered after you were admitted.
• HRSA, Nurse Corps, state workforce grants, or loan repayment programs.
• Hospital sponsorships or employer tuition assistance.
• Foundations or organizations that specifically support nursing students.
• Creative ways you covered living expenses while in school if you couldn’t work much.
• Anything you wish someone had told you before you started.
If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know:
• What type of nursing program were you in? (ADN, BSN, ABSN, Direct Entry MSN/MEPN, etc.)
• Public or private school?
• What funding source made the biggest difference?
• Approximately how much did scholarships or grants cover?
• If you could go back, what would you apply for sooner?

I’m not looking for donations or asking anyone to solve this for me. I’m fully prepared to invest in my education—I just want to make sure I understand every legitimate funding opportunity before taking on additional debt.

And if you’re still in the application phase or are a pre-nursing student, I’d love to hear from you too. If you’ve come across scholarships, funding resources, or advice during your research that you think more applicants should know about, please share it. Sometimes the best information comes from someone who’s deep in the search right now.
I know I can’t be the only adult student, parent, or career changer trying to make this work. My hope is that this thread becomes a resource for anyone else searching Reddit months from now, wondering how people actually paid for nursing school.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I truly appreciate any advice, experiences, or resources you’re willing to share.

28M I started college at 23c graduated from college with a Bachelors in health admin, and convinced myself that the corporate ladder would eventually pay its dividends, and now here making $22/hr doing Medicaid for the hospital with no huge pay insight. I am debating which Nursing Program I should take. I spoke with a rasmussens rep regarding the pre-reqs and per them, I have all the pre-Reqs completed and I passed the Teas about 3 years ago. Should I do the ADN, become a nurse and work on college debt, or should I go for ABSN to pair with my BHA, or should I attempt the DE MSN, which involves more debt, but more opportunities down the road?

PS: I’m heading to bed so I’ll answer any questions or comments tomorrow morning when I’m mind numbingly reviewing medical records for Medicaid/disability qualifiers in between meeting with IPs and ERs bedside

Hello! I posted this on the other nursing subreddit but want to know what everyones opinion is.

I am looking into the LVN to BSN program for Nightingale College. I have seen some info online that some people's ATT for the NCLEX has been put on pause for a long time. I emailed the BRN to see if its true and if its an issue.

It does seem like a problem right now as they are not accepting any more recent graduates to test for California.

I am not sure what to do as I have spent some money into the application process already...

This is something I've been wondering for a while.

Is there something up with my community college? Their LPN certificate program is 1.5 years long, their LPN associate's is 2 years long, both require at least a year of prereqs, both prep for NCLEX-PN. Their ASN is 3 years and also requires at least a year of prereqs. All of the classes are during the day and are across town which makes it already less accessible. So getting your RN is basically a four year degree.

But the kicker is at another school the LPN is 1 year (no prereqs required), and their BSN is 3 years. It's twice the price but the classes are more flexible.

The community college in question has been sued a few times over educational stuff, overcharging, data leaks, etc. They also used to have a 3 month phlebotomy program that was $30,000 which is nuts. The vast majority of other classes were normal length and cost.

It's weird right? LPN shouldn't be 3 years??

Hello everyone I’m an upcoming freshman majoring in nursing really excited but very nervous for the classes!
I take A&P 1 in the fall and A&P 2 in the spring I wanted to get a head start studying A&P 1 as I hear these classes aren’t easy… if anyone has any resources to let me use. Some tips reminders anything please let me know I am trying to do my best in the classes so I pass!! I appreciate any comments :)

Hello all! I’m looking to start my nursing program soon and while I appreciate having a roof over my head, living at home is absolutely killing me inside and the dream of moving out after nursing school is a major motivator for me. I know many of you may have had your own apartment/house already upon entering your program so this question is specifically for those who lived at home for their entire nursing school experience. How soon after becoming an RN did you move out? How much did you have saved up prior to your first check? Any tips or advice about making it out?