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What did you wish you knew before choosing to go to college fir nursing? #Fall25
I am senior and looking to go to college for nursing.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Madalyn! While I am not a nurse, I work for CareerVillage.org and wanted to make sure you're aware of our free other platform: Coach. We have dedicated activities for students pursuing nursing occupations and in fact are currently running a scholarship program until Dec 12 -- it's a great opportunity to get this exact question answered by a trusted tool AND enter yourself to potentially win an awesome scholarship. The tool was built exactly for questions like this one!! Here's more information on the scholarship and how to enter/sign up: https://challenges.careervillage.org/coach-2025-nursing-scholarship-2/
Cherilyn Garner
Medical Office Practice Manager; Certified Medical Assistant (
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Cherilyn’s Answer
When I first went to college, I started out as a certified medical assistant (CMA) and later decided to try nursing school. Looking back, I wish I had taken more of the pre‑requisite classes first and focused more on school instead of letting work and a new relationship spread me too thin. I don’t regret meeting my husband, but I do wish I had been more disciplined with my studies because nursing school is demanding and requires a lot of time and energy. I didn’t get to finish the program because everything became too much at once — but honestly, it ended up leading me to the path I was meant for. My advice is to really prioritize your classes, give yourself the time you need to learn, and protect your focus. Nursing is a big commitment, but if it’s truly what you want, staying focused now will make your life so much easier later. Best of luck to you!
Robin Ramer
I have done cna, qma, and activities aide positions in my career.
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Robin’s Answer
Hi! So, I'm not a nurse, but I am a certified medical assistant. I went to college and got my associates degree, What I wished I had known then - good question.
* Take everything the admission counselor says with a grain of salt - they are in it for the money. They will tell you what you want to hear and push for the most expensive classes and/or degree. They will be convincing, so don't make any decisions right then and there, they will push but take the time to think about what they said and if it's what you really want.
* Books! Now most colleges are using tablets, but not all. Always check for used textbooks: amazon, used bookstores - don't forget online sites, the college bookstore, and students that had the class before you sometimes will sale their books. You will save $100s in the long run. Of course, if they give you a choice, compare them and go with what you can afford and prefer, and also compare the price of the textbook on the tablet. you still have to buy the textbooks in that format as well.
* Study time! Plan on having a lot of it. And find a study partner or group.
* Volunteer somewhere, nursing homes always welcome volunteers, hospitals, etc. This will give you an idea of the day to day.
* Ask to shadow a nurse at these same places. That's more insight, advice and tips.
* Find a mentor, maybe even the nurse you can shadow. They will be full of insights and advice.
I hope this helps. And good luck!
* Take everything the admission counselor says with a grain of salt - they are in it for the money. They will tell you what you want to hear and push for the most expensive classes and/or degree. They will be convincing, so don't make any decisions right then and there, they will push but take the time to think about what they said and if it's what you really want.
* Books! Now most colleges are using tablets, but not all. Always check for used textbooks: amazon, used bookstores - don't forget online sites, the college bookstore, and students that had the class before you sometimes will sale their books. You will save $100s in the long run. Of course, if they give you a choice, compare them and go with what you can afford and prefer, and also compare the price of the textbook on the tablet. you still have to buy the textbooks in that format as well.
* Study time! Plan on having a lot of it. And find a study partner or group.
* Volunteer somewhere, nursing homes always welcome volunteers, hospitals, etc. This will give you an idea of the day to day.
* Ask to shadow a nurse at these same places. That's more insight, advice and tips.
* Find a mentor, maybe even the nurse you can shadow. They will be full of insights and advice.
I hope this helps. And good luck!