4 answers
Mackenzie
Student
Belfast, Maine
1
Question
Asked
267 views
how to apply to nursing school?
I want to go to an out of state nursing program and im not sure if i can because im a sophmore in highschool
Login to comment
4 answers
Sarah Ford
ICU Registered Nurse
9
Answers
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Kudos to you for choosing nursing! This can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding career path!
Considering an out-of-state nursing program is a fantastic idea, but bear in mind that you'll only qualify to apply once you've completed high school. One key factor to remember is the out-of-state tuition fees. Whether you pay these upfront or secure loans to repay later, it's an aspect you'll need to consider. Typically, out-of-state tuition tends to be around twice the cost.
The journey to nursing school usually begins with an associate's degree or a technical program for your Associate Degree in Nursing. Following this, you can opt to bridge to a Bachelor's degree (BSN) if you wish, or directly undertake a 4-year Baccalaureate program from an accredited university. Both paths are equally valid and will open doors for you in virtually any setting. Just ensure that the program you select is accredited, as this is a requirement for taking your boards.
My suggestion would be to identify a few colleges with nursing programs that appeal to you and apply to them. Community colleges might provide the courses you need at a more affordable cost!
As a sophomore, you can start by focusing on achieving good grades and a strong SAT score to bolster your application for competitive universities. Community colleges, however, are less concerned about these. From my 8-year experience as a nurse, I can tell you that no one really minds where you studied. As long as you excel at your job, your salary will be the same. A BSN is a BSN, whether you earn it from a technical school, online, or a prestigious, expensive university.
I would also strongly advise obtaining your CNA license when you're able to work. Serving as a CNA lays the groundwork for nursing and will enhance your skills, making nursing school significantly easier.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Considering an out-of-state nursing program is a fantastic idea, but bear in mind that you'll only qualify to apply once you've completed high school. One key factor to remember is the out-of-state tuition fees. Whether you pay these upfront or secure loans to repay later, it's an aspect you'll need to consider. Typically, out-of-state tuition tends to be around twice the cost.
The journey to nursing school usually begins with an associate's degree or a technical program for your Associate Degree in Nursing. Following this, you can opt to bridge to a Bachelor's degree (BSN) if you wish, or directly undertake a 4-year Baccalaureate program from an accredited university. Both paths are equally valid and will open doors for you in virtually any setting. Just ensure that the program you select is accredited, as this is a requirement for taking your boards.
My suggestion would be to identify a few colleges with nursing programs that appeal to you and apply to them. Community colleges might provide the courses you need at a more affordable cost!
As a sophomore, you can start by focusing on achieving good grades and a strong SAT score to bolster your application for competitive universities. Community colleges, however, are less concerned about these. From my 8-year experience as a nurse, I can tell you that no one really minds where you studied. As long as you excel at your job, your salary will be the same. A BSN is a BSN, whether you earn it from a technical school, online, or a prestigious, expensive university.
I would also strongly advise obtaining your CNA license when you're able to work. Serving as a CNA lays the groundwork for nursing and will enhance your skills, making nursing school significantly easier.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
75
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Building upon Patricia's insightful advice, I'd like to suggest a few cost-effective strategies as you begin to chart your future course.
Firstly, as a Maine resident, you have the opportunity to earn your ADN for free through the Maine Community College system. At present, the state generously covers two years of tuition for high school graduates who wish to join the Community College system. This not only allows you to secure your ADN but also sets you up for further studies. If you aspire to earn your BSN or MSN, you can do so while working as a licensed nurse and earning an income.
Alternatively, if you're inclined to pursue a nursing program outside of Maine, consider states that appeal to you as potential places to live. Explore the colleges or universities they offer. Remember, these states also have community college systems, which are typically more affordable. This way, you can enjoy the experience of living in a different state, save on tuition, and earn your ADN before moving on to your BSN or a more advanced degree if that's your goal.
Drawing from personal experience and having seen many acquaintances struggle with student debt, I'm grateful for my own journey through the Community College system. It provided me with a top-notch education and the same license, but at a fraction of the cost. I graduated debt-free, and the return on my initial investment has been substantial. My first job after graduation offered a starting salary that was five times the cost of my two-year education, and my earnings have only increased since then. While it's true that education costs have risen, with a bit of creative planning and by leveraging beneficial programs, you can maximize the return on your educational investment.
To assist you further, I've included a few links for you to explore and ponder over.
https://www.mccs.me.edu/freecollege/#:~:text=High%20school%20grads%20from%202020,any%20of%20Maine's%20community%20colleges.
https://www.freecollegenow.org/promise_programs
Firstly, as a Maine resident, you have the opportunity to earn your ADN for free through the Maine Community College system. At present, the state generously covers two years of tuition for high school graduates who wish to join the Community College system. This not only allows you to secure your ADN but also sets you up for further studies. If you aspire to earn your BSN or MSN, you can do so while working as a licensed nurse and earning an income.
Alternatively, if you're inclined to pursue a nursing program outside of Maine, consider states that appeal to you as potential places to live. Explore the colleges or universities they offer. Remember, these states also have community college systems, which are typically more affordable. This way, you can enjoy the experience of living in a different state, save on tuition, and earn your ADN before moving on to your BSN or a more advanced degree if that's your goal.
Drawing from personal experience and having seen many acquaintances struggle with student debt, I'm grateful for my own journey through the Community College system. It provided me with a top-notch education and the same license, but at a fraction of the cost. I graduated debt-free, and the return on my initial investment has been substantial. My first job after graduation offered a starting salary that was five times the cost of my two-year education, and my earnings have only increased since then. While it's true that education costs have risen, with a bit of creative planning and by leveraging beneficial programs, you can maximize the return on your educational investment.
To assist you further, I've included a few links for you to explore and ponder over.
John recommends the following next steps:
Patricia Berrios
Registered Nurse
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Mackensie,
It's fantastic that you're already planning for your future in nursing. Remember, it's essential to complete all prerequisite courses before applying to any top-tier nursing program. If you're still in high school, try to take as many dual-credit classes as possible that are recognized by the colleges you're considering.
I recommend visiting the websites of your preferred colleges and their nursing schools to familiarize yourself with the admission procedures. You might be able to connect with a college counselor or even a current student involved in outreach initiatives who can give you a heads-up about what to anticipate.
While it's great to plan ahead, don't forget the importance of doing well in high school. Some high schools offer the opportunity to enroll in dual-credit programs for college or vocational school. Certain vocational schools even provide LPN programs.
If you're certain about pursuing a Bachelor's degree in nursing, ensure that your dual-credit classes are transferable. Keep going, Mackensie! Your early planning and dedication are sure to pay off in your nursing career.
Inquire with the school of your interest to see what the admissions process looks like.
Investigate concurrent enrollment for college or vocational programs
It's fantastic that you're already planning for your future in nursing. Remember, it's essential to complete all prerequisite courses before applying to any top-tier nursing program. If you're still in high school, try to take as many dual-credit classes as possible that are recognized by the colleges you're considering.
I recommend visiting the websites of your preferred colleges and their nursing schools to familiarize yourself with the admission procedures. You might be able to connect with a college counselor or even a current student involved in outreach initiatives who can give you a heads-up about what to anticipate.
While it's great to plan ahead, don't forget the importance of doing well in high school. Some high schools offer the opportunity to enroll in dual-credit programs for college or vocational school. Certain vocational schools even provide LPN programs.
If you're certain about pursuing a Bachelor's degree in nursing, ensure that your dual-credit classes are transferable. Keep going, Mackensie! Your early planning and dedication are sure to pay off in your nursing career.
Patricia recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Mackenzie,
Guide to Applying for an Out-of-State Nursing Program as a High School Sophomore
Your interest in nursing as a high school sophomore is commendable. It's never too early to start planning for your future, especially when it involves a career as rewarding as nursing. Here are some proactive steps to help you prepare for an out-of-state nursing program:
1. Explore Nursing Programs: Start by investigating a variety of nursing programs, both within and beyond your state. Understand their admission criteria, course content, and any specific prerequisites. Choose programs that resonate with your career aspirations and personal interests.
2. Strengthen Your Academics: Strive for excellence in your high school academics, particularly in science and math. These subjects form the foundation for prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy in nursing programs.
3. Acquire Healthcare Exposure: Try volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals to gain firsthand experience in nursing. This can also help validate your decision to pursue nursing as a career.
4. Get Ready for Standardized Tests: Most nursing programs require SAT or ACT scores. Begin your preparation early to secure competitive scores.
5. Connect with Nursing Schools: Communicate with the admissions departments of your preferred nursing programs. Ask about their specific criteria for high school applicants. This can guide you on how to enhance your future application.
6. Schedule College Tours: If feasible, visit the campuses of your chosen nursing schools. This will give you a sense of the atmosphere and allow you to interact with current students or faculty members.
7. Stay Updated: Keep track of any changes in admission criteria or deadlines for the nursing programs you wish to apply to.
Applying for an out-of-state nursing program as a high school sophomore can be challenging, but with early preparation and research, you can navigate the process effectively. Remember, each nursing program has unique requirements, so staying organized and proactive is crucial in your journey to becoming a nurse.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - The AACN offers valuable insights on accredited nursing programs, admission criteria, and resources for prospective nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - The NCSBN provides information on licensing requirements for nurses and updates on regulatory standards across states.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides data on job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for various healthcare professions, including nursing.
These sources were used to ensure that this guide provides accurate and current information for high school students interested in applying to out-of-state nursing programs.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Guide to Applying for an Out-of-State Nursing Program as a High School Sophomore
Your interest in nursing as a high school sophomore is commendable. It's never too early to start planning for your future, especially when it involves a career as rewarding as nursing. Here are some proactive steps to help you prepare for an out-of-state nursing program:
1. Explore Nursing Programs: Start by investigating a variety of nursing programs, both within and beyond your state. Understand their admission criteria, course content, and any specific prerequisites. Choose programs that resonate with your career aspirations and personal interests.
2. Strengthen Your Academics: Strive for excellence in your high school academics, particularly in science and math. These subjects form the foundation for prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy in nursing programs.
3. Acquire Healthcare Exposure: Try volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals to gain firsthand experience in nursing. This can also help validate your decision to pursue nursing as a career.
4. Get Ready for Standardized Tests: Most nursing programs require SAT or ACT scores. Begin your preparation early to secure competitive scores.
5. Connect with Nursing Schools: Communicate with the admissions departments of your preferred nursing programs. Ask about their specific criteria for high school applicants. This can guide you on how to enhance your future application.
6. Schedule College Tours: If feasible, visit the campuses of your chosen nursing schools. This will give you a sense of the atmosphere and allow you to interact with current students or faculty members.
7. Stay Updated: Keep track of any changes in admission criteria or deadlines for the nursing programs you wish to apply to.
Applying for an out-of-state nursing program as a high school sophomore can be challenging, but with early preparation and research, you can navigate the process effectively. Remember, each nursing program has unique requirements, so staying organized and proactive is crucial in your journey to becoming a nurse.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - The AACN offers valuable insights on accredited nursing programs, admission criteria, and resources for prospective nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - The NCSBN provides information on licensing requirements for nurses and updates on regulatory standards across states.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides data on job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for various healthcare professions, including nursing.
These sources were used to ensure that this guide provides accurate and current information for high school students interested in applying to out-of-state nursing programs.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.