STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I'm doing nursing prereqs right now (last term of them!), but many health careers have similar requirements.  I don't have a previous bachelors degree, and if you do - even if it's in a totally unrelated field - some requirements are waved.  I doubt you'd have to take any writing or math, which would shorten things up for you a bit. 

You may also be able to do an accelerated program designed especially for those with previous unrelated bachelors degrees, which could get you a BSN in 18 months for some year-round programs or 2 years for summers-off types. 

IMO a large, large majority of nurses do their prereqs at community colleges, and most also do their nursing training there as well.  Definitely check around for which programs are approved by the state regulating body, and maybe go to a few info sessions as well.  CCs have a lot to offer, and they are much less expensive than a university.  At least around here, many hospitals prefer hiring CC nurses instead of U nurses, because though they hold the same degree the CC nurses have had more hands-on experience by the end of their program than the U nurses have.  The classes offeed in Bachelors nursing programs that aren't included in associates programs are mostly management-related stuff, fwiw.  The BSN degree will get you maybe a dollar or two more per hour to start (not always) and management opportunities.  Another thing to keep in mind is that many hospitals contract with colleges and will pay part or all of their employed nurses' tuition to take the few classes needed to upgrade to a BSN degree.  This is the path I'm planning on taking, personally.

Different states have different requirements for PTs, so in some cases that would be more school than nursing.  There are lots of other health careers too, if you're open to other possibilities.

-- Edited by Elle on Sunday 11th of October 2009 01:39:07 PM