I have a BS in Criminal Justice and at the time intended to go to Law School. Well I got married and decided to have kids. I was thinking of maybe going back to school to become a nurse. There is such a demand. I really don't know where to start?? I would think there are different programs for people who already have a degree? Any feedback would be great :)
Make an appointment with a guidance counselor for that department at the school you are considering. They can help, are there to help, you decide if that is what you want to do and how you can get started. A friend of mine went back to school and got started this way. The counselor she met with originally was there to help her with choosing courses and making sure it ws the right fit for her.
You may wish to start at a community college and then transfer to a college/university at a later time. The community college would be less expensive (but the credits are just as worthy) and tend to have more flexible schedules as a community college tends to attract non-traditional students like moms, adults, or full-time/part-time workers.
Do a little research first and put together a long-range plan. Ultimately, what type of nursing degree/position do you want - LPN, RN, etc? Find out what is necessary to attain the level you're desiring. Then, decide what school you will attend in order to get that certification/license. If you decide to go the community college and then the traditional college/university route, find out what the pre-reqs are for the university program and then make sure you take those comparable courses at the community college (so they'll transfer). You can probably get a TON of pre-reqs out of the way at a community college, thus saving a ton of money while you're at it.
Finally, make an appointment with an admissions counselor to learn more about your options. When you make the appointment, let them know that you want to talk with someone in the nursing department (or school of allied health professions or whatever division nursing is in) so you can learn as much as possible.
Good luck to you!
Since you're in DuPage, you can go to COD, they have a GREAT program for nursing. If you can, I'd really suggest a part-time approach, you're no longer flying solo. I took a full load & my family was so unhappy with me, even though my kids at the time were 7 & 16!! They felt gypped of my time & efforts. I was only in school 2 days but then had homework and became stressed to get it all accomplished. This was despite me using my crock pot & other mad "Suzy-Homemaker" skills. Mom is the heart of the home, it does impact everyone when we're stressed. That is not to tell you not to do it, just reminding you not to go whole-hog this time around. :)
Nursing is different than the other types of programs, you'll probably start at day one like others despite years of prior education since it wasn't in that field & it's very specific training.
Good luck!
D.
Just another thought. Have you considered becoming a Paralegal? This is another great career, that is in demand right now. Good luck with whatever you decide.
