So A LOT has happened since I blogged last. Lets start from the beginning, I finished my math placement exam yesterday! I got into the 140/150/187 area! Luckily that is the highest math I will need for nursing so I will be done with all of my prereqs this semester, YAY!
Next, I went to the orientation today. I spent about 30 minutes talking with April, the program director. It went splendidly and I was able to confirm all of my information. I will be meeting with her again next Thursday to make more sense of the path I will take.
In the mean time, I have done many many many hours of research on my career choice and the best path for me to classes. (I tend to obsess this way when it comes to life changing decisions) I have found several paths to my BSN and I am not quite sure how I am going to go about it. Here are the choices I have,
1. Finish prereqs, apply for nursing school at the cc, wait on the TWO AND A HALF YEAR waiting list, then complete my AA. After the AA I would go on to the 18 month program at ASU. In total that would be 6 1/2 years. 18 months later I would be able to test for my exam for midwifery.
Pros: I can continue to get more loans and grants during the 2 1/2 years wait. I can establish myself as a lactation consultant and use that as part time work during the nursing program. The ASU program is all online so I would be able to start working in the field immediately. Also, all of my prereqs are available online so I can continue to work while finishing my 2 1/2 years of the plan.
Cons: It is significantly longer than other career options, in the same amount of time I could get a masters in engineering and be making more money.
2. I finish my prereqs and my coreqs and I apply for the CEP program. After the CEP I would move directly to the 18 months of midwifery training. In all it would take 3 1/2 years plus the 18 months to become a midwife.
Pros: significantly shorter time period to get to the end result. A degree from a state university for a very low cost. I can complete the first year online and the last semester too. Only two years of "attending" traditional classes.
Cons: I may not have enough money to not work. It might be too difficult working part-time and I might end up backing down into a lower program. It might be too expensive.
3. I go to ASU for my prereqs and go directly into the nursing program. I would finish in four years and move on to the 18 month program.
Pros: I could be done quickly and no wait list.
Cons: It would cost much more. I would have to take out significant loans. I would have to work at least part-time and likely full-time. I would have to attend all of my classes in person while working full time and being a parent.
I am leaning most towards option number two. It would fit my timing best in regards to raising a family and having more kids. I can get my schooling done the fastest this way. I am not sure how I will work out funding but I think it is the right path for us. I will keep you posted as to the answers I find on financial aid. So far that is where the details get fuzzy. It is not quite clear on how the current students are managing. Also, April GCC Lady said that two of her students in the CEP program have a government stipend they are getting monthly. In return they have to work in a under served area for a certain number of years. This might be an area I can find funding in. Additionally I found a website today dedicated to funding school through any maricopa cc.
For now I am going to start my prereqs and see where I end up. I am hoping that online science isn't as hard as everyone says it will be!
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