Re: Nursing school

[bsusanmb]

bsusanmd,

Your near hershey! I am in the Wilkes-Barre area and go to LCCC. Don't know if your familar or not. If my Dfi stay in the state after im all done with school we'd like to move either towards Hershey or Danville. I'll have to look you up if I come towards you! As soon as I saw where you were from I just had to say HI!

Oh, yes, I know LCCC Wilkes Barre well. My daughter used to drive 2 hours to take tap dance lessons from David Blight and Candice Miscavage! I graduated from HACC....Harrisburg Area Community College. Hershey is a beautiful area and so are the surrounding communities. I worked at Penn State Hershey many years ago. It is just growing leaps and bounds. There are great benefits to working there...I can't recall, but the employee either goes free to Penn State or for 25% and so does your immediate familiy get either 75 per cent paid or 50 percent paid. Sure, look me up!

 

[problemchild718]

Good luck to you and DH! I am an ER/Trauma RN. Hubby is in paramedic school. He tried nursing and made it through nurs. 1 but didn't pass nurs. 2 (missed it by 0.3 pts) It was heartbreaking. BUT-life goes on and we are on a different path for now. I LOVE being a nurse! Your options and salary are only limited by what you want! Here in Northern NJ the 2 year schools won't even let you apply until all your prerecs are complete. There are so many applicants and too few spots. But, being a male and a vet should help along with his grades. Just a side note-my 2 year RN program was more difficult than all 4 yrs of college. When he gets in, you must realize nursing school is super intense and he will have no time for chores or family until the semester breaks. Give him support and LOTS of space. I freq had 200+ pages to read a night and all of our exams and practicals were pass/fail. It took me 4 years after I graduated to want to read for pleasure. Oh BTW with as much as you learn in school-you'll learn more in the first week of being a nurse than the entire time in school!

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I am in nursing school, and have one more semester for my ADN in nursing, then I can sit for my RN. I'm probably going to continue on to my BSN in January as my school offers that.

The schools in my state, and my state's board of nursing is excellent at putting their information online. If you google nclex pass rate utah you get a list of all the schools in Utah, and how well their students did on NCLEX. If you google the school name and nursing requirements, you are very likely to get the required information. My school even put's on the site what the GPA was for the students that were admitted the previous year.

One webforum that has a ton of information is allnurses dot com
One of the tab's on the top is for students, and you have discussions with current students, former students, and future students.

I love nursing, and for me it is a second career. After working with computers for 20+ years, I am ready for a change. I did take the LPN and became a LPN/LVN in February, and can't wait to get my RN after next semester.

Good luck

Thank you for the NCLEX info! I'll tell my husband about that and allnurses.com. Good luck in your studies!

Good luck to you and DH! I am an ER/Trauma RN. Hubby is in paramedic school. He tried nursing and made it through nurs. 1 but didn't pass nurs. 2 (missed it by 0.3 pts) It was heartbreaking. BUT-life goes on and we are on a different path for now. I LOVE being a nurse! Your options and salary are only limited by what you want! Here in Northern NJ the 2 year schools won't even let you apply until all your prerecs are complete. There are so many applicants and too few spots. But, being a male and a vet should help along with his grades. Just a side note-my 2 year RN program was more difficult than all 4 yrs of college. When he gets in, you must realize nursing school is super intense and he will have no time for chores or family until the semester breaks. Give him support and LOTS of space. I freq had 200+ pages to read a night and all of our exams and practicals were pass/fail. It took me 4 years after I graduated to want to read for pleasure. Oh BTW with as much as you learn in school-you'll learn more in the first week of being a nurse than the entire time in school!

Thank you for the well wishes! I'm more worried about our kids adjusting to him being in school(they're 3 and 6 and he's a devoted dad) but luckily they have already began adjusting due to his coreqs he's taken and they realize how important this is. They're very proud of their daddy!

 

[emh1129]

Wow, that is competitive! I've never heard of the nursing school entrance exam. I know that the compass reading only offers up to a 99 but it doesn't seem like it's anything comparable to that. What does it consist of? I'm glad they list your courses as prereqs. I think that's what they should do here because even though they're listed as coreqs there's no way anyone's getting in without the bios! Good luck!

I forgot to mention that our school uses the NET exam score as one of the major components of ranking, too.
There is a review guide that can be ordered directly from the company that creates the exam. I want to say it was around $30ish? It was a really, really basic exam.. nothing to get stressed out about.

 

[madamy]

Even 20 years ago nursing programs were difficult to get into, most had waiting lists 2-3 years long. My work around for that was to get my LPN(one year), the community college offered a ladder program which allowed you to bypass the 1st year of the RN program and then take a few summer courses before entering into the second year of the RN program. To apply for ladder program you were required to have at least a 3.5 GPA and strong letters of recommendation from your instructors. What they did is fill the empty clinical slots from drop-out/ failures of 1st year students. I had already taken A&P, Microbiology, and several generic courses, so the second year was a breeze. To be honest I learned a lot more in LPN school. RN courses were much easier except for a neuro class. I was also able to work as an LPN (after passing boards, I took them the old fashioned way with paper and #2 pencils, they were given 2X a year, you then sat by the mail box 6 weeks later waiting to find out if you passed or failed). As an LPN agency nurse I made $18- $21/hr (20 years ago), so I had a decent income for a part-time job and could work as much or as little as I wanted, while finishing school.
I had a very sick child 12 years ago and have been a stay at home mom since then. I am looking forward to returning to work, my youngest is 12 (and healthy now) and I am sooooo bored and starting to get depressed. Unfortunately I was stupid and let my license expire 10 years ago. I have discovered I am more of a creative person, than a science person anyway so I am try to decide what to do next. I have to admit it is scary going back to school at 40, but I need to come to grips with it. I would love to become a landscape architect or interior designer. But need to look at the long term payoff with tuition being so much, at 4 year colleges.

Good luck to your husband. Every state/school is different but you might want to check into the LPN/LVN route if he doesn't get in this year.
It is probably not too far off that they will need to do something about the nursing crisis in the US. It would be nice if they would expand the nursing programs here in the US, instead just importing nurses from other countries.

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I forgot to mention that our school uses the NET exam score as one of the major components of ranking, too.
There is a review guide that can be ordered directly from the company that creates the exam. I want to say it was around $30ish? It was a really, really basic exam.. nothing to get stressed out about.

I guess the NET is like our compass test.

Even 20 years ago nursing programs were difficult to get into, most had waiting lists 2-3 years long. My work around for that was to get my LPN(one year), the community college offered a ladder program which allowed you to bypass the 1st year of the RN program and then take a few summer courses before entering into the second year of the RN program. To apply for ladder program you were required to have at least a 3.5 GPA and strong letters of recommendation from your instructors. What they did is fill the empty clinical slots from drop-out/ failures of 1st year students. I had already taken A&P, Microbiology, and several generic courses, so the second year was a breeze. To be honest I learned a lot more in LPN school. RN courses were much easier except for a neuro class. I was also able to work as an LPN (after passing boards, I took them the old fashioned way with paper and #2 pencils, they were given 2X a year, you then sat by the mail box 6 weeks later waiting to find out if you passed or failed). As an LPN agency nurse I made $18- $21/hr (20 years ago), so I had a decent income for a part-time job and could work as much or as little as I wanted, while finishing school.
I had a very sick child 12 years ago and have been a stay at home mom since then. I am looking forward to returning to work, my youngest is 12 (and healthy now) and I am sooooo bored and starting to get depressed. Unfortunately I was stupid and let my license expire 10 years ago. I have discovered I am more of a creative person, than a science person anyway so I am try to decide what to do next. I have to admit it is scary going back to school at 40, but I need to come to grips with it. I would love to become a landscape architect or interior designer. But need to look at the long term payoff with tuition being so much, at 4 year colleges.

Good luck to your husband. Every state/school is different but you might want to check into the LPN/LVN route if he doesn't get in this year.
It is probably not too far off that they will need to do something about the nursing crisis in the US. It would be nice if they would expand the nursing programs here in the US, instead just importing nurses from other countries.

They do offer LPN and RN and both are very competitive. We'll have to wait and see what happens. I am glad that your child is healthy and that you've decided to go back to school. And just remember it's never too late!(hubby is 35) Your occupation choices sound interesting. One of my best friends is an interior designer and she loves it. She works with a small reputable firm and they even have celebrity clients from all over the country. It would be nice if they had enough programs available to counteract the nursing shortage. Good luck with your future classes!

 

[mickeygaga]

I wish him all the luck and success and you all the patience and support! I know some students who were told to expect their acceptance letters at the end of May or early June. As an ER nurse, I know we hire nursing students after their first semester. They start foley's, transport patients, help in triage etc. I love them all, we would be lost without them. I would definately check NClex pass rates and with that info look into the schools. Although I went to a big university, our local community colleges(like IVY Tech) had great pass rates too. They are cheaper too. Where I live, some try to say they had a better education because of so and so school, but from what I know we ALL sit for the same exam. Just look into the pass rates. I also encourage all the students to take the on-line Kaplan review and do the 1000 practice questions. The first semester seems to be the filter, we lost alot of our students by just minimal points. All I can say is read and don't let the stress get to you. Again, I wish you guys the best future. I love being a nurse

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I wish him all the luck and success and you all the patience and support! I know some students who were told to expect their acceptance letters at the end of May or early June. As an ER nurse, I know we hire nursing students after their first semester. They start foley's, transport patients, help in triage etc. I love them all, we would be lost without them. I would definately check NClex pass rates and with that info look into the schools. Although I went to a big university, our local community colleges(like IVY Tech) had great pass rates too. They are cheaper too. Where I live, some try to say they had a better education because of so and so school, but from what I know we ALL sit for the same exam. Just look into the pass rates. I also encourage all the students to take the on-line Kaplan review and do the 1000 practice questions. The first semester seems to be the filter, we lost alot of our students by just minimal points. All I can say is read and don't let the stress get to you. Again, I wish you guys the best future. I love being a nurse

Thank you for the well wishes! He will be going to a community college(one of 3). They all have excellent NCLEX pass rates(90 and above). Thanks for the info about the Kaplan review. I'll be sure to tell hubby.

 

[zurgswife]

I've got to finish some prereques this summer and pass A&P in the fall before I can apply for 2009. I'm hoping my GPA will help we secure a spot but ya never know what A&P will do....I'm currently planning on applying to 2 local schools so my fingers are crossed.

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I've got to finish some prereques this summer and pass A&P in the fall before I can apply for 2009. I'm hoping my GPA will help we secure a spot but ya never know what A&P will do....I'm currently planning on applying to 2 local schools so my fingers are crossed.

Good luck!! Do your schools use the point system? Will this be your 1st or 2nd A&P? My husband oddly had a harder time with his 1st A&P although I think it had a lot to do with the teachers. Have you taken your microbio yet? That one was the toughest for hubby. Lots of content and not a lot of time! You sound like you're on your way!

 

[Princess Amy Lyn]

I was pretty lucky... I already had a BA with very little Science. So I went back to school just for the sciences (prereques). When I finished the basics I went to the School of Nursing building to get an application for the winter or spring quarter. I had not been there before and I started talking to a lady and asking questions she said, "come into my office". I had no idea who she was, she asked about my plans etc. I told her. She asked about my grades...I just happend to get straight A's the last quarter (I usually get A's and B's). She goes we have one last spot in our class this fall could you start Monday...I could not believe it, I had not even fillled out the application yet. I said sure. I had to quickly take the entrance exam, fill out the application and I started the next Monday. The lady happened to be the Dean of Students. No one can ever believe my story....If it was not me I would not believe it. It usually takes at least a year to get into the fall class.

As far as working.....I was in a BSN program and they told us it would be better if we didn't. I had some friends who worked and it was hard to find a job that was that flexible. With all the clinicals at odd hours. For us some quarters were definitly harder than others. Also you had to get a C+ or greater or you had to repeat the course. I don't know if that is standard....but, one bad test could put you over if you are boarder line. Talk to other students at the school you get into and find out the tougher quarters and maybe cut back a little. I ended up getting married 6 weeks before I graduated from Nursing School.... I planned a wedding during the previous year, took 1 week off for the wedding and still managed to do fine.

I would definitly go for the Bachelors... higher pay bracket.

Best of luck!

 

[tink2dw]

He should be prepared to face a land slide of prejudice from female Nurses. They try to bring sexual harassment charges. They will resent him in every way there is. They claim anger issues.

Dh has had the hardest 25 years imaginable. Because in most work situations he is the only male. And the females can't cope with a man doing their job. It truly has sucked for him. He wants out but can't find anything that pays as much.

Also be prepared to never make much money. Teachers in our area make more money than he does. And you know how everyone says that they don't get paid much. Raises are really slow. Especially if he isn't in a union. The raises he gets will never match the cost of living.

Don't ever get a credit card, or a new car, or a new house you won't be able to afford the interest payments.

I would suggest not being a nurse but to go to radiology, respiratory or phlebotomy, or specialize in some kind of lab work. Or become a Doctor's P.A.

Good luck!! you will need all you can get!! Others will nay say what I have told you.
But I really truly speak the truth.

 

[#1srcrmckyfan]

He should be prepared to face a land slide of predigest from female Nurses. They try to bring sexual harassment charges. They will resent him in ever way there is. They claim anger issues.

Dh has had the hardest 25 years imaginable. Because in most work situations he is the only male. And the females can't cope with a man doing their job. It truly has sucked for him. He wants out but can't find anything that pays as much.

Also be prepared to never make much money. Teachers in our area make more money than he does. And you know how everyone says that they don't get paid much. Raises are really slow. Especially if he isn't in a union. The raises he gets will never match the cost of living.

Don't ever get a credit card, or a new car, or a new house you won't be able to afford the interest payments.

I would suggest not being a nurse but to go to radiology, respiratory or phlebotomy, or specialize in some kind of lab work. Or become a Dr.s P.A.

Good luck!! you will need all you can get!! Others will nay say what I have told you.
But I really truly speak the truth.

Just a few comments regarding this post:

First, it is very true that there are very few male nurses. However, the couple that I know do an excellent job and only (for the most part) share the same frustrations as the rest of us do regarding our jobs. While other medical areas (radiology, respiratory, lab med tech) may have a few more males, there really aren't that many in the field (unless you go towards paramedic or physician).

Second, nursing (or most any job in the medical field) does have significant job security with such a huge shortage. In my area, nursing is one of the better paying careers for the schooling. I made considerably more than a new teacher when I was a new grad, plus I get to leave my work at work! Even though I may have to work some weekends and holidays, I do get a lot of schedule flexibility as well as the opportunity to only work part-time. I get decent yearly raises and bonuses (I work at a non-union hospital.) I personally can't complain...it's better than so many other jobs in my area!

It's not to say that nursing doesn't have its downfalls (you have to love what you do...and it isn't always fun ) but if you feel that bad about any career...I think it's a sign that it's time to move on.

(I also find it interesting that the above quoted poster stated that her husband couldn't leave nursing because he couldn't find a career that would pay as much but just a few sentences later states that teaching makes so much more than nursing...)

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I was pretty lucky... I already had a BA with very little Science. So I went back to school just for the sciences (prereques). When I finished the basics I went to the School of Nursing building to get an application for the winter or spring quarter. I had not been there before and I started talking to a lady and asking questions she said, "come into my office". I had no idea who she was, she asked about my plans etc. I told her. She asked about my grades...I just happend to get straight A's the last quarter (I usually get A's and B's). She goes we have one last spot in our class this fall could you start Monday...I could not believe it, I had not even fillled out the application yet. I said sure. I had to quickly take the entrance exam, fill out the application and I started the next Monday. The lady happened to be the Dean of Students. No one can ever believe my story....If it was not me I would not believe it. It usually takes at least a year to get into the fall class.

As far as working.....I was in a BSN program and they told us it would be better if we didn't. I had some friends who worked and it was hard to find a job that was that flexible. With all the clinicals at odd hours. For us some quarters were definitly harder than others. Also you had to get a C+ or greater or you had to repeat the course. I don't know if that is standard....but, one bad test could put you over if you are boarder line. Talk to other students at the school you get into and find out the tougher quarters and maybe cut back a little. I ended up getting married 6 weeks before I graduated from Nursing School.... I planned a wedding during the previous year, took 1 week off for the wedding and still managed to do fine.

I would definitly go for the Bachelors... higher pay bracket.

Best of luck!

Wow!! How lucky are you! That's so wonderful you were able to get in that way! Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time. As for working we're going to be prepared to change our plans due to the toughness of his classes. He will be going for his asn to begin with(community college) and will have a very flexible job.(he's worked at the same company for 10 yrs. and will only be working part time now) If it becomes too tough for him he will be able to quit entirely. The programs he's hoping for have a mandatory 2.5 gpa for each semester. Wow, planning a wedding and going to school, that's like a full time job in itself! He definitely wants to go for his bachelors after he gets his associates.

He should be prepared to face a land slide of predigest from female Nurses. They try to bring sexual harassment charges. They will resent him in ever way there is. They claim anger issues.

Dh has had the hardest 25 years imaginable. Because in most work situations he is the only male. And the females can't cope with a man doing their job. It truly has sucked for him. He wants out but can't find anything that pays as much.

Also be prepared to never make much money. Teachers in our area make more money than he does. And you know how everyone says that they don't get paid much. Raises are really slow. Especially if he isn't in a union. The raises he gets will never match the cost of living.

Don't ever get a credit card, or a new car, or a new house you won't be able to afford the interest payments.

I would suggest not being a nurse but to go to radiology, respiratory or phlebotomy, or specialize in some kind of lab work. Or become a Dr.s P.A.

Good luck!! you will need all you can get!! Others will nay say what I have told you.
But I really truly speak the truth.

So which one is it? It doesn't pay very well, or it pays too well to quit? It sounds like your husband is not happy with his current situation and needs to find another career choice no matter the pay.(or lack thereof? )

Just a few comments regarding this post:

First, it is very true that there are very few male nurses. However, the couple that I know do an excellent job and only (for the most part) share the same frustrations as the rest of us do regarding our jobs. While other medical areas (radiology, respiratory, lab med tech) may have a few more males, there really aren't that many in the field (unless you go towards paramedic or physician).

Second, nursing (or most any job in the medical field) does have significant job security with such a huge shortage. In my area, nursing is one of the better paying careers for the schooling. I made considerably more than a new teacher when I was a new grad, plus I get to leave my work at work! Even though I may have to work some weekends and holidays, I do get a lot of schedule flexibility as well as the opportunity to only work part-time. I get decent yearly raises and bonuses (I work at a non-union hospital.) I personally can't complain...it's better than so many other jobs in my area!

It's not to say that nursing doesn't have its downfalls (you have to love what you do...and it isn't always fun ) but if you feel that bad about any career...I think it's a sign that it's time to move on.

(I also find it interesting that the above quoted poster stated that her husband couldn't leave nursing because he couldn't find a career that would pay as much but just a few sentences later states that teaching makes so much more than nursing...)

I wondered about those comments too. Very contradictory. Bottom line is my husband is going into this profession because he truly loves it and is something he has always wanted to do. I'm proud of him because he's finally going after his dream. Thank you for sharing your job experiences with me.

 

[dsanner106]

Wow!! How lucky are you! That's so wonderful you were able to get in that way! Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time. As for working we're going to be prepared to change our plans due to the toughness of his classes. He will be going for his asn to begin with(community college) and will have a very flexible job.(he's worked at the same company for 10 yrs. and will only be working part time now) If it becomes too tough for him he will be able to quit entirely. The programs he's hoping for have a mandatory 2.5 gpa for each semester. Wow, planning a wedding and going to school, that's like a full time job in itself! He definitely wants to go for his bachelors after he gets his associates.






So which one is it? It doesn't pay very well, or it pays too well to quit? It sounds like your husband is not happy with his current situation and needs to find another career choice no matter the pay.(or lack thereof? )






I wondered about those comments too. Very contradictory. Bottom line is my husband is going into this profession because he truly loves it and is something he has always wanted to do. I'm proud of him because he's finally going after his dream. Thank you for sharing your job experiences with me.

He should be prepared for a little bit of this, I think the poster on her husbands issues is either in a bad particular spot or overstating some of the issues. My wife used to tell me stories about how her teachers picked on the male students in the class, and always brought up examples where the men were incompetent, or abusive and always asked the the male students what they thought about it. She makes a point, now that she is a teacher, to keep things fair for the male students. She also pointed out that the male nurses are naturally assigned the patients who are overweight because it is easier for them to shift the patients for sheet changes and loading to gurneys etc. Most of the guys understand this and don't have a problem with it though. Often they try out the mean patients on the male nurses as well to see if they will be better able to handle them. It is not bad though and the male nurses I know are quite happy. The security and money can't be beat for the education.

Drew

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

He should be prepared for a little bit of this, I think the poster on her husbands issues is either in a bad particular spot or overstating some of the issues. My wife used to tell me stories about how her teachers picked on the male students in the class, and always brought up examples where the men were incompetent, or abusive and always asked the the male students what they thought about it. She makes a point, now that she is a teacher, to keep things fair for the male students. She also pointed out that the male nurses are naturally assigned the patients who are overweight because it is easier for them to shift the patients for sheet changes and loading to gurneys etc. Most of the guys understand this and don't have a problem with it though. Often they try out the mean patients on the male nurses as well to see if they will be better able to handle them. It is not bad though and the male nurses I know are quite happy. The security and money can't be beat for the education.

Drew

Hubby knows he will be expected to do heavy lifting, more difficult at times jobs. He's told me that's partly the reason male nurses are so needed. He's already been the lone male in most of his coreqs. & he's prepared for that. He's choosing this occupation because it's something he truly loves.

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

He should be prepared to face a land slide of predigest from female Nurses. They try to bring sexual harassment charges. They will resent him in ever way there is. They claim anger issues.

Dh has had the hardest 25 years imaginable. Because in most work situations he is the only male. And the females can't cope with a man doing their job. It truly has sucked for him. He wants out but can't find anything that pays as much.

Also be prepared to never make much money. Teachers in our area make more money than he does. And you know how everyone says that they don't get paid much. Raises are really slow. Especially if he isn't in a union. The raises he gets will never match the cost of living.

Don't ever get a credit card, or a new car, or a new house you won't be able to afford the interest payments.

I would suggest not being a nurse but to go to radiology, respiratory or phlebotomy, or specialize in some kind of lab work. Or become a Dr.s P.A.

Good luck!! you will need all you can get!! Others will nay say what I have told you.
But I really truly speak the truth.

I'm sorry your DH has had such a hard run. However, not all places, nor women, are like that. I work with some very good male nurses. They are a wealth of knowledge. I also went to nursing school with some men who went on the become excellent nurses. We have no issues with sexual harrassment, and no qualmst about men doing "our work".

 

[#1srcrmckyfan]

I do wish him the best. Nursing is (like other occupations) a tough career at times but also very rewarding (even though it can be frustrating too!) As long as he enjoys it, he should be happy with his career choice.

It's also great that you are so supportive and looking out for him!

 

[Jakesmom504]

I'm sorry I didn't read through every one of these posts...actually I NEED to get off this computer to go study for my Stats final!!! I too am soooo anxiously awaiting news from a NS I applied to. I'm in Stats and AP II now, and have Micro, Biomedical Ethics and Intro to Nursing left before I'm finished with my pre-req's. Of course that's if I pass Stats! Having problems..not my strongest area! I'm trying to get into NS for Jan 09. I work and have an almost 4 yr old DS (May 8), so it's tuff sometimes. Like now for instance. We had a party for him yesterday and told him we were taking him to WDW so now of course all I want to do is plan since we can finally talk about it in front of him now! I have a final tomorrow, a final Thurs, and a final next Tues. Can't wait til it's all over. No summer classes for now but if I'm lucky enough to get an interview for NS and I'm accepted than I will most likely have to take Intro over the summer. Although I'm thinking it's not going to happen since it's so close. I would have to get the interview and find out I was accepted in a matter of a month and I don't think it works that way. If I don't hear anything about an interview by next week I'm going to call. NET scores were good, GPA isn't bad, and most of my classes are finished so I can't imagine what would hold me back now. Oh and by the way to comment about a previous post, the men at (hopefully) my future NS apparently get the royal treatment! I know one personally that is going there now and at work I've heard many comments about how men get treated much better in NS than women. They don't get hounded as often and are handled with kid gloves. Obviously I don't know from experience but we actually just had this exact conversation a few weeks ago at work. Sorry for being long-winded, tell your DH good luck, I'm sure he'll be fine. Sounds like he has a very supportive DW!!!

 

[Belle5]

A question for all you nursing students...

My third son is graduating from high school this week. He is dual-enrolled in our community college for some of his classes. He thinks he wants to go the nursing route but in order to apply to the nursing program in July of 2009 (instead of December 2009) he would need to take Biology and Lab this summer. That is a one month summer class. I just don't see how a person could go through one of those big biology books and do the labs (biology 4 mornings a week, lab 4 afternoons a week) plus spend every waking moment doing the homework and do it all SUCCESSFULLY. Have any of you had experience with this? Would you recommend not taking a class like this during a one-month summer school class? Or do you think he could do it and then start working on his other pre-reqs in the fall? He already has both his Englishes and his math out of the way through the dual-enrollment program.

Thanks!

Belle5