Transferring from 4-year to CC for Nursing

Pre-Med & Medical School Careers in Medicine
1

Hello…
I am currently studying nursing at a four year university as a second semester freshman. Recently, my father has had numerous medical issues due to his declining health (he was admitted to the ICU after having several heart stunts put it and there are new issues arising). With that being said, my father will most likely have to retire. My mother is unemployed (and has been for years).

With this being said, my parents told me that they will have a very hard time supporting my college funds (tuition, room & board, fees, flying home (I went far away) despite it being a state school and I will also have to assist my father in health (since my mom will most likely seek employment to keep us floating). My only option to still go for my nursing degree is at a local community college (all the surrounding universities or colleges are private and cost (at a minimum) 40K+/yr and earn my bachelors at night while working (and hopefully having it paid for by the hospital).

I was wondering what impact this will have on my chances of getting into graduate school to go for my NP degree. I just feel to go from 4-year (which I did well in, 3.5 with rigorous classes) to a CC will look terrible on my transcript. A prof of mine said to avoid that by any means possible, while others actually earned their associates at a CC.

In addition, how can I avoid the feeling of ‘missing out’ on the college experience? I know it is selfish to think that with my father dying and my parents not being able to keep their finances together but I sometimes do ponder it when I walk around my campus.

Thanks.

2

IMHO there is nothing wrong to go to a CC and get your degree at night because of financial reasons and if you do well, you should be able to attain your NP goal. You should be proud of yourselves that you are willing to sacrifice for your family.

3

I started out in CC and I am a NP

4

I don’t see how there is any problem with that. Once you get your RN from the cc, you’ll have to save some money and put yourself through an accelerated BSN program at a university. Once you have that you can go on to become an NP This won’t hold you back.

5

I started out in a CC and did all the required classes that the BSN college required. I applied to the BSN college (non direct) and was accepted the first time. So my Jr and Sr year where at the BSN college. I graduated with a BSN just like the others that started at the BSN college and never went to the CC.

My niece is taking her prereqs at CC and is applying to the CC ADN program. She will then “bridge” at the same BSN college I went to for her BSN.

It does not matter in nursing in the area I live in. A BSN can come from any route.
So go the cheapest way!

But be sure and make the grades to get accepted the first time, or you will be spinning your wheels and wasting money.