Expert: Susie Watts - 1/14/2008

Question
I am trying to become a registered nurse and am not sure if I'm on the right track. I have ask so many consolers and everyone tells me different things. I am now taking an online course at the University of Phoenix (Axia College). I working to get my associates of arts in health administration. I was told if i complete this course that it would qualify me to get into a program were i can actually practice to get my RN license.

What I need to know from you is what exactly do I need to do? What steps do I need to take? What college would be good for me to attend to get to were I want to be?

I hope you understand my question. If not please feel free to ask any question. I really need your help because i am very confused.

Thanks a lot for your help

Answer
I think online courses are fine, but if you could find a community college where you could take many of your core classes and graduate with an associates degree(2 year), that would be preferable.  You should take as many science courses as you can and if they offer a major in health management or something similar, that would be good.  There are quite a few colleges that offer nursing schools, but they can be very difficult to get into.  Make the best grades you can and begin researching nursing schools on the internet so that when you are ready, you will know the ones you want to apply to.  Also try and get to know some of your instructors so that they can write good letters of recommendation for you.  You can apply to most nursing schools online and will need to begin to apply eight to ten months before the semester you want to start.  If you  need financial aid, you will need to fill out the FAFSA form online and and do the in January of the year you plan to start nursing school.