Sergio Said:

Should I go to law school or become a registered nurse?

We Answered:

There are almost NO JOBs for new lawyers these days. Yes, law school is fun (it really is if you enjoy studying law, as I did) but the downside is that you graduate with a load of debt and few employment prospects. If you are an excellent, Ivy-league level student, someone who can get into a top school and graduate at the top of the class, then go for it. Otherwise, you will probably be happier doing something else--nursing, if that's your second choice.

Monica Said:

I have my GED, and I want to be a certified nurse midwife. How can I get the proper schooling for that career?

We Answered:

This is a GREAT career goal, but the path before you is long. But you know, if you chip away at it, you will eventually get there, so don't let the length of the challenge put you off!

To become a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife), you must have earned your BSN, and then also go on to the MSN (Master's of Science in Nursing), specializing in Midwifery. The MSN typically is 2 years of full time schooling, and then you must sit for the Board exam to become certified. There are a limited number of Midwifery schools in the US, and the competition to get in is fierce.

It's also best to have had some years of experience as an OB nurse before you go on to midwifery school, as this provides invaluable experience in the normal, hectic world of Labor and Delivery!

So for you, what i would suggest is starting with a Community College to get an Associate Degree in Nursing. This ADN will make you eligible to sit for the RN (Registered Nurse) State Board Exam in your state. Then, you could aim for a job in L&D, and once you have worked a while full time, many hospitals will pay a good part of your costs to continue your studies towards a BSN, and eventually for your MSN also.

In the community college, you will take some standard first year courses (math, English, sociology, etc.) and a good bit of science as Prerequites before you apply to the actual School of Nursing (SON). The whole process will take 2-3 years, depending on what courses you need and how your grades are.

The major challenge here is that getting into nursing school is VERY competitive. This is because there are a limited number of teachers (an aging population) and a limited number of clinical spots available for students to work in. So, your grades need to be very high, and you need to present a very well-worked-over application once you are applying to nursing school. (By well-worked-over, i mean PERFECT in the essay, tidy, correct, filled out properly, answering all questions completely, etc. The grammar and spelling need to be quite good. )

They may say you only need a 3.0 average, but when the competition is so high, they tend to take the most qualified students; effectively, this often raises the minimum required GPA above a 3.0.

So if you just have a GED and a "spotted" academic history (you didn't do so well in school), i would STRONGLY suggest you talk with both an academic counselor AND a representative from the school of nursing where-ever you want to attend. They will advise you on what you can do to bring up your GPA.

Also, i would encourage you to do volunteer work and take part in the student leadership of what ever school you attend. All this would show your determination and your growing leadership skills. Keep a detailed record in a notebook of what you are involved in, to remember what you did, for when you have to write admission essays. Highlight how YOU being in that group, activity, volunteer work, or paid position made a difference in the school, target audience, or in your own life.

Finally, keep in mind that there are many grants, loans, etc. available to students at all levels. The financial counseling office at your local community college is a good place to start getting information about this.

Good luck!

Christina Said:

What are some careers that require FAST schooling, like nurse or surgical tech?

We Answered:

Surgical tech may require up to a year of classes. Nursing is not a fast career- you'll need 4-5 years of college and then you need to take more time to sit for the boards.

Ernest Said:

Who makes more money: School Nurse or School Guidance Counselor?

We Answered:

The best link to find any salary for any job is
http://www.indeed.com/salary
http://yefimsanswers.blogspot.com/2009/0…

Matthew Said:

I want to be a nurse but I am male? But are there other similar careers for a male?School and salary wise?

We Answered:

Let it not bother you! I have a friend in Ohio who became a nurse at the age of 40! And he is a guy. He said that it was the best move of his entire life!

There's no stigma associated with being a male nurse. None.

Howard Said:

If a person is attending a small career school to become a nurse & they have 2 theft charges ?

We Answered:

thefts from childhood- i don't think it should effect her too much- how old was she when she did it? she was convincted, and had to pay a fine, or serve jail time- all jobs do background checks- but it might just not hurt you as much as you think it might!

continue to go to school- yes you will have questions about it with your nursing jobs- but things like that from your past shouldn't hold you back!