Things You'll Need:
- A computer with internet access
- A predisposition to heal people
- Keen attention to detail
- The ability to stand for long periods of time
- The ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
- Determination
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Step 1
If you already have a bachelor's degree (in a field other than nursing), you may want to look at the University of Missouri's accelerated nursing program (which can be completed in a little over a year, depending on how many prerequisites you have already completed). If you do not have a bachelor's degree, or you want to save some money, you can take your prerequisites at St. Louis Community College. While it costs approximately $300 per credit hour at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, it only costs about $83 per credit hour at St. Louis Community College. You will need to take biology, chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy I/II, human growth & development and nutrition. These classes must be passed with a 'C' or better and must have been taken within the 5 or 10 years (depending on the college).
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Step 2
Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you will not qualify for a Pell grant which offers up to about $5,000 annually for school (unless you are going back to become a teacher). Even if you do not qualify for financial aid, chances are you can apply for various scholarships and other grants that target such individuals. St. Louis Community College has a program called "New Traditions" which targets specific populations of students such as:
-Individuals preparing for training and employment that is nontraditional for their gender (for example, women in construction or automotive technology and men in nursing or child care)
-Single parents, including single pregnant women
-Displaced homemakers
-Individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including foster children
-Individuals with other barriers to educational achievement, including individuals with limited English proficiency. -
Step 3
After you have passed all prerequisites with a 'C' or better, you will need to be formally admitted into an approved nursing program. Both St. Louis Community College and the University of Missouri - St. Louis are approved by the state board. It is important to know that before you apply (and before you take any prerequisites), you CAN NOT be a nurse in the state of Missouri if you have any felonies. In order to be admitted into a nursing program, you will need to pass a background check, a drug screen, and in some cases a dosage calculation test (which is required by St. Louis Community College). After you have been admitted into the program, you will begin your core nursing courses.
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Step 4
Graduate. It doesn't matter if you graduate from an associate's degree program or a bachelor's degree program. The State Board just requires that you graduate from an approved nursing program.
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Step 5
Pass the NCLEX, which is the test administered by the State Board of Nursing. After you pass the NCLEX, you will be able to apply for your license, which will need to be maintained and held in good standing for as long as you practice nursing.
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Step 6
Apply to area hospitals such as Barnes Jewish and Missouri Baptist. While in school, you will have taken clinicals which will have given you hands-on experience in a hospital, clinic or nursing home. You might also want to consider working as a patient care technician prior to graduating, in order to get your foot in the door and give you an advantage in the job hunt.
Comments
cobrakai said
on 11/19/2009 I start RN school here in WA next year. Can't wait. Great article. 5* and recommended
edwardvance said
on 11/8/2009 Oh yes, I recommend, too.
edwardvance said
on 11/8/2009 great article on becoming a nurse in Missouri. Very well written.