Hello, I have been considering nursing for a few years now. I just wasnt sure if it was really something I'd want to do. And sadly, now that I am about to graduate from High School I have decided it is something i'd want to do. A little late.
I also really dont have the money for college which is the other thing that is holding me back. My mom is disabled and gets disability checks every month, i live with my sister and her husband who REFUSE to help me with any money and my dad is poor also. So, I really dont even know where to start. I know the FASFA might be able to help but not enough.
Is there any programs or anything that I might be able to get into? I live in Maryland. I looked up colleges but there arent any that say they offer a nursing course. There is only the online classes.
Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

go to school now while your right out of high school. it's alot easier than waiting ten yrs like i did. the military is a good way to go they gave me money every month while i was in school through the gi-bill. it was well worth my 3 yrs in the service. it might have taken me two and a half yrs to finish nursing school for lpn but i did it. it at itmes was hard being a full time student/mom and everything else to everyone. maybe look into a nursing home and start as a cna. not hte most glamourous job. but they also gave me a full scholarship.

Megan C.
Apply to the colleges that you would like to go to. Fill out the financial aid forms... and then see where you get in and what they offer. There is federal money, there are grants, scholarships, loans, etc. Some of the branches of the service will take over your loans after you graduate if you choose to enlist and work for them for a period of time. Also, through the rumor mill I have heard of hospitals assisting graduates, as long as you sign a specific work period. The other thing is as long as you are careful in college not running up personal debit (aka credit cards), college loans are usually locked in at a very low interest rate and having that kind of debit although a pain in the behind, can help you establish a good line of credit.

One thing to consider too, is th do not be afraid of the big name schools if you are academic - many people shy away from private schools, yet, sometimes they can offer more financial aid, since the have bigger endowments, unlike public institutions that are dependent on state money.

Good luck.

Even if you can't get into a nursing program right away, figure out what the pre-requisites are, and start taking 1 or 2 classes a semester. Check with the local community college--they probably offer college level transfer courses, have smaller class size, more teacher attention, and can ease your transition. The other thing is, the courses are usually cheaper, you can continue to work, and not rack up a ton of debt while you get the pre-reqs out of the way. Another added benefit, is your class time will be a constructive way to give your sister and her husband some alone time. If they see you are serious about going to school, they may ease up a bit on you.