If I fail to get accepted into the nursing program, my next course of action would involve changing my major to speech language pathology. This undergraduate program is designed to provide students with experience needed to understand the cognitive processes involved in speech, hearing abilities, language, and identifying various communication disorders. In a general sense, these health professionals are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and developing plans that would ultimately assist in restoring certain functional skills to their clients. If I were to become a speech language pathologist, I would most likely work with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. Professionals assigned to this area assess the pre-feeding skills of infants, especially those that have difficulty transitioning to oral feeding. They also organize motor stimulation programs and feeding interventions, as well as educate parents on how to provide food for their child. In an effort to ensure my success in this major, I would speak to Mr. Rob Batchelder, the current advisor of all students choosing to pursue speech language pathology. 

Although nursing is an incredibly rewarding career, the idea of starting fresh is far more enticing than attempting to reapply for Old Dominion’s BSN program. Majoring in speech language pathology would also eliminate the possibility of an undergraduate entrance exam which, in my opinion, is extremely appealing. In order to complete the program, classes such as biology, oral communication, philosophy and ethics, and psychology must be taken within the first two semesters of freshman year, while courses like chemistry, English, foundations of special education, and phonetics should be completed by the end of sophomore year. While this plan might seem straightforward, parallel majoring in speech language pathology would require me to take extra courses towards the end of my second year, most of which involving skills related to communication and language. In terms of gaining professional experience, it might be wise to converse with students involved in both the masters and bachelor’s programs associated with this profession, as well as speak to Dr. Joanna Bobzien, the department chair of speech language pathology and audiology at Old Dominion University. By familiarizing myself with this major, I would not only establish a backup plan, but also broaden my horizons to other healthcare-related fields.