Why is finding a nursing school so hard?

well, first of all, i'll start with GOOD LUCK.

when i started my classes at a CC in LA district, no one, i mean absolutely NO student was willing to help me out due to high competition in the field of nursing. even the counselor i saw back then didn't help me out that much. well guess what, she isn't even around anymore. go figure...given the competence at her job...

so here it goes.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT REPEAT MORE THAN ONCE in Anatomy, Physiology or Microbiology (some schools take Chemistry into consideration as well). *remember this*

now, i understand the frustration of not being able to register in the pre-reqs, especially Anatomy and Physiology, but go the first (many) days and stick around. with the budget cuts in LADCCs, a lot of classes were dismissed, but the teachers understand the situation as well and most of the time, are pretty generous about giving out add slips.

if possible, try to start off with Anatomy, Chem, Math and English during Fall '09. (make sure your placement tests are over with!)
then second semester, try for Physiology, General Psychology, American Gov't, Language, Sociology
third semester Microbiology, Life Span Psychology, American History, Nutrition, Speech
fourth, whatever you've got left.

it's going to take you (minimum) 4 semesters to complete the pre-reqs. let me remind you, whatever you do, DO NOT REPEAT science classes. i'm cursing myself because i've got 2 repeats and bottom line, i can't apply to any LADCCs.

also remember not to take more than 6 semesters with the pre-reqs since a lot of schools have the 5 years recency policy for science classes. you want to give yourself some grace period during the time you apply and (possibly) reapply if rejected or wait listed.

another route is to simply apply into a 4 years college/university as undergrad student and try for their BSN program eventually. you still have to complete the pre-reqs, of course, and there's no guarantee in into their nursing program, but i'm sure the chances are higher when applied within the same institution.

other than that, if money isn't a huge factor as compared to time (think 4 years!), West Coast is the way to go.

i hope i was of some help.

again, good luck!

Also, see a counselor at your CC and see what is required for priority registration status...you might be able to establish it enough to get you into classes in a subsequent semester.

Look closely into whether you want to become a NP or PA...they have different pre-requistie requirements, and many PA schools are done at the bachelor's level, not the master's. Since many PA schools require a certain amount of direct pt care (either as an EMT, RN, etc.) it would be best for you to do an associates RN degree at CC, and then continue for the PA.

DO NOT pay over 100 grand for nursing school. NOT worth it. If you are willing to coast a bit, wait for the cheaper schools. The degree is the same, and the pay rate is the same for a 1st year nurse whether you have an associates or bachelor's degree. Lastly, you might look into getting a certification as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) which could land you some direct pt. work while you're trying to get into the field. These courses run about 8 weeks (I'm about to start one in a few weeks)...normally you work either in home health or in LTC facilities, but sometimes you can get a job at the hospital.

...oh and volunteering is a great way to get an IN at a hospital for future employment..

All the best to you in your pursuits, I know it's quite complicated but if you are dedicated to the process you'll get there!!

I got in on the first try at Fresno City College. They do a lottery system. I never even had to go to the school till I got accepted.

Santa Cruz's Cabrillo college has a waiting list. You could get on that as a back up.

When I was looking for a school I used the BRN to help me. http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/index.shtml

Oh another thing!!! You can get a job in a hospital. Many hospital have PARADIGM programs and they actually help you get into a RN Program through the hospital. It is a special program the hospital cooridinates through the college. It is pretty cool because they really want to keep when you become a RN.

Here is the link to my school http://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/index.aspx?page=681

LiLOncRN, you are just to cool for school.

My sister just started at American University of Health Sciences, and she likes it so far. Its a private school too, but it costs a lot less than West Coast University. It costs about $65,000 year. Requirements are that you already have your pre-reqs completed else where, and the good thing is they accept twice a year.

What I did was take all my general education courses my first 3 semesters. By the time I started my nursing prereqs I had enough credits to give me priority registration in those hard to get classes. It's important to finish up all your GEs before you start the nursing program because the courses in the program itself are going to consume so much of your time that you wont have any left for your GE courses at least if you're going into a BSN program. I'm starting a BSN program this fall and the first semester is 14 units and I'm so happy I don't have to add any GE classes onto that.

Another thing... don't automatically rule yourself out for acceptance into a 2 year college or a 4 year university. You're starting out with a blank slate which is good. Cal States are around $10,000 total for tuition. If you work hard and do well you won't have to fork out over $100,000. So don't be discouraged just yet...i know it's hard not too.

As far as I know, there is no favoritism for students applying into the nursing program within the institution they are currently enrolled in. Everyone is judged the same...but I could be mistaken. I'm basing this statement on the southern california nursing programs that I researched (cypress college, csulb, csuf, long beach city college, a few others)