So-Cal Folks, pls. help me decide which school

U.S.A. California

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Hi everyone-

I'm new to these boards and am in the fortunate position to need to decide between several schools. I'm starting school in the Spring for my ADN.

I live w/in 15 minutes of three schools

LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health

Pasadena City College

Glendale Community College

I live an hour plus to Long Beach City College. All of these schools have comparable NCLEX pass rates. However, only Pasadena and Long Beach are NLNAC accredited. All of the programs are BRN accredited.

I have my bachelor's degree already and was annoyed to be asked to repeat some of those classes by the administration of some of the junior colleges, so I'm not all that interested in finding out that in 5 years if I want to get my masters, my nursing degree is not recognized because of an accreditation issue.

I've searched through the threads to read about NLN vs. BRN, I've called a few schools this week to inquire about it, and I feel I'm getting conflicting information. Less than half of the schools have the NLN.

Would it be worth it to go to a school that is a logistical nightmare (long beach) to attend because of traffic etc. over the school that is close and JUST CA BRN accredited?

Bh the way, I do not plan on stayin in California forever. Also, I'm doing a mid-life career change and while it's unlikely that I'll pursue graduate work, I don't want to unnecessarily close a door to myself.

Thanks in advance for your insights.

Specializes in Neurosciences, cardiac, critical care.

Wow, it sounds just up my alley- I totally want to do something high-stress, high-acuity. Do yall know about waiting lists, or how hard it is to get into the program? The application is so straightforward- the only real question on it is list previous volunteer or health care experience.

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Pasadena Programs is great, I wished I went there! but I'm a graduate of WCU, ive been waiting a looong time for CSU and Community COllege, but by the time a community college called me for an open spot, i was already half way my prgm at WCU..which was a BIG decision for me, i thought to myself, quit WCU cuz its tooo expensive, then accept community college its alot cheaper and closer to my house... but at the end, i chose to stay at WCU, i already knew how the prgm works, and ive adjusted already plus works well with my work schedule as per diem/partime (which by the way i dont recommend working at the same time going through a rigorous RN pgrm whether ASN or BSN),

But no regrets but WCU...

Pasadena takes my VOTE! LA County Allied gets my SECOND VOTE... glendale and Mt. St. mary's forget about it!!

I too applied to several programs before I got accepted to WCU (West Coast University).

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Wow, it sounds just up my alley- I totally want to do something high-stress, high-acuity. Do yall know about waiting lists, or how hard it is to get into the program? The application is so straightforward- the only real question on it is list previous volunteer or health care experience.

It is not difficult to enter the County's RN program, that is, if you have good grades. I think they still use a point system. The "cut off" was about 70 the last time I spoke to my friend about it. This can change just a bit, depending on how many applicants have great grades. They have an entrance test also. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
I don't think accredidation is an issue when applying to an ADN program, just make sure for your BSN the program is accredited.

This is quite an old message and I wonder if anyone has this same opinion. The NLNAC woman I've been emailing seems to think I'd be a fool to attend anything other than an NLN program, even as an ADN candidate. I am aiming for a MSN later and this is picking at me. Either I pay a boatload and get in nearly immediately to an unacredited but CA BRN approved program or I wait years to get into an ADN program or similar as I finish BSN requirements.

FWIW, St. Mary's ADN program isn't NLN but their BSN is. Anyone going there?

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Hello everyone!

I too have a question about which school to go to.

I have been accepted to Los Angeles County School of Nursing for Fall enrollment.

El Camino just notified me and wants me to attend their school in the Fall as well.

It seems as if they are both good schools ... however the main consideration for me ... is that El Camino is 15 minutes from my home ... and County is 45 minutes ... I know that County has great clinicals ... however El Camino is very highly respected ...

My gut says go to the place that is the closest and reduce commute time ... I could spend that time doing some self-care or studying ...

What do you think? Help! I have to make a decision ASAP. What's the word on ECC vs LAC?

Thanks,

Mac

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Specializes in Tele,CCU,ER.

I went to MSMC and got my BSN there...They are a great program. what would you like to know bout the mount?

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Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.
Hello everyone!

I too have a question about which school to go to.

I have been accepted to Los Angeles County School of Nursing for Fall enrollment.

El Camino just notified me and wants me to attend their school in the Fall as well.

It seems as if they are both good schools ... however the main consideration for me ... is that El Camino is 15 minutes from my home ... and County is 45 minutes ... I know that County has great clinicals ... however El Camino is very highly respected ...

My gut says go to the place that is the closest and reduce commute time ... I could spend that time doing some self-care or studying ...

What do you think? Help! I have to make a decision ASAP. What's the word on ECC vs LAC?

Thanks,

Mac

El Camino has a reputation of being a very difficult program academically i.e. a high dropout rate. Those that finish do well on boards. It really depends on what you're looking for and what your career goals are. I still pick LAC.
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