I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona and am planning on moving to Los Angeles in January 2013. I'm trying to find an ADN (ASN) or BSN program with no wait list. I have many of the "standard" pre-reqs completed and plan on taking more classes in AZ during the fall semester before transferring to LA. I've already checked into and plan on applying to Mount St. Mary's but would like to have some back-up plans just in case that doesn't work out. It's so difficult trying to find this stuff out while currently not in California. Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

Bump! C'mon guys I really need some help. Thank you!:thankya:

I can't really speak for ALL nursing programs in the LA area, but I do live in LA and have researched quite a few ADN and BSN programs. I can't think of any nursing programs that have a waiting list. If you don't get in, you have to reapply every term. Most of the ADN programs are either point or lottery based and every BSN I've looked into was merit based, meaning you get points based on academics, TEAS and sometimes work or volunteer experience. Most of the CSU's BSN programs in the LA area wont be an option for you because of the budget issues. You may qualify for the program, but the campuses are impacted and give priority to local applicants. CSU uses the school that you earned the majority of your credits to determine residency for transfer purposes. That leaves UC colleges, who have a completely different set of pre-reqs than most programs, and private colleges. Your options there are based on your budget. From what I have learned private=$$$$$. Start doing some research into the areas you are willing to move to. Most schools have a pretty clear cut explanation of their admissions criteria.

Go to google and type in "ca bon list of schools"That should direct you to CA board of nursing. There should be a schools tap. Click that and it gives you all the CA programs divided by degree type. It also gives you the address, phone numbers and most of the time, the website. Honestly, since you aren't a resident yet, no matter where you go its going to be expensive. Also, if you can, I would stay in AZ because CA is having a budget issue and its way crowded here. You probably have better chances getting into a program in AZ then here. But if you have to stay here, here is a few scho ols to get you started:Citrus colleg eLA County ELAC PCC CSULA CSULBThat is a start, there are many more. Start researching, good luck.

Like the other posters said, most ADN schools in LA don't have a wait list. So if you don't get in, you reapply every application cycle until you get in somewhere. Oh boy and those budget cuts. Seriously, every school I have applied to has had a long disclaimer about budget cuts and the reduction of students they can admit. If you're an LVN, you'll have an even tougher time finding a program that is actually accepting LVNs.

A nursing counselor told me that I should apply to at least 4 schools to increase my chances. I'm actually applying to 7! Check out the California Board of Registered Nursing's list of approved programs to see what's available.

Thank you so much for your responses! I actually finished my pre-reqs for the nursing program in Arizona and am on the dreaded 2.5 year wait list here. I'm 23 years old, 24 in september, and really don't want to wait that long... I just want my degree already I never thought I'd be moving to California but my uncle, who lives in LA (encino hills area), recently offered to have me live with him and go to school out there so I can quit working for the duration of the program. In Arizona I've worked full time and supported myself while taking a part-time class load to finish my pre-reqs but the thought of having to work while in the actual nursing program doesn't sound very logical... .

I went to the BRN website and compiled a list of about 20 schools within a 60 mile radius of my uncles house and plan on reaching out to them and seeing what their requirements are. Unfortunately I won't be finished with microbiology until December 2012 and, from what I'm reading, it looks like most schools require that to be finished before even applying? The only school I've found so far where I can apply with pre-reqs still "in progress" is Mount St. Mary's. So there's something else to check into. Gah! So much info to sift through, lol.

Yes, you're correct. All ADN programs in the LA area want your prereq classes done and on a transcript before you can apply. I'm not sure what classes are required in Arizona but make sure that you check out each California school's prereqs because some require other classes besides the core science ones. Some of the ones I applied to wanted life span psych and others did not. Some wanted chem, others didn't. So it all depends. Make sure you comb through each and every school to cover all your bases.

As far as Mount St. Mary's, I think they admit you as a pre-nursing major if you don't have all your pre-reqs done. But for their tuition, you might be better off going to a community college to finish all pre-reqs and then apply to the nursing major (not pre-nursing). However, I'm not sure how much out of state tuition costs at a community college. I think you have to live in California for 2 years to be considered a California resident and qualify for in-state tuition. But don't quote me on that.

Good luck to you!

All I say about private schools is this: As much as they are awesome and have good repuatations, they are EXPENSIVE. The amount of $$ to take out and pay them off, with or without help is disastrous. I would say if it was like 2006 and the nursing shortage was in full swing and there were a plethora of jobs, I would say do it. Because back then, there was sign on bonuses and perks and great benefits. Now, its not even close the way it was. It is more like a 180 from what it was then. Now it is soo tough to find a job!

I was actually talking to my fellow nurse about this and he graduated from a great school in Pomona, with a MSN. He had the hardest time getting a job. He even knew the director at Kaiser facility and even that couldn't get him in. Now he works where I do and he is at his one year. But imagine, all that time, energy and $$ into a Masters and no job... Pretty sad, but it happens, and more often then not too.

So just try and get your pre reqs out of the way or see if they transfer and apply to as many programs as possible.

Good LUck!

Thank you so much for your responses! I actually finished my pre-reqs for the nursing program in Arizona and am on the dreaded 2.5 year wait list here. I'm 23 years old, 24 in september, and really don't want to wait that long... I just want my degree already I never thought I'd be moving to California but my uncle, who lives in LA (encino hills area), recently offered to have me live with him and go to school out there so I can quit working for the duration of the program. In Arizona I've worked full time and supported myself while taking a part-time class load to finish my pre-reqs but the thought of having to work while in the actual nursing program doesn't sound very logical... .

I went to the BRN website and compiled a list of about 20 schools within a 60 mile radius of my uncles house and plan on reaching out to them and seeing what their requirements are. Unfortunately I won't be finished with microbiology until December 2012 and, from what I'm reading, it looks like most schools require that to be finished before even applying? The only school I've found so far where I can apply with pre-reqs still "in progress" is Mount St. Mary's. So there's something else to check into. Gah! So much info to sift through, lol.

Wow! me, too! I just got on the waitlist in December of 2011 and I am already trying to find an exit. I am 23 as well and I just cant imagine going into the program when I am 26 and graduating at 28!! I have been looking into LA since I have family there and I am hoping an answer will come soon! Good luck to you!

Wow! me, too! I just got on the waitlist in December of 2011 and I am already trying to find an exit. I am 23 as well and I just cant imagine going into the program when I am 26 and graduating at 28!! I have been looking into LA since I have family there and I am hoping an answer will come soon! Good luck to you!

Hi Kendall! So sorry it took so long for me to respond, I've been sooo busy with class.

Any who, it's nice to know we're in the same boat! Did you figure out what you're going to do? I've decided to go with Mt. St. Mary's in LA, hoping to get into their ADN program in January 2013 and then switch to their BSN program after I finish. But they require more pre-requisites than Arizona so I've been taking summer school classes and will be taking on a full time course load next semester just to get all of this done in time. Stressful but it will be worth it! Good luck to you as well! :)