RN wannabe, still @ junior college, needs tons of help!

[AstrelONE]

my first topic/post, and i really need some advice here

anyway, some background info:

i attend cerritos community college in norwalk, california (l.a. county)

i've completed the majority of the general ed and prerequisite classes to gain entry into the nursing program

i recently applied for this coming nursing program, but unfortunately was placed on the million mile long waiting list (which apparently some fools have had to wait 3 semesters to actually enter the program)

my pop is absolutely pissed about me not getting in, and i've been bombarded w/ lectures over and over. now here's the thing, he's on a tight schedule and ready to retire, and all he wants from me is to be able to support myself asap. i'm pretty much looking for the fastest way to get into some sort of RN program. my pops is willing to help me out even if i were to attend a private college that offers instant access into a nursing program. if worst comes to worst, and i end up having to sit around for a year waiting to get in, he recommended that i take up some sort of ROP or fastrack courses in a different medical field so i'd at least i'd be working for until i get into the program (referring to some 7 week course, etc.)

so i'd appreciate the following from nurses around my area:

any sort of advice whatsoever that will help me become an RN as soon as possible

any community colleges (L.A./O.C. area) that don't have a waiting list in their nursing programs (even though i highly doubt it, but even pointing out a jc w/ a short waiting list would be helpful)

any private colleges (L.A./O.C. area) in which i can gain instant access to the nursing program

any sort of fastrack medical occupation that can be completed in just a few months work, like out of the local ROP or one of the "career colleges"

sorry for the huge 1st thread, but i'm pretty much desperate

thanks a bunch yall

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

I don't know their reputation but I remember seeing a discussion here about Maric College, I think it has several locations in California including L.A. area. Once more, I'm not endorsing, don't know anything about them except they supposedly don't have a waiting list but are expensive.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95965&highlight=college

[AstrelONE]

I don't know their reputation but I remember seeing a discussion here about Maric College, I think it has several locations in California including L.A. area. Once more, I'm not endorsing, don't know anything about them except they supposedly don't have a waiting list but are expensive.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95965&highlight=college

props, thanks for the help. and from the looks of things they do seem pretty steep.

so all in all, a private college / university transfer is pretty much the only way to avoid some sort of wait list?

[SmilingBluEyes]

For most RN schools, you WILL encounter a waiting list. There is an extreme shortage of nurses and NURSE INSTRUCTORS, in particular. And California is one state that is very badly affected by this. It's very unfortunate, but a fact. There is no "fast track route" to becoming an RN. You will need to finish up all your pre-requisites and get very good grades, to have a decent shot at acceptance to most RN schools. I wish you lots of luck. Ever consider CNA first, then working your way through LPN or RN school? It's not a lot of money, but it's a start! You could get a CNA job, and p erhaps find some roommates and share the rent, effectively removing yourself from your dad's responsibility and support!

[AstrelONE]

^^i hear you on that, thanks for the well wishes

anyway, i hit up those cats over at my local maric college, and the only campus that offers an RN program is the one in san diego, which is out of the question for me. o well. i know mount st. mary's is one, any other suggestions?

[prmenrs, RN]

I think SBE has a good idea for a number of reasons. You get some hands on experience in the basics of nursing skills, which makes it easier when you get to the RN program; you may be able to take it through ROP--very affordable. This will give you the space to finish any science pre-req's you have left, and enable you to save up for an RN program.

I know there are other Community Colleges in the LA area. There is also the State University System. Check those out places for length of waiting lists.

Good Luck!!!

[StarNurse2006]

Astrel,

I am a Cali native, currently living in Colorado, but here's a thought. I believe there is a Concorde Career Institute in North Hollywood. Concorde has an LVN program that is a year long, and it costs about $21,000. They take federal aid, student loans, and they have no-interest payment plans. I haven't personally been to the one in North Hollywood, but I looked at the campus in San Diego and the one in Denver (where I will start in August) and they are very nice schools. I also want to be an RN, and this is a way for me to be working sooner. I understand your frustration about the state of waiting lists in Cali...that is one good thing about me moving to Colorado!

Good luck to you!

Jennee

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I don't know if this will help, but maybe a new twist on the idea. In my state, and soon in others...it will be mandated that nursing student's have to be a CNA for at least two years before they can apply. Have you thought about getting your CNA cert first, then going on from there?

A very good start, and I will tell you...if you don't like being a CNA, you won't really appreciate or get a good insight into being a nurse! Wish I had done it...but was not mandated for me to do it so I just went right in (I was lucky only one year wait and I took my prereqs during that time...my system was total lottery...very lucky I got in so fast!).

Or think about other areas, like MRI tech, ER tech, hospital secretary...those will give you insight and get you into a place where you may get a position with people you get to know (big bonus in nursing!).

Good luck!