WASC what if a vocational school doesnt have this?

turbohound · Sep 23, 2007

Hi Shalamar,

"WASC" refers Western Accociation of Schools and Colleges. It is one of the regional accreditation bodies for US higher education. I believe there are 5-7 in the US, broken out by regional geography. By selecting a school which is accredited by one of these recognized regional bodies, you have some assurance that the worked done at that institution (units, or credits, etc) will be accepted at another institution which is also accredited. Basically, its an assurance that your work will be accepted by other schools and employers, as real.

If you go to an unaccredited school, or one which is accredited by an unrecognized body, you may be throwing your money away. And there are lots of unaccredited "schools" which are taking advantage of the high demand for nurses, to enroll anybody who applies, and charging high tuition fees. They will even "help" their students get federal/state student loans to pay for that tuition. But when the students "graduate." They get a diploma, and placement directions to the door, and they suddenly find that they can't get a job in the field or transfer to an LVN-to-RN bridge program because the school they went to is unaccreditted and has a poor reputation FOR A REASON. Then they are left with those fat student loans, and no way to pay.

DON'T GET SCAMMED!!

If you want to become an LVN, check out the LVN programs at the local JCs. They don't have as many pre-reqs (RN programs), they don't have the long waiting lists that RN programs do, and they won't take your money and leave you with a worthless piece of paper and monster loans.

Check out the CA Board of LVN/Psych Tech school listings below, and you'll be fine.

http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/vnschl.htm

And you can always work as a CNA while you are doing pre-reqs, and applying to schools. And a CNA wil help you get in.

Good Luck, and stay away from the scam schools:)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I attended one of these private, expensive LVN programs with absolutely no regrets. In addition, I have never had any problems with securing work in my career field.

Regarding LVN-to-RN bridge programs, the credits earned at unaccredited schools will not transfer. However, your LVN licensure will enable you to bypass the first year of many RN programs. In my area, many schools issue en-bloc credit for possessing LVN licensure, which enables the student to enter RN programs with advanced placement.

I have known several LVNs who successfully started LVN-to-RN bridge programs after receiving their educations at these unaccredited schools.

Sensoria17 · Sep 24, 2007

Just make sure your chosen school is accredited by the state, nevermind WASC. I think the only LVN program in the Bay Area that has this accreditation is Western Career College so that should tell you something.

shalamar · Sep 25, 2007

just wondering if you went to a school in the bay area? if so which one, and how did you like it?

blubean · Oct 9, 2007

I'm currently attending the only free ROP LVN school in northern california in Yuba City which is 1 hour north of Sacramento. This part time evening 18 month program is flexible and allows you to work during the day. Check it out at http://www.sutteronestop.com/Education/ROPHealth.htm. They also offer a full time class at 9 months which meet during the day. I commute 1 hour from Chico for this program and I have to say this is the best decision I have ever made! I finish the program in Feb. I recommend this program to anyone who is in the Northern California area. I also am plugging away at my pre-reqs for the LVN-BSN bridge program through Chico State which I will apply to next fall. With the implementation of online internet courses I have been able to carry a full time load of classes through Chico State and commute to Yuba City for the LVN program. I recommend this strategy to anyone who is going to pursue their RN. Especially with the California nursing programs being impacted and highly competitive. It may take longer but CNA-LVN-RN allows you to be involved in the healthcare environment at the different levels of care. And, I think it may even make you a better nurse.

By the way, I'm relocating to Monterey at the end of February. I'm anxious to start working as an LVN in the area. Does anyone know how the outlook for LVN employment is for Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, etc. I am especially interested in registry as I am currently working for a local nursing registry in my area as a CNA and have done so for the last 4 years. Any ideas would be great!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2007

By the way, I'm relocating to Monterey at the end of February. I'm anxious to start working as an LVN in the area. Does anyone know how the outlook for LVN employment is for Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, etc. I am especially interested in registry as I am currently working for a local nursing registry in my area as a CNA and have done so for the last 4 years. Any ideas would be great!

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