Frustrations on Lvn to Rn bridge programs in Southern CA community colleges

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Specializes in Tele.

I just finished LVN school here and was planning on applying to the bridge programs numerous community collegs here have. However, the requirements are different now, they require a transition course, where some only offer it once a year and you need that to apply to the program itself. Some prerequisites are different as well. I'm just worried because some of my prerequisites will expire next year and the application deadlines are near.

I honestly don't want to do online courses or go the private route because I've already taken out large loans.

I'm sure a lot of you are on the same boat. For those of you who have applied to community colleges, how long did you wait to enter the LVN-RN bridge programs? Specifically Saddleback, Goldenwest, Santa Ana, Cypress, and Cerritos.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi,

I can't speak for Calif. but since I wanted to apply to several programs I did have to take a couple of pre-reqs that were school specific. It was worth it to me because like yours they only took students once a year and I didn't want to miss out. My A&P 1 is over 20 years old and I managed to get that credit transfer accepted by 4 schools. I would try to meet with the director of the programs because that way you can get first hand knowledge, make a good impression and hopefully get a feel for whether or not they will be a good fit for you. Good luck! Jules

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hi quest,

that does sound extremely frustrating. we have similar situation here in ontario, canada--where every nursing college has different rules and requirements...nothing like it used to be where it was very straight-forward.

at one of the rn-bsn programs you have to get 2 work references and they must fill out the paperwork for you online! you have to give them the information so that they do it correctly over the net--they cannot simply give you a written or verbal reference. that is crazy...when the program first started all you had to do was apply and send in your transcripts...now they want that plus the app. is online, and the references must be submitted online.

i understand you just wanting to go to a regular bridge program vs. online. i hope everything works out well for you & good luck with your search

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Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.

I am in the same boat as you that is why I have decided to do the LVN-BSN ISU route. Though I need all pre rec's and that will take a while. I hear that the wait lists are still very long a certian colleges. I did hear that LBCC may only be 1 semester (wait) but not sure if that is a rumor or not. And I am not sure what classes you need to actually apply to the RN program.Good luck.

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Questforloveand peace,

I live in Northern California and I have the same problem. Community colleges are packed and the freaking waiting list is terrible. If your ultimate goal is to become RN, then go for your BSN. Sure it will take time but at the end you'll be happy that atleast you're finish with school.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU, ER, Tactical Medic.

Community colleges were filled to the brim 10 years ago when I first was interested in nursing. Schools with BSN programs were longer and charged a premium, yes, but often you could finish in the same time and not have the same issues getting into classes by the time you got through the waiting list (in the Marysville area, Anatomy availability is the class holding many people back).

I have taken A&P I&II, my chems, and micro over because they are approaching 10 years, but it seems like I am getting "one classed" to death, as in I need one more class every school I go to. What I really need to do is not move around anymore, but it is still frustrating.

What I prefer to do is contact the schools I have already gone to that another institution feels that their classes are not adequate and will not accept the class. Many department heads would love to contact another institution to discuss the curriculum difference, because that is basically a considered to be slap in the face.

Just a thought guys.

Good luck!

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Have you gotten into any program yet? Thanks

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Specializes in Tele.

i start the lvn to rn bridge at gwc on the 22nd. ;)

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What is gwc? and was the application process long and strenuous?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What is gwc?
It probably stands for Golden West College.
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Specializes in Tele.
What is gwc? and was the application process long and strenuous?

The Commuter is right; it stands for Golden West College. It's in Huntington Beach, Ca. The application process was easy, however, I believe it has changed recently. The application itself was upfront though. It's just that they took a year to notify you. That was nerve racking.

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What is the average that everyone has been waiting as a LVN waiting on the bridge program at these local cc's?

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