North Carolina vs New York RN Program?

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 3, 2005

If you have guaranteed access to an LPN-RN bridge program in New York (and are not in a terrible hurry to move), stay where you are and enroll. When you move here, you will have to wait one year for in-state residency before even beginning a program (unless you want to pay pricey out-of-state tuition). And, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get into ADN programs, even LPN-RN bridge programs. I do not know the specifics of the triangle or Mecklenburg county area - just speaking from my experience as an ADN instructor on the Eastern side of the state.

RN Zeke · Dec 3, 2005

I agree with the previous reply. I am enroled in my first semester of an ADN program in the Western part of NC. If this bill passes for all nursing educators to be MSN's the state will be in a heap of trouble getting instructors. You might be much better off staying in NY with a sure thing and then finishing your RN degree there. I completed all required courses to enter the ADN program, with honors and that got me in on the first try. I was very fortunate! I have heard of several people waiting for 2 years, in the mean time math and science courses may have to be repeated!

EvinsAngel · Dec 4, 2005

Thank you both so much for your replies. I think you're both probably right. Entrance into a NY nursing program is far from guaranteed although I think I'll probably have a much better chance of getting in here than in NC. I will have a BA in English as well as my LPN license by the time I apply. I'm very anxious to relocate, but I guess I'll just sit tight for now and this way I'll have that many more opportunities once I get to NC . Thanks again.

NurseKitty NC · Dec 6, 2005

Why not apply to some nursing programs in NC and see if you get accepted before making the decision to relocate or not. I was accepted the first try back when I applied, and I started the program right away. (I live in the Raleigh area.) Don't be fooled by so-called "waiting lists" -- most schools do not really have those. When I was applying, everyone talked about how there were supposedly 2,000 students on the "waiting list" -- in reality, there were 2,000 students applying to the program, most of whom did not meet the minimal requirements and so were not accepted. The schools that I know of all select students based on grades, prerequisite courses already taken, relevant work experience (if any), completion of physical exam/CPR certification.

By the way ... another thing you may want to consider in deciding to relocate is the salary differences between NY and NC. I lived in NY for 20 years before moving to NC, and the salary differences are huge. Most LPNs in NC only make around $14-15 an hour; RNs start at around $18-19.

Whatever you choose to do, good luck!!

:nurse:

ange822s · Dec 22, 2005

i live in fayetteville,nc and as long as you have all your prereq's done,you have a really good chance of getting in.if you are missing some classes,that is when you have a small chance.the school makes it pretty hard on you when you transfer classes.i started taking my classes in california,but i knew i was moving here so i took classes that would transfer here.i didn't take my sciences (anatomy/physiology1&2,micro,chem,biology)unitl i got here because they are very picky about what will transfer and what will not.i am not applying for the program till next jan. i want to make sure i have all my classes done because my advisor said i will definitly get in next year with all my classes completed. you are put into 2 categories. category 1-you have all the prereq's completed (chem,algebra,biology).category2-you have all your prereq's and your cumlative point classes completed(a/p1&2,english,speech,micro,etc.)those classes give you your points. about 250 apply and they accept 100. i have not heard of any wait list,either you get in or you dont. if you are almost done with your classes in ny,i would suggest staying there.i was out of school for a year because i was considered out of state,and that was way too expensive to pay for! well good luck with whatever you decide:mad:

EvinsAngel · Jan 14, 2006

Yes, I'm aware that I'd definitely be making less money in NC. I didn't realize that the difference was that great. But, everyone I've asked (that lives there already) seems to think that the cost of living is decent enough to live fairly well. Here in NYC it's possible for LPNs to make $25 an hour but depending on where you live, you may pay $1000 a month or more just to rent a one bedroon apt. :crying2: Thank you all for your input and advice. I think I'm going to go ahead and apply directly for my NC license and relocate once I graduate. I love New York but it's time to go. I'll take a year off and start on my RN once I've established residency (my brain needs a rest anyway). Again, thank you all and maybe I'll see you at the end of the year :) .