CSULA ELMN Program 2010

Here's an email I wrote to a potential student who asked for advice on getting into the program:

As for advice for getting in, I'm sure you have realized that this program is very attractive. This year, they received 140+ applications for the 20 spots and Ms. Hinoki (the program director) only interviewed the top 20% (28 out of 140+).

I believe that top 20% was calculated by overall GPA, GPA in science prerequisites, GPA in last 60 quarter units. Furthermore, you have to score in the top 10 percentile on the TEAS. If you aren't competitive in these areas, they may not even consider your application.

The second thing they are looking for is nursing experience. If you have never worked or volunteered in a hospital or clinic, start now. I worked as a CNA for a year while I worked on my pre-reqs, and even though it was a physically demanding job, I'm very grateful that I did it! I'm sure that is why I got an interview, but also it confirmed for me that nursing is the career for me. They are looking in your essay, experience, and interview that you are a person who really wants to be a nurse.

The third thing that they are looking for is a team player. As you probably know, the first year of the program you will be working with your cohort extensively. If you are a person who doesn't work well with others or lacks social graces, this will be a very frustrating program (& career for that matter!). You need to demonstrate that you will be a good member of the cohort.

The fourth and final thing that I should mention is they are looking for people whose career goals actually fit the program objectives. If you are looking to be a bedside nurse in a hospital, good for you, but go apply for a RN program. If you are not sure you want to do a MSN, do an accelerated BSN first. Also, a lot of people don't realize this, but very few graduates of this 3 year+ program will immediately work as advance practice nurse. Most work as RNs for a few years before they can get a NP position.

However, if you are seriously interested in advance practice nursing, are willing to put in the hard work, and see yourself as a nurse practitioner, a nursing researcher, or possible doctoral student in the near future, then you are in good company. Demonstrate that you have considered this in your essay and your interview.

All of this was covered in one of the informational sessions that I attended. If you haven't already signed up for you, you should call or email the office and sign up. If you can't make that for some reason, you can schedule an appointment with Kathy herself. I should note that she's a very busy person, and will more than likely refer you to one of the sessions, since most of your questions will be answered there.

If you aren't accepted, get on the waiting list. In my cohort alone, we've had three people who had been accepted drop out, one person just a month before the program started! So even if you don't get in, it's not over until the start of Summer Quarter!

Here are a few questions someone emailed me, and my replies:

1. Can I apply to attend Spring Quarter 2010, or are students only admitted in the Fall?

Actually, the ELMN program begins SUMMER Quarter, and at this time it only starts once a year.

2. Are all of the prerequisites required to be completed prior to admittance or can I take the non-science prerequisites later?

When I applied, all the science prerequisites needed to be completed prior to application deadline and the non-science pre-requisites needed to be completed prior to the start of the program.


3. Do you know anything about the program's accreditations?

The nursing program is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Even thought the ELMN program is only on it's sixth cohort, the nursing program at Cal State LA is one of the oldest in California. Also, watch for a news bit on Channel 5 about the skills lab! I'm not sure when it's going to air, but they filmed last Sunday.


4. Can you give me a snapshot of what a regular week is like during the program? (I live in the Palm Springs area and I am trying to see if I will be able to do the long drive and clinical requirements realistically)

My current schedule, which seems typical for the program, is:

Monday: 9 - 2 PM
Tuesday: 1-4 PM & 6-9 PM
Friday: 7-1 PM & 2-5 PM
Saturday: 7-1 PM


5. When can I apply to take the NCLEX after starting the program?

You will complete all the courses necessary for licensure in 5 quarters, and you are encouraged to take the NCLEX as soon as possible (i.e. I started June 2009, I'll take the N-CLEX Fall 2010).

During the Masters part of the program, you are REQUIRED to work at least part-time as an RN, so you'll want to pass right away! 100% of last years cohort passed the first time!

6. Can work as a student intern nurse count for clinical hours or do I have to complete them at particular locations?

You will need to do the clinical hours with the class. However, if you can handle the load, it has been strongly encouraged to work as a student nurse during the 1st year to get your foot in the door when you start job hunting the year after.