Accelerated BSN program vs. Tech schools (SoCal)

BellsRNBSN · Jul 30, 2011

I was in a similar boat as you just a few years ago. I am actually a UCSB alum as well, graduated in 2008, and found myself without any job prospects, with a GPA very close to yours, and wanting desperately to go into nursing, but still having several pre-reqs left to fulfill.

So I moved back to southern California thinking it would take me a year or less to complete my 5-6 necessary pre-reqs at local community colleges. Wishful thinking!!! I was astonished to discover waiting lists for anatomy and microbiology CC courses that reached the 90s. And of course, having a bachelor's degree from a university and no previous matriculation at a CC put me way down on the priority list for registering for classes. Some classes such as developmental psychology of the entire life span and nutrition weren't as hard to get into, but I remember crashing every anatomy and microbiology section I could make it to at 6 different CC's within the area for 3 semesters in a row and not getting the main classes I needed. I FINALLY got into a microbiology course in fall 2009 - I was the last person on the waiting list let in the class, and anatomy in spring 2010. Therefore, it took me 2 years to complete those 5 pre-reqs, and I think I took each pre-req at a different CC.

I was SO grateful just to get into those last remaining pre-reqs, so I worked my butt off and maintained a 4.0 GPA, which was a huge improvement over my UCSB grades. I believe it was my GPA improvement and my volunteer history that got me into my ABSN program that started in August 2010. So all this time and $40K+ in student loans later, I'm graduating nursing school in 2 weeks and hope to be taking the NCLEX in September - and it has ALL been worth it! :nurse:

I am telling you my story because I was in a very similar place as you are now, and even though it may seem impossible, I assure you it's not! You have to be REALLY committed and persevere through the many let-downs that you will likely encounter on your journey. And if you don't have any hospital volunteering experience, NOW is the perfect time to get some! Volunteer while you finish up your pre-reqs. I recommend you check out the Clinical Care Extender (CCE) volunteer program; you'll get a lot of great hands-on experience in different hospital units.

So maybe it feels like the end of the world right now (at least it did to me a couple years ago!), but keep your chin up and fight to achieve your goals. It won't be easy, but it IS doable. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!!! :clown:

Columnist · Jul 30, 2011

Moving this to the CA Nursing Programs Discussion forum for more responses.

Pmazing · Jul 31, 2011

Thank you H0pefulstdnt. I really appreciate you sharing your similar experiences with me. What are the chances that a UCSB alum replies to my post? Hehe. I never thought that anyone could have or would be currently experiencing the same situation that I am/was! I literally, just as you said, felt like this was the end of my world. I'm glad to know that you've made it through and I congratulate you for your efforts in pursuing your BSN. Seriously though, you have restored all my motivation to keep trying to crash courses and get into the program. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. I was hitting rock bottom depressed not thinking anything would let up. Thank you again! Btw, which BSN program did you eventually get into?

nokuwah · Aug 1, 2011

Wow, thanks for sharing your story H0pefulStdnt. I'm pretty much in the same boat that you were in and that Pmazing is currently in. Not an UCSB alumni, but a fellow UC alumni from UCSD, its close! I am experiencing the problem of possibly not getting into the science prereqs that most of the ABSN programs require. I've applied to 7 community colleges in hopes that I can get into the science classes somewhere. It can be frustrating and daunting at times to be the last to register and watch the classes and waitlists fill up... but I am hopeful that it is possible =) I am also curious, which BSN program are you in?

BellsRNBSN · Aug 1, 2011

You're welcome! I'm so glad that I have been able to restore some hope within you. I would just hate for someone to give up on their dreams because they're stuck in a situation like this, when their goals are actually still achievable.

I will be graduating from Concordia University's ABSN program.

And yay for UC alumni :up:

skim83 · Aug 6, 2011

You're welcome! I'm so glad that I have been able to restore some hope within you. I would just hate for someone to give up on their dreams because they're stuck in a situation like this, when their goals are actually still achievable.
I will be graduating from Concordia University's ABSN program.
And yay for UC alumni

Seriously thank you for your post! I really needed this encouragement. I mean I have read SOOO many posts on how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get into a acc. bsn program here in california and it has been discouraging. I didn't graduate from the best university with the best gpa but I am seriously wanting to become an RN. Taking pre-reqs this semester and next. Hopefully I will get in somewhere when I apply..wish me luck all!