Advice on where to apply

Jess4Nursing · Jan 27, 2007

Try Sentara =)

Myxel67 · Jan 27, 2007

Hi, I have a question for you all... hopefully someone can give me some advice. I'm debating whether or not I should apply to 2 year RN programs or first doing an LPN program and then go to an RN program after graduating.
Here's a little bit about myself. I have already graduated with a BA in Spanish from George Mason University, my gpa was a 3.16. While at GMU I took Developmental Psyc, English Composition I&II, Calculus, Communications, Intro to Psyc, 8 Credits of General Biology among other classes. I have taken NAS 161 and 162 (should transfer as A&P I and II and Microbiology) and Bio-medical Ethics at Northern Virginia CC. My gpa at NVCC is a 3.0. So I believe I currently have all the non-nursing classes for both RN and LPN programs out of the way (except for the ones that require chemistry).
I'm determined to get accepted SOMEWHERE for Fall 2007. From what I understand, an LPN program would take me 1 year (since I already have several classes out of the way) and I would need to study an extra year (possibly 2) to become an RN. If this is the case I have no preference over going to an LPN or RN program, all that matters to me is getting into a decent program where I have a reasonable chance of being accepted. I am not even considereing BA programs because I don't believe my gpa is high enough. Any advice? NVCC is my first choice but if anyone has other ideas I would love to hear them.

I suggest that you apply to a 4-year institution with a BSN program. You might need a statistics course though. From what you write about your prior course work and grades, I don't know why you think you would not be accepted to a BSN program. Come to South Florida where you would most likely be accepted at FIU or Barry. Also you can use your Spanish here since many people don't speak English!

Since you already have a bachelor's degree, the BSN shoulld not take you any longer than the ASN at a community college. You'll have more flexibility in job market in future and qualify for more positions.

Many students who flunked out of the ASN program I attended went on to an LPN school and then took the 1-year transitional LPN to RN program without ever working as an LPN.

seeandwhy · Jan 28, 2007

I think it is best for you to go straight to the RN Program. Since you already have a Bachelors degree regardless of either Medical related study or not, there are some universities right now that offer the Accelerated Program wherein you go for a BSN (usually 2 years full time to complete) then 1 more year which is optional to proceed to the Masters degree. I strongly think that'll be the best option.

krenee · Jan 28, 2007

NVCC is my first choice but if anyone has other ideas I would love to hear them.

Have you applied at NVCC? My understanding is that they are first come first served, not based on GPA. Anyway, a 3.0 is definitely good enough! I'm hoping to get in to NVCC for fall 2007 myself, but I can't apply until May when I finish NAS 162.

Good luck!

Kelly

chikichiki17 · Jan 29, 2007

Have you applied at NVCC? My understanding is that they are first come first served, not based on GPA. Anyway, a 3.0 is definitely good enough! I'm hoping to get in to NVCC for fall 2007 myself, but I can't apply until May when I finish NAS 162.
Good luck!
Kelly

Yes I'm definitely applying to NVCC. I'm actually turning in my checklist today. I'm not too hopeful about getting in though because I know a lot of other people have already turned in their applications, but who knows.

krenee · Jan 29, 2007

Yes I'm definitely applying to NVCC. I'm actually turning in my checklist today. I'm not too hopeful about getting in though because I know a lot of other people have already turned in their applications, but who knows.

Well, if you hear anything, let me know, would you? Since I can't apply until May when I finish NAS 161, if you don't get in, there's no hope for me! All I was told was that they aren't full, and they "encourage me to apply". There really is no plan B for me, so if I don't get into NVCC this fall, I'll have to wait a year.

Kelly

chikichiki17 · Jan 29, 2007

Well, if you hear anything, let me know, would you? Since I can't apply until May when I finish NAS 161, if you don't get in, there's no hope for me! All I was told was that they aren't full, and they "encourage me to apply". There really is no plan B for me, so if I don't get into NVCC this fall, I'll have to wait a year.
Kelly

I will let you know what happens but I don't think the nursing department starts telling people if they've been accepted until sometime around april or may. At least that's what I've been told. I really have my heart set on studying nursing, however, I might try and get into a 2nd degree Food & Nutrition Science program as my "plan B."

rnin02 · Jan 29, 2007

NVCC has a great program, so if you get accepted there, be happy! My GPA was not as good as your's and I was accepted into their program. I would talk to GMU too...since you already have a bachelors degree, there probably wouldn't be a lot of time difference between getting associates or your bachelors, and you have more opportunities with your bachelors. I have great respect for LPN's but I would not choose that route if I were you...from what I've heard and seen, not alot of hospitals are hiring new LPNs now, and at my hospital anyway the LPNs have to get their RN by a certain time or they will be limited as to where in the hospital they can work. Good luck!

chikichiki17 · Feb 3, 2007

When did you turn in your application last year? I am taking the TEAS exam this week and plan on turning in my checklist the same day I take the exam. I just want to get a feel for what my chances are at being accepted. I know they use rolling admissions so my grades aren't much of a factor, I'm just worried about the spaces in the program being filled up by the time I turn everything in. Thanks!!

Dubah · Feb 11, 2007

I applied last may to the Nova nursing program and I didn't get in. So I applied in September and I have been accepted for Fall 2007 class. I got an answer within two weeks of applying. I recently got a letter in the mail from the nursing department telling me how they were going to expand their program to include online classes and a separate program for people who want to just attend classes on Friday and Saturday at the Arlington campus. I think this will open up more slots and more people will be able to get in. Which is great, because waiting a year is a pain. The one thing they added to the checklist which you have to watch out for is the computer literacy requirement. Just make sure you take the test early enough to have time to take it again if you fail it. Any way, Good luck!