Published Nov 16, 2010
cps.5784
29 Posts
I live in California and have recently realized how hard it is to get into any public nursing school.. I've met an RN who told me there are out of state online schools that have degrees for nursing and they allow you to do clinicals close to where you live. Most of the ones I have seen are for RN to BSN so I wanted to know if there are anything like this for non-RNs. I have considered Excelsior but I'm not sure if California recognizes that college... also the thought of a three day clinical exam is too stressful. Your input is greatly appreciated! Thank you :)
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Excelsior College is not recognized by the CA BRN. If you go through them and get licensed in another state, then work as an RN in that state for X amount of time, CA will look at your record on a case by case basis, or so they say. Much easier to go through one of the recognized programs now operating in CA: ISU LVN to BSN program or the WGU prelicensure program that is operating in southern CA.
vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN
2,717 Posts
Excelsior won't work for you in Cali.
The only school I know of for pre-licensure RN's in Nor Cal - where I am - is Indiana State. WGU is only available in So Cal.
You might consider going through an ROP LVN Program and then bridging to an RN. Or going to a private LVN program and bridging. Or going after a BSN through a private or Public school. I think those are your only options besides Community and State Colleges.
I don't see a whole lot of good/easy/straightforward options in Nor Cal. Just getting into prereqs is ridiculous at the JC. Once you complete them, there is the lottery system. CSUS is merit based, but wants you to have basically all A's.
I don't know of any simple/easy options. However, everything in life worth having is worth struggling for, don'tcha think? I do, which is why I am trying to stay positive.
NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN
2,487 Posts
If you do decide to go through Excelsior College you can also work for the VA, military hospitals or for the federal prison. If you live nearby any of these facilities then there's an option for you. Excelsior College is recognized by the NLN and has won awards for being an excellent school. CA has an issue with them because they feel that you need a clinical component and unfortunately Excelsior doesn't offer anything other than the CPNE which is a hard clinical evaluation to pass from what I've heard. I've known several Exelsior graduates who are excellent nurses. What ever you decide to do I hope it all works out. Good Luck