Published Jan 11, 2013
shaylah
21 Posts
Im doing all of my class at a community college and also doing the nursing program there. Is this a good idea? Do I need to apply to more then one college for the nursing program?
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Sparrow91
238 Posts
I guess it depends how cmpetative it is. Its good to give your self options and to not put all of your eggs into one basket, that way if things don't pan out the way you expect them to you will have some back up plans.
CDEWannaBe
456 Posts
It's super smart to do your prereqs at a community college because the class schedules are better and classes are cheaper.
Community college only offer Associates degrees in nursing. Check the nurse job listings in your area to see if an ASN (also callend an ADN) is enough to be hired. You should also call local hospitals and ask if they hire graduates from the community college.
In some locations you need a Bachelors degree, or a BSN, to be hired in hospitals. You have to attend a 4-year college or university to get a BSN. Your community college credits should transfer to the university, but speak with an admissions counselor to be sure. Many schools have their course equivalency tables showing which classes transer. Here's a link for the University of Oklahoma, where I'm applying. tetables
Also, look online or call the community college and schools in your area to ask their pass rate for the NCLEX. That's the licensing exam every nurse (ASN or BSN) is required to take. You want to attend a school with a high pass rate.
princesax11
81 Posts
I am going to get restarted on my prereqs fall 2013 when I get in state tuition. I have a few prereqs done when I went to college a few years ago. I will be in a community college doing it then applying to their ADN program because my cumulative GPA (3.1) wont get me into a BSN program but I can get into the ADN program with my prereq GPA if it stays where it is (3.6) and I do good on the HESI. Also in my area they hire ADNs in hospitals so I don't have to worry about not having a BSN right away. I will do the RN to BSN program straight after I graduate on a part time basis while working. If your GPA is a 3.5-4.0 I think it is worth it to apply to BSN programs because if you can go straight through and get your BSN it makes things easier.
AmandaJoy
12 Posts
I am attending a community college for my pre-reqs as well. For my family, the flexibility offered at this CC is essential for my success, and their nursing program is great. I echo the points mentioned in CDEwb's post. Good luck in your future!
x_factor
520 Posts
I'm doing my pre-reqs at a CC and I'm applying for the ADN program at my CC. It's a great program, 100% NCLEX pass rate for the last 3 years. Also, in my area, ADN grads are hired just as easily as BSN graduates. This isn't the case everywhere, so definitely check and make sure that ADN grad jobs are available in your area, and that BSN's aren't more required. I plan to do my RN-BSN bridge once I graduate. Going the ADN route at my CC was financially better for me, compared to going straight for a BSN at a university.
sofiesgrammy
14 Posts
Community College is the best place to get oyur pre-reqs. It's quality at a great price. Check with the RN programs in the area to be sure you are taking the right courses. Not all Anatomy and Physiology classes are equal, for example. In FL, the A&P class LPNs take is not good enough to serve as a pre-req for an RN program.
In FL, some of the community college RN programs are so competitive, it's very difficult to get in. The one in my area has a GPA cutoff of 3.8! The website says minimum of 3.0, but when there are more qualified applicants than available slots, only those with the highest GPA are accepted. If you talk with academic advising, they will tell you what GPA you realistically need to get in.
You might want to look into some of the ACCREDITED private programs. They cost more, however, if it means you don't have to wait years to get in, it is worth it. Time is money. If a nurse makes $60k a year, and the private school costs $30k, but you get in 2 years earlier, and start making $60k 2 years earlier, that private school tuition has paid for itself!
Best of luck!
Thanks alot for all the answers. This really help.
7237dallas
295 Posts
I also plan to do that. I've look on the nursing boards for my state at the schools in my area and they have a pretty high pass rate with not a lot of dropouts. And I'm only looking to do the ADN program right now.
I love being at the cc, they make it fun and easy to learn because the classes arent that big. I see the people that are in the program there and they say that they love it.
violetgirl
144 Posts
I am also doing all my pre-reqs at CC. Just Cheaper! Works for me!
Plus, I need the (sit in classes) for the sciences with all the labs.