Average time to get in to nursing school in Houston?

[liz688]

I am going back to school starting this summer for my pre-reqs. I know that this is different for everyone depending on where they apply, their grades, etc, but in general in the Houston area, what is the average time to get into nursing school for someone with fairly good grades? I know that in some areas of the country, there are so few programs and spots available that no matter what, you're pretty much guaranteed to have to wait two or three years. There seem to be a LOT of programs in this area, though. Does a good student have a reasonable chance of getting in on the first try? Should I expect to have to apply several times? I really appreciate any advice you can give!

[lemonlimeEMT]

Where are you trying to go? Do you want to do an ADN program at one of the community colleges (HCC, Lone Star College, San Jac, etc)? Or are you trying to get in to the BSN programs in the area (TWU-houston, UT-Houston, PVAMU)?

I don't know that much about the ADN programs, so I really have no idea if they have waiting lists or what. I do know though, that they require a few different things than the BSN programs, so you just have to be on top of everything.

As far as the BSN programs, I could help you out there, since I'm going to UT-Houston right now, I know a bit about the process. The pre-reqs for the BSN programs differ slightly from each of the schools, but for the most part they all require A&P, chemistry, microbiology, sociology, psychology, history, english, etc. It takes about 2 years to finish it all, and you may have to take a few some courses to get them done in the two years. As far as applying to the actual nursing schools, I believe all the BSN programs have January 15 (or so) deadlines for applications for the Fall semester. TWU and PVAMU offer twice a year admitance; but I'm not sure what the application deadline is for the spring semesters (september probably). You have to have the majority of your pre-reqs done by then. You also have to take the NET exam. If you are applying for fall admissions, I'd do the NET test the fall before that (admissions 2010, then fall 2009 take the NET). Then you just send in your application and wait. Some of them ask for recommendations, others don't. Some schools do interviews, others don't. It's pretty straightforward from there. Each school will tell you exactly what you need to do. But if you stay on track, you can have your BSN in 4 years. Oh, but at TWU-houston, first you have to apply to TWU in Denton (like the actual college), then once you are accepted, you can apply to the nursing school.

In the BSN programs, if your grades and NET scores are good, then you shouldn't have to apply mutliple times (although to be safe I'd apply to multiple schools). Most of the people I go to school with got in on their first application to the school. And there was no wait list.