Becoming a nurse in Whatcom county, need advice

pnwmurse · Oct 31, 2008

Have you thought of looking at schools in the Seattle area? You may find more flexibility in larger areas with larger schools. Maybe an accelerated BSN program or something?

From what I've seen, in general, most hard science credits have an expiration date :crying2:

morningstarRN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

I am attending everett community college and they have the five year rule too. I think most have the time rule for science classes.

incana · Nov 2, 2008

I've looked at the colleges in Seattle area but I can't commute unfortunately (it's hard with a baby on the way), so I'm attending BTC in Bellingham. I have 2 more pre-requisite courses to take and then I'll be able to get into LPN program. BTC also offers LPN-RN bridge, but one must have 1000 hrs worked as an LPN, which is not that great. Is it possible to take some online classes to become an RN?

pnwmurse · Nov 2, 2008

Most (although not all) LPN-RN programs require 1000hrs (basically a year) on the job before bridging in. But, all accredited CC in the state have articulation agreements with the tech colleges. This guarantees a certain number of LPN admits per year into the 4th quarter of the ADN programs.

I have two students in my class who bridged in directly from LPN school, with no working experience, so different schools require different things.

WhatcomCC in Bellingham has recently started up an RN program, although they are not yet accredited according to:

http://www.discovernursing.com/jnj-page_2-name_-type_All-state_WA,-degree_associate,-enrollment_-online_All-dsc-program_results.aspx

As far as online classes go, I haven't seen any online LPN-RN programs out there. Try the above weblink. The reason being is that RN licensure in WA requires 240hrs of preceptorship (working behind a nurse. it's completed at the very end of the programs), whereas LPN licensure requires only 120hrs.

The reason I suggested looking at a larger metro area is that Bellingham is just a tough market for healthcare schooling. When I decided to go to school for my RN, I moved away from Bellingham for that reason. Limited options of a small town I guess.

The nice thing about LPN is the program is only 1 yr, it'll provide a decent wage and great job experience, and you can always continue on at a later date for your RN!

freesia29, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2009

I've just started my pre-reqs at BTC. How are you coming along?

Have a great day!

incana · Apr 21, 2009

freesia29, I'm finished all my pre-reqs for the LPN program and I'm just waiting to see what happens (while taking classes for RN). They are getting rid of the old waiting list, where anyone who just happened to stop by and fill out an application could get on it, without even completing all the needed pre-reqs. So the people who are still working on their classes have an advantage, which sucks, and they have time till December. After that deadline BTC's clearing the list and making a new one in a more fair fashion.

Good luck!

freesia29, ASN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

Hi!

how long did they tell you your wait is?

So, does this mean that come December only people who have actually completed their pre-reqs get on the wait list? I didn't realize they were putting people on it regardless if they completed the pre-reqs or not. I got a letter saying I had a conditional acceptance into the program, but it did not say anything about being on a list.

Have a great day!

Natascha

incana · Apr 23, 2009

Yes, till December "the old list people" will have a priviledge and after that the list will be cleared out. I had a letter about a conditional acceptance too, it doesn't mean much. One more thing I need to tell you, as soon as you finish your pre-reqs, print out a completion form and turn it in asap - that way you'll get on the list.

freesia29, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2009

Thank you! I probably won't finish them till next Spring...I did notice the letter is on their website now.

Thanks again! And I hope you get in quickly!

thewizzy · May 26, 2009

I just graduated the BTC PN program in march and it really was a great program. I am currently working on my last 3 prereqs and 1000 hours (which by the way is aprx 6 months full time not a year) for the RN bridge. I felt the BTC program was excellent and the instructors are there to really make sure everyone learns the material as best they can. It is a hard program but well worth it. Good luck to those of you on your way into it! :yeah: :twocents: