CSULA- ELMN 2012

U.S.A. California

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I thought we should start a thread for CSULA ELMN summer 2012 applicants since applications are due next month and I'm interested in talking to other people that are applying. Does anyone know how they choose acceptance- is it based on the same point system as their BSN program? Also, does anyone know if they look at cumulative gpa or just the last 60 semester/90 quarter units? There's a few quarters my sophomore year where I slacked off on some classes, but my last 2 years have been much better, so obviously I would prefer that to be weighed more. CSULA seems to focus more on grades than other schools I plan on applying to as there didn't seem to be much room for volunteer experience, certifications, etc. outside of the essay so I'm a little nervous. Anyhoo, I would love to get to know other people who are also applying & any info from people who have already went through this process before would be awesome : )

Hey future ELMNers! Congratulations to everyone who has chosen CSULA. I am currently a student from the most recent cohort finishing up my first year in the program. We will be eligible to sit for our NCLEX in Sept. Please ask me any questions you have about the RN portion.

I see some of you are debating/have debated between CSULA and UCLA. My insight is this: doing the entire program in 3 years is advantageous, but keep in mind, you must gain experience as an RN anyway if you want to go to UCLA and work for a year. Ultimately, it will probably end up being the same amount of time. A few students from CSULA have had to take some time off from the program because they secured new graduate RN jobs. So, if time if your main concern, keep this in mind.

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Hi,

I was looking over this thread and wanted to congratulate everyone who got in. I am going to be applying to the program this year, and I just wanted to know if you could possible tell me your stats since it would be a great help to see what is needed to enter the CSULA.

Thank you very much for those who respond.

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Hi,

I'm applying for the ELMN program at CSU LA this year. I'm also in my 30s and was wondeirng how the program is going for you? I've heard several negative things about the school. not enough practice, very unorganized and not help at all for preceptorships? Do you think its a good program?

i just added you as a friend. my online name is huaytita. Hope we can chat some.

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Hello,

I've applied to the ELMN program for 2013 and would love to hear from those of you who have now been in the program for almost a year. What has your experience been like? Are you glad you made the decision to attend CSULA? And do you have any pointers for those of us that will be interviewing soon! Thanks

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Would you be able to talk about your experiences since you started the MSN portion and how you resolved your issue with finding a preceptor? I am a current applicant for the 2013 cycle and am waiting to hear back about final decisions. I have been accepted to other top name schools, but the cost is very deterrent. I would love your input!

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Sorry for the duplicate!

Would you be able to talk about your experiences since you started the MSN portion and how you resolved your issue with finding a preceptor? I am a current applicant for the 2013 cycle and am waiting to hear back about final decisions. I have been accepted to other top name schools, but the cost is very deterrent. I would love your input!

Hi Susan007,

My feelings are mixed about this program. There are some great aspects--small close-knit cohort, some great clinical instructors, living in SoCal, finishing fast! There are also some very frustrating aspects--disorganization of CSULA financial aid, increasing costs of the program, a few "difficult" faculty members. Almost all of the issue's I've encountered were eventually resolved but dealing with the beaurocratic stuff can really put a strain on your learning. That said, some people feel that it's still worth it to get your RN in 1 year and your NP in another 2-3 years versus going somewhere than gives a BSN or an MSN (non-NP).

As for the 2nd year, I assume you mean the MSN part. I'm in the end of the 1st year of the MSN program and so far, it's been similar to the ELMN part. It's a lot of hard work and studying, but it's doable. As far as working during the program is concerned, some people do it but it's pretty tough. Still, it is recommended for finding a job and connections to preceptors during year 2.

As for applying to the tracks, most of the people got their 1st choice. Unfortunately, I was one of the few who did not. It all depends on how many apply to each track and it is almost completely based on GPA regardless of what they may tell you---so keep your GPA as close to 4.0 as possible if you want your 1st choice. In our cohort, I think 14 of 22 chose FNP and only about 8 were allowed into FNP so the remaining 6 were put into ANP. All the ACNPers got their 1st choice, as did psych people. Nobody chose Admin or Education or ANP that I know of so those would have been easy to get into. Still, I think cohort 8 is more interested in ACNP so it will depend on what's popular during your year.

As for the preceptors issue, I'm glad you thought to ask about this because I did not and am finding myself in a predicament trying to find a preceptor so I can continue the program. Unfortunately the school provides little to no help with this, so if you are new to the area, expect it to be a struggle and start networking from day 1 of clinicals.

Let me know if you have any more questions and congrats on your acceptance!!

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