Cuesta College Nursing Info. PLEASE HELP!!

[jessii427]

I just changed my major back to nursing and I will be going to Cuesta College in the Fall (2012), I currently go to a community college near LA. I was taking a look and the admission requirements and had a few concerns...

First, do they look at ALL of your grades that you have earned or just the human anatomy, physiology, microbio, english, and math grade?? I am having a lot of trouble in my classes this semester, but have a good GPA...3.5 to be exact. I have not taken human anatomy, physiology, and microbio just yet.

Second, I was thinking about becoming a CNA to gain work experience while I take my pre-reqs. Is the CNA program at Cuesta super difficult to get into (i.e not enough spots)?

I would really appreciate ANYONE'S input...I really need it :)

Thanks,

Jess :)

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to CA Nursing Programs for better response.

[alecto]

Hi! I'm a current Cuesta student applying to their nursing program this year. For admissions, they *do not* look at your entire GPA, only Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English 1A. And GPA is only a small part of what they take into account - TEAS score, volunteer/work experience, and foreign language proficiency are also heavily weighted on the application. Good luck on your science prereqs, I just finished the sequence this semester and it was tough! :)

(Sorry, I have no idea about the CNA program - try Cuesta's allied health website.)

[alecto]

Sorry, I should clarify on the GPA thing:

There are a total of 100 points available on the Cuesta nursing application; 50 of those points are awarded based on your GPA for "relevant" coursework only. Of those 50 GPA points, you can get a maximum of 40 points for your Anatomy/Physiology/Micro GPA, and a maximum of 10 for your GPA in English 1A and whatever math class you're using to meet the associate's degree general ed requirement (typically Math 127, Intermediate Algebra). Full points are awarded for a 4.0 GPA, and partial points for a lower GPA (the minimum to apply is 2.5, though at the information meeting they basically told us that you can only get one 'B' between the three biology prerequisites in order to be competitive for admission). The full breakdown is here.

[SF_RescueNinja]

Hi jessii,

I applied to the program last application cycle and got accepted. I will be starting the program this Fall. What alecto said is correct. Overall GPA is not calculated into your points however be wary of any repeats in those core science courses.

Also, the CNA program at both Cuesta and Hancock have very limited space and fill up within hours of being open. I recommend taking the CNA course with Compass Health or another healthcare facility licensed by the state to operate a CNA program (check the CA CNA website). That's where I got mine. I got paid during training and a job at the facility after being certified. The only thing is that I did not get certified in time for the application cycle (late August) so all my hours and time did not count for any points on the application. But with the patient/staff interactions I've had working as a CNA, I feel comfortable with that aspect at least when we start clinicals. So keep that in mind when you decide to do your CNA.

I highly recommend Cuesta's Pre-RN priority registration policy. When I took Microbio at Cuesta, we had double the amount of students than spaces available. Luckily another section was opened up. At least this priority registration can help you get the classes you need.

Good luck!

[Jaynaproudmoore]

I too highly recommend taking a CNA class at a Compass Health facility. You get paid while you are in class, obtain a permanent position, and they will pay for your CNA test. Compass is also a heavy partner with Cuesta's LVN program, many of the LVN students will end up doing their clinicals and preceptorship at a compass location. Since compass is such a huge sponsor they are able to obtain seats for their employees.