Did you wait long?

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I was told that some people wait for 1-3 years to get into a nursing program. A friend of mine was admitted 3 years after she applied. How long did you wait?

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

Entirely depends on the school, I think. For my school's LVN program, it is same year of application. (Doesn't even carry over if you don't make it... you have to start over next year to try again...)

For the RN-ADN program, I believe it is the same... However, I do not have experience with the admission requirements, so I'm not 100% certain about that. The explanation given to me regarding the admission process for that program is that it is highly competitive and there is no carry over... Start over next session (admission 2 times a year - Fall and Spring) just like the LVN program. However, the program requires 4 pre-req classes that cannot be done in a single semester (A&PI requires chemistry in a prior semester...) so that adds an entire school year to the 2 year degree.

Every school is a little different on admission requirements and qualification process...

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

There was no wait for the RN program at the regional campus of the state university that I attended; however, there would have been an 18 month wait had I decided to go with the LPN course at the vo-ed center. (that was in 1990)

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I went to a local community college, and in 2004, there was no wait when I applied. I applied, took the NET (got the highest score on it, which I'm sure helped) and was admitted in for the next class. Unless things have changed, they don't do waiting lists. When you're eligible to apply (required prereqs complete), you take the entrance test, and the top 50 scores are let into the program. Everyone else just reapplies.

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2-3 weeks

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Specializes in HOSPICE, GERIACTRICS AND CICU.

as far as i know waiting lists are not used anymore. It is competitive though. You need to have all of the pre-reqs finished, good grades and good test scores. I applied without one of my pre reqs (i was finishing it when i applied since you apply at least 6months before the program starts) and i got in as an alternate. That meant that if someone gave up their spot it would go to me because my points were close to the cut off. luckily, somone gave up their spot and i got in. :) good luck to you!

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Schools still use waiting lists and they vary by school. The ADN programs around me are about a 2 year wait, but you finish your non clinical programs and are able to work on BSN equivalent courses during that time, so it's not just sitting and waiting. Also, once I get in, I'll be able to focus on my clinicals and not have to worry about other bookwork courses.

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Here in California the waitlists are 2 years on average from what I heard

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I did the traditional undergrad route: apply in the fall of senior year of high school, wait for the big packet in the mail on April 15, orientation/freshman bonding over the summer, move in to the dorms the last week in August. No prerequisites to take, as everything (core curriculum, nursing theory/lab, clinical rotations) was completed in my four year program. LOVED IT!

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I'm in Florida and the local community college and the nearby state university do not have waiting lists that carry over from semester to semester. If you don't get in this year, then you have to wait another year and try again.

I think's it's becoming clear that you need to contact each school you might want to apply to and see how they handle their admissions - schools have the ability to set their own application criteria and procedures.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

Depends on where you live and what kind of program you are trying to get into.

I was accepted immediately at 2 different diploma RN programs. A local community college ADN program said there was no hope of me getting in for a year. I have no idea about local BSN programs.

I know one person moved from a different state because she would have had a couple year wait and she was able to get into the diploma RN program immediately. 2 years later she was working as an RN and one year after that had finished her BSN.

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Specializes in none.

I have been waiting since March 9th 2009. I am told I will begin my studies Winter or Spring 2011

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