Diffrence between RN programs in California

[Damianmyjoy]

I'm only in my prerequisites for nursing school but I would like to know my options. I heard of private schools but what is the difference? Which is better? Will it matter when I am going I get a job? How difficult is it to get into regular Rn programs in California? And Thank you in advance!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In which part of California are you located? In general, most nonprofit schools have good reputations, whereas the nursing programs at private for-profit entities tend to have varied reputations.

Examples of public schools in California with nursing programs: Santa Monica City College, American River College, California State University at Bakersfield, University of California at Los Angeles

Examples of private nonprofit schools in California with nursing programs: Loyola Marymount University, Samuel Merritt University, Loma Linda University, University of San Francisco

Examples of private for-profit entities in California with nursing programs: ITT Technical Institute, West Coast University, San Joaquin Valley College, Kaplan College, Unitek College

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

As TheCommuter has said, the public schools generally have good reputations. If you're looking for a private institution, I'd look first at the private non-profits. They'll still be expensive, but most of those have good reputations from what I understand. The private for-profit schools don't seem to have as good a reputation. Look at the NCLEX pass rates to get an idea about the programs... then take a look at how many students (if you can find that data) they admit and then compare that to how many students they graduate. Ideally you want a high retention rate and a high pass rate.

For the most flexibility and options for immediate hire, I suggest a BSN program (Bachelor's Degree).

Please bear in mind that these are some very general recommendations, so take it as such and look around your specific area for what seems best.

[RunBabyRN]

These guys have posted some great info for you. The CSUs, in general, have a good reputation, but yes, they're very difficult to get into. Keep your GPA as high as humanly possible, particularly in your prereqs, and knock the TEAS out of the park.

Avoid any tech schools like Everest and ITT Tech. The private universities have mixed reputations and NCLEX pass rates. I know that here, a couple of the private universities do not have good reputations. Regardless, they have astronomical tuition. Don't put yourself $100K in debt for nursing school.