Do any 30 unit programs exist anymore?

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I realize this is controversial so I would like to keep this to those who chose this route (if there are any). I'm in so cal and wondering if there are any schools that still offer this option. I've been an lvn for almost 8 years and have decided that this is the right choice for me (I'm well aware of the "cons"). So far the only programs available are thru private a schools. The bridge programs here in California are so congested that most CCs' on my area have shut their doors and froze their waiting lists. Any insight/personal experiences would be great, thanks!

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Yes! LA County College of Nursing has a 30 unit option. I think Rio Hondo does too. Maybe check the CA Board of Nursing site for a complete list. Those are just the ones I know off the top of my head.

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Thanks for the info! I posted on the California board as well but I'm fairly new to this forum, would there be a way to check schools specifically that offer this?

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What is a 30 unit option?

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Pretty sure LA Harbor College LVN-RN is 30 units also. Great program!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
What is a 30 unit option?

It's a program where an LVN can 30 units of coursework, earn no degree and does not graduate from a program but merely completes it (important distinction), and earn the right to take the NCLEX and get an RN license. Such a license will forever have a "30 unit option" notation on it regardless of future coursework/degrees in nursing so the license will not likely be accepted outside California and many employers will not hire an RN that has not graduated from a program.

Yes, those programs do exist. My school has one. Here's the major difference in a 30 unit option program and a "Career Mobility" program... the Career Mobility type program results in program graduation and a degree being conferred because the student has completed program prerequisites and College GE requirements for a degree to be conferred and the student is seen as identical to any other ADN grad. Once the LVN student is accepted into an upgrade program, the core coursework is likely going to be identical between the two options.

So, what's the difference? The prerequisites and GE coursework required for any degree.

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For me the difference is 5-6 years of just GE pre reqs that will need to be completed just to apply any of the many nursing programs in my region that are so congested and competitive it's almost impossible to get into around where I live. I am a mom and I don't have the luxury of taking 2-3 courses per semester. I will be starting from scratch which means I will need to complete my pre reqs one by one at (one course per semester). All of the programs at just about every jc in my county as well as in my neighboring county require you to take all of your general Ed as well as your "nursing pre reqs" ie A&p, micro, English, and some are requiring chem as well with a biology course as a pre req to micro. I forgot to mention that if I get placed into a lower English and math course as the ones required to apply to the program I will easily spend 3 years just satisfying those requirements. Now let's say I take the 5 or so years to complete these pre reqs, I get accepted and God forbid I don't pass the teas well there's another year of rotting away waiting to get into any said ADN program. I'm in my 30s with a family, I don't have that kind of time. In hindsight should I have gone straight back and taken care of this when I was in my 20s, single, free and before becoming a mom? ABSOLUTELY! But it is what it is and I feel that getting my RN thru the 30 unit option is what's best for me and my family for my particular situation. I would still keep my Lvn license active in the event I would need move out of state (extremely unlikely that I ever would though).

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I forgot to say that I would need all GE as well as the "nursing pre reqs" just to apply. The programs no longer allow you to apply with just your nursing pre reqs completed. Also, I have already been employed for almost 8 years now in the facility I work in as an Lvn, once I graduate I would continue to work where I am but would be getting an RNs salary. win win for me. Not everyone's situation is the same so I can understand how this wouldn't be the best choice for someone else.

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