Does it really take two years to get into Nursing school?

suzanne4, RN · Mar 17, 2006

In your area, yes it is about a two year wait. There are no diploma programs, which were the hospital-based programs in the area.

The BSN programs also have a wait, but perhaps not quite as long. I suggest that you check them out and see what is available to you.

You will never know until you have a look.

allthingsbright · Mar 17, 2006

Yes, and maybe more depending on your school. This is unless you find a diploma program or a very expensive "private" RN program--also some private university have less of a wait, but demand a lot more GPA-wise, pre-req wise and money-wise.

Schools want their students to have all thier pre reqs done and then there is usually a waiting list or some other strange method of admission (time-stamping, lottery, etc).

Just be prepared for the wait...I am in Micro right now with a girl who starts Fall '07 nursing classes and I just convinced her to start working on BSN classes while she is waiting. Thats what I would do!

GL!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2006

I agree with Suzanne4.

Sometimes the waiting, along with the time to take the pre-reqs, makes the overall time the same to get an ADN as if you were getting the BSN.

I'd definitely look around at both programs.

Good luck! :)

sdmommie · Mar 17, 2006

I am a student at Glendale Community College in California and I am almost finished with my pre-reqs. I have been researching colleges within a 50 mile radius and I have been unable to locate one that doesn't have a two year wait or lottery system. Are there other alternatives ie. hospital training programs or other ways to get my degree. For now I am only shooting for my AS because of time constraints. Should I shoot for my BS? Is it going to take the same amount of time anyways? I have a lot of questions and my college counselor has been very unhelpful as well as the allied health dept at my school. If anybody could let me know of other ways besides community college to get a degree I would appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help.

I heard that Cal State San Bernardino doesn't have a waitlist. You might check them out. I would just go for a BSN. There is a site that lists schools that don't have a waitlist, but I can't remember where I saw it.

NaomieRN · Mar 17, 2006

If I were you, I would apply to as many colleges as possible. It would not hurt to try to get your BSN if it is going to take the same amount of time to get the ASN. The school I am attending, here in Connecticut does not have a waiting list. Some schools may have a 2 years, while others may take longer or shorter. Good luck to you.

LAAngelsFan · Mar 17, 2006

I live in Southern California and just finished all of my prerequisites last semester. When I first started taking classes I thought that I would just apply to my community college's nursing program, but . . . it turns out that it has a 2-year wait list. I then quickly discovered that a 2-year wait list is pretty typical in southern california and everywhere else for that matter. So . . . I decided to work on my prerequisites for a BSN program. Almost every California State University has a BSN program. Although they usually do not do the whole wait list thing, there are a few more prerequisites and it's more competitive. At the end of this semester I'll graduate with my A.A. and hopefully start a BSN program in the fall. Let me know if you have any more specific questions, I'll be glad to help! Good Luck!!!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Mar 18, 2006

I went the private route and got in right away. Loans were a lifesaver. Good luck

Rohan · Mar 18, 2006

I'm planning on taking my generals for the BSN/CNM while doing the waiting game...and some classes that I'd like to take that aren't required.

br107 · Mar 18, 2006

Have you considered applying to County? You finish with an ADN. There's no wait list, you're either accepted for the class or not. If not, apply again. I was considering it but it would be more of a commute then I am willing to deal with. Seems more reasonable for you.

I'm applying to an ADN, a direct-entry MSN (I have an unrelated bachelor's), and possibly a BSN program or 2 at the same time. I'll go with whoever can start me the soonest. Maybe you should try something similar.

shawnrj · May 16, 2006

I am a student at Glendale Community College in California and I am almost finished with my pre-reqs. I have been researching colleges within a 50 mile radius and I have been unable to locate one that doesn't have a two year wait or lottery system. Are there other alternatives ie. hospital training programs or other ways to get my degree. For now I am only shooting for my AS because of time constraints. Should I shoot for my BS? Is it going to take the same amount of time anyways? I have a lot of questions and my college counselor has been very unhelpful as well as the allied health dept at my school. If anybody could let me know of other ways besides community college to get a degree I would appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help.

When I applied at Glendale CC last year in October 2005, I was told it was a 3 year wait. I just received my selection letter last week (May 8, 2006) to start June 19, 2006. Just because someone tells you it's a long wait at Glendale CC, it might not be.

elisabeth · May 17, 2006

I'm in Sacramento and have been applying at the local community colleges as well as those in Redding and Eureka. I didn't get in anywhere for the fall semester, but I should get in Shasta College in about a year and a half...

National University in La Jolla has an ASN program accredited by the state and that's probably a more expensive, but quicker route. If our parents weren't ill and we could afford to live in La Jolla, it would be a great option for us. Right now, we're just bummed that the local campus of National University doesn't have an ASN program!

So, now I reapply in Fall for Spring admission everywhere and just wait....