Evening, w/e or www RN programs in Northwest US

[howardrgreenberg]

Hi. I am researching the idea of going back to school for nursing. I am currently a Maryland public defender. My fiance and I would like to relocate to Oregon or Washington; I've had enough of Baltimore after many years and need a change of scenery. Looking online in Oregon and speaking, finally, to an academic adviser at one of the community colleges, I was given the impression that entry into nursing school in Portland and its environs is absurdly competitive (something like a 10% acceptance rate into the RN program each year). Additionally, there doesn't appear to be an option for people who work full time and want to study in the evening or the w/es or online. I'm spoiled by Baltimore actually having that option - but I'm trying to find a new place to live. Can anyone confirm this situation in Oregon? And does Washington have better, more flexible offerings? Thank you.

H

[doesdad]

I don't know how much research you have done but I suspect RN programs are very competetive no matter what area of the country you are in.

I've been thinking about nursing and doing research for over a year now and the best option for me is the LPN route. I plan on continuing with an LPN to RN bridge. It will take longer to get the RN certification but I will be working in the field much faster than if I do all the prerequistes, apply and wait to get into a RN program.

LPN programs are relativley easy to get into and usually have evening and/or weekend options.

Good luck and one piece of advise I can give you with complete confidence is - USE THIS SITE! It has been an enormous help to me.

[nohika]

I live in southern Washington (Vancouver) and really the only ADN nursing program we have in here is Clark College, which typically gets about 400 applicants for the 48 positions in April and about the same for the 96 positions open in October. We have WSUV with their BSNs, and I don't know much about them. It's going to be competitive anywhere - if it's not, then you know it's going to be a looooot more money.

My two cents? Do your pre-reqs and work hard. Also, I don't know of any nursing programs (except for WSUV's RN-BSN) that offer classes for working students. My apologies.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

[husker_rn, RN]

Have you considered just getting your education in Baltimore and then making the move ? I got my education in Nebraska and then knowing I would move to Montana, took my boards in Montana. You don't have to take the NCLEX in the state you get your education in....same test no matter where you are. Good luck in whatever you decide.