Fastest & affordable way to Los Angeles RN

willowita, ADN, RN · Apr 24, 2012

As far as the 30 unit option, it is "quick" but it's only valid in California. If you move out of state (you never know what will happen in your life), you're back to square 1. Plus, there are still some prerequisites to fulfill. Might as well go the whole way and get an ADN or BSN.

Here's some info from Rio Hondo College: "The student should be aware that they may not change their status as a 30 Unit Option RN with the Board of Registered Nursing at any time after licensure. Individuals who become licensed as registered nurses using this option may not be eligible for licensure in states other than California. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The 30 unit option student will take the NCLEX-RN exam as a non-graduate. This status will not restrict their practice within California. They may have difficulty applying to a college/university for an advanced degree."

sallyp911 · Apr 24, 2012

To be a CA RN these days, going the BSN route is your best bet, that's going to 4 years, is the fastest. It means brushing up on your math and chem and stats skills and understand anatomy/physiology.

I don't mean to be a downer, but I have had several friends going from various liberal arts degree (psych, business, arts etc) into the harder sciences required of the nursing degree and they are finding tough to keep up. It's not an easy path for sure, but it can be done with lots of extra studying and dedication and determination.

Yes, you will find most nursing programs are impacted and many with long waiting list. The trade-off of those nursing course with little to no waiting are very expensive, but the course outline is still the same sciences. But not sure of LATTC, I know a couple of friends who got in there, but you need or should have some of your your hard sciences done to get in.

I know of several males nurses that have gotten hired. It helps also that you can probably lift patients. You have a definite plus of being bilingual too.

Have you ventured into the CA nursing program topics? Good luck in your new adventure!

illsince83 · Apr 26, 2012

Since you have a previous bachelors I would suggest looking up accelerated BSN programs if you want something a little quicker. It would be 12-15 months depending on the school, just make sure its from a school that's accredited and not a community college. Hospitals are less likely to hire you with just an ADN, many ADN nurses are looking elsewhere like skilled nursing facilities for work because of this which pay much less.

To finish all your prereq's for nursing would take probably a year (3 semesters) and tack on another 1-2 years for actual nursing school. In about 3 years the job outlook looks much more promising than it has in the last couple years so I think it would be a good idea. Don't worry about your age as I a couple 50 year old's in my class and they saw it as a great change of profession.

Hope this helps

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Apr 28, 2012

Anything worth doing isn't going to be "fast." Even if you do your pre-reqs in a year, then you apply, then you have that year wait to actually start if you get in the first try. Then you have the program to do. Accelerated BSN is probably your best bet. The job economy is rough for new nurses. There is no difference between male and female nurses. Although male nurses I've noticed tend to have more luck getting their first job.

No program is a "guarantee" to get in, except the private schools which cost a lot of cash.

If you want to be an RN, don't get your LVN first, it really doesn't speed up anything.

logoseternal · Apr 28, 2012

Hello thanks for your good advice. I did think about ABSN, but I am afraid I do not meet their min GPA requirement & knowing how competitive these programs are, I highly doubt I can get in. Also, I need to start studying right away (no time for pre-req). This is why I am leaning toward getting LVN through private schools.

Are you familiar with LVN? I've heard that after LVN, I can work and make some money. This is what I am counting on: go to private school for LVN, then work as LVN while studying to become RN (either through LVN to BSN program or 30 unit option). Do you think this is a good plan?

Lastly, do you know of any private school for LVN near Los Angeles that offers Federal Loans, starts after June, and affordable?

Once again, thank you

logoseternal · Apr 28, 2012

hello thanks for your good advice. i did think about absn, but i am afraid i do not meet their min gpa requirement & knowing how competitive these programs are, i highly doubt i can get in. also, i need to start studying right away (no time for pre-req). this is why i am leaning toward getting lvn through private schools.

are you familiar with lvn? i've heard that after lvn, i can work and make some money. this is what i am counting on: go to private school for lvn, then work as lvn while studying to become rn (either through lvn to bsn program or 30 unit option). do you think this is a good plan?

lastly, do you know of any private school for lvn near los angeles that offers federal loans, starts after june, and affordable?

once again, thank you

illsince83 · Apr 28, 2012

LVNs are being phased out by hospitals. i would highly suggest getting your bsn or put in the time to raise your gpa

logoseternal · Apr 28, 2012

Thanks for replying...

What do you mean by LVN being phased out by hospitals? Does it mean hospitals are not hiring LVNs? If so, are there other places that hire LVNs, like nursing home, correctional facility,...?

willowita, ADN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

Sounds like you're pretty much set on becoming an LVN despite other advice here.

So here's a list of all approved LVN programs in CA. Look for the ones in Los Angeles and find out which ones will offer you the financial aid you seek. They should have that kind of information on their website or you can call them. Make sure you pick a school off this list since I've known people that got scammed by some shady schools. Good luck.

BVNPT - California Approved Schools

logoseternal · Apr 29, 2012

THank you..

Emilynn09 · May 3, 2012

LVNs are being phased out by hospitals. i would highly suggest getting your bsn or put in the time to raise your gpa

This is true. The hospital I work at got rid of all their LVN staff recently (laid off), and no longer hires LVNs to work there.