Finding the right nursing school for me in SoCal

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Hello, I am a student based in southern CA, I have completed science prerequisites and all general ed for my cc. I have a 4.0 GPA and have yet to take the TEAs. The reason why I am posting is because I need some advice from people who have already lived through nursing school. I originally wanted to attend my cc's nursing program but at this point, I have heard too many negative things about my cc's ADN program from student's in the program, students that have dropped or were dropped from the program, counselor's and prereq professors. After I was told by at least 15 different people not to apply to my cc's community college program I have been looking into other options; even though I am ready to apply to my cc's ADN program. Because I tailored my Ed plan to my school's requirements I have encountered issues where a couple of my classes will not transfer to other ccs, or I was missing classes. I also looked into Cal State programs and was told that I have to complete even more classes to fulfill Cal State requirements. If I were to go to another cc or a Cal state it could take me from 1-2 years to completely finish and I do not want to wait even longer since it was hard for me to get classes in the first place. My friend wanted me to go to West Coast with her and initially, I was scared of the price tag but now it's looking better to me since it would take more time than I wanted to to get into a public school nursing program. It would be helpful to get an honest perspective on this, I have become discouraged by this situation.

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No sense in getting discouraged. That isn't going to do you any good and it certainly won't change anything. Start a spreadsheet with each program you consider on it and put down pertinent data. A good place to start would be outstanding prerequisites, if any. Take a little time and look up some of the instructors on rate my professors dot com. (Not for gospel truth, but to get some general ideas). Consider what is desirable to you and rate the schools on your spreadsheet according to your criteria. Try to get firsthand input from current students. Make a campus visit to the nursing department if you can. Look the school up and see what the NCLEX pass rate is.

Based upon your research, develop a plan of attack on applying for admission. Then pick your program.

Some people just apply to the program nearest to their home and if that is a no go, they move on to the next one, and so on, until they are accepted somewhere. Absolutely nothing wrong with this approach. Whatever gets you admitted to nursing school will be what works for you. Good luck.

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I'm feeling discouraged because I was hoping to be in a program by next spring, and now I will most likely not be in a program by next spring. Thanks for the advice though, It will definitely help to sort out the requirements for all the different schools to help me make a decision.

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You know, there is the possibility that your current school's program would work out for you. Other people's problems don't necessarily have to become your problems.

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take your teas exam and apply everywhere that you can being that its an impacted major. Make a list in order from your best to worst. Then see where you get in and narrow it down that way. WC is usually easy to get into but its so expensive that should be your last option if you are able to get into other schools

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Another program to look at that most students are not aware is WGU's BSN program: BSN with RN License | Online RN Degree | Online Nursing School (WGU is non-profit, regionally accredited, and CCNE).

The entire program is 2.5 years (5 semesters) and costs about $25,000 alltogether. I heard from CA students that they do their clinical rotations at Cedar Sinai, Huntington Memorial, and some others. Check out the WGU section here at allnurses (https://allnurses.com/western-governors-university/).

Also, why are you reluctant to apply to your CC program? I feel like you already did all the work to not even apply. With how competitive nursing school admission has become, I would apply everywhere and decide on things once accepted!

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Hello, I am currently in a nursing program in Southern California. Ill give you my opinion: If you go and apply to Santa ana, GWC, Saddleback, Mira costa, RCC, ceritos they all will definitely take you especially if you score well on the teas. You may need to take a few classes to get in there but honestly with a 4.0 in Anatomy, phys and micro all you really need to apply is a teas, intermediate algebra and college level writing. That should not take more than a semester to complete the last two. You may also need a pharm and life cycles class but that may be dependent on the individual program. I would suggest narrowing down 3 schools that you are considering and go in and talk to a counselor at each one. You should also bring a print out of your unofficial transcript because they will be able to use that to know if your classes are transferable.

As far as west coast goes, if you are eating the bill I would highly suggest staying far away from that school. If you have a GI bill or your a trust fund baby go for it by all means but to hang on to a $100k student loan for a RN is so far beyond misguided. Here's a suggestion go to Dave Ramsy's youtube channel and check out all of the financially challenged individuals asking for advice that are stuck with a student loan of that magnitude. It is not a burden I would wish upon anyone especially a new grand nurse. Oh My Goodness that sounds like a nightmare to me.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

-ND

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Hello, I am currently in a nursing program in Southern California. Ill give you my opinion: If you go and apply to Santa ana, GWC, Saddleback, Mira costa, RCC, ceritos they all will definitely take you especially if you score well on the teas. You may need to take a few classes to get in there but honestly with a 4.0 in Anatomy, phys and micro all you really need to apply is a teas, intermediate algebra and college level writing. That should not take more than a semester to complete the last two. You may also need a pharm and life cycles class but that may be dependent on the individual program. I would suggest narrowing down 3 schools that you are considering and go in and talk to a counselor at each one. You should also bring a print out of your unofficial transcript because they will be able to use that to know if your classes are transferable.

As far as west coast goes, if you are eating the bill I would highly suggest staying far away from that school. If you have a GI bill or your a trust fund baby go for it by all means but to hang on to a $100k student loan for a RN is so far beyond misguided. Here's a suggestion go to Dave Ramsy's youtube channel and check out all of the financially challenged individuals asking for advice that are stuck with a student loan of that magnitude. It is not a burden I would wish upon anyone especially a new grand nurse. Oh My Goodness that sounds like a nightmare to me.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

-ND

Unfortunately, since I have fewer than 15 posts I cannot message you. Do you mind sending me a PM? I would like to know which school you attend.

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Long story short, the reason why I do not want to apply to my school is that it has an exceptionally high attrition rate but not just for reasons typical of nursing schools. I don't want to risk throwing all my hard work away because I chose the wrong school.

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Would you mind sharing the name of the school? I'm curious to know which school it is. I've heard bad things about ELAC which is why I didn't apply there and I'm curious to know if that was it. I think 15 people telling you negative things about the school is enough to raise concern. I'm glad I didn't apply to that school because now it is on warning from the BRN. I'm in SoCal too. I would highly suggest the school I am going to which is LA County's College of Nursing. Their deadline is sometime this month and their prereqs were in line with most of the local community colleges around here. Being in SoCal you have so many options. Don't go the West Coast University route if you don't have to.

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I honestly do not want to post the name of the school on a public forum because if I end up going there I do not want anyone to think I am talking bad about the school (which I am not). The school is actually considered a good school with a high NCLEX pass rate and local hospitals love the students. However, the way the school is run and what the students are put through does not seem to be worth taking a chance. Some of the things I have heard have literally made my jaw drop and I still cannot believe it, that is why I feel the need to continue asking more people about it.

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I honestly do not want to post the name of the school on a public forum because if I end up going there I do not want anyone to think I am talking bad about the school (which I am not). The school is actually considered a good school with a high NCLEX pass rate and local hospitals love the students. However, the way the school is run and what the students are put through does not seem to be worth taking a chance. Some of the things I have heard have literally made my jaw drop and I still cannot believe it, that is why I feel the need to continue asking more people about it.

I understand. Well, good luck to you. Check out the BRN's website. They list all approved nursing programs. Most ADN programs have similar prereqs so you can probably apply to several already with the classes you've taken.

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