frustration with admission requirements for nursing school

michellemybelle · Nov 15, 2004

I definately feel your pain! Unfortunately, my CC also requires everyone to have all their prereqs of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry done even before they apply. I guess this is a "common practice," since basically almost all the CC's in my area follow the same procedure. I think it's incredibly discouraging and a waste of time to complete your classes, then spend a year or so on a waiting list, and then start school again. The waiting lists are crazy; I've just decided to apply to several BSN programs instead.

Now, some suggestions. Is there another CC in the area that you go could go to that doesn't have a similar policy? Could you maybe get your LPN within that year and then do a "bridge" program to get your RN? If you have the time, even taking CNA classes could be of great help. Volunteering at the local hospital is a great idea too.

Don't get discouraged!

Best of luck to you,

Michelle :)

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2004

That's weird that they want you to have all the prereqs done by Feb., when you wouldn't even start nursing school until the following August. That's 6 months there with nothing to do?! That's really odd. Who did you talk to at the school? Did you talk to an advisor? Why didn't your advisor tell you that you needed to have it done by Feb. before now?

I hope you can get it all worked out and can still start next Fall!

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2004

Sounds like typical practice to me. They want a certain GPA in that course and want to make sure you pass the course before you get accepted. My program is even more demanding as we have I think 59 credit hours of prereqs (not including the gen ed) before even applying to the college of nursing. The good thing about my school is they accept 64 students each semester. So that's 64 students, 3 times a year. I'm in a BSN program, so you may not have better luck at a university.

youknowho · Nov 15, 2004

Yep, around here the schools require you be done with all your prereqs before you apply. before they were impacted (2-3 years ago) they allowed "work in progress" but with so many qualified applicants they have been adding more entrance requirements. Since you know for sure you have another year you could always spread the courses out like one in the spring and one in the fall so you can relax alittle and do really well. Or maybe there is other schools you can apply for? Good luck.

Achoo!, LPN · Nov 15, 2004

we have such a waiting list, it may come to that soon.

snuggy · Nov 15, 2004

It's the same at my school... all nursing pre-reqs must be completed prior to applying to the nursing program.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 15, 2004

That seems to be the norm anymore.....

Is there an LPN program you can try? Then transfer to an ADN or BSN program later?

I found out that the local university required that all your pre-reqs (all 64 hours) be done before you could even apply to the program. The CC where I got accepted was a bit more gracious in that you had to have A&P and Micro done by Fall 2005 but then required Chem, Bio, English, etc...to all be done before you could apply.

Have you talked to any of the nursing advisors yet? Maybe they'll make the exception if they know you are enrolled?

Good luck!!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2004

I'm sorry to hear this. Back in the "old days", like in the late 80s when I was in school, people could go to nursing school straight from high school. What's with all the pre-reqs I hear about.

Anyway. Good luck to. :)

snuggy · Nov 15, 2004

I graduated high school in the late 80's, and pre-requisites were still required before gaining entry into the nursing program. At least that's how it was at the school I started going to back then. ::shrugs:: I'm sure that there were a lot less stringent entry requirements back then, though... they practically begged people to go into nursing just to fill the classes. I kick myself all the time for not doing it then. :lol

RedSox33RN · Nov 15, 2004

All of the CC's I applied to wanted the same thing - high GPA, high NLN scores, and every non-nursing course completed.

The private Catholic college I attend now is different, probably because they have ADN, BSN and MSN programs. There are a lot of students in the BSN program right out of HS. My academic advisor did tell me that I'm doing it a "little" backwards for my ADN - I've got all of my pre-req's done except A&P 2, Micro and Bioethics. I'm taking A&P 2 next semester with my second semester of clinicals - Med/Surg 1. It will be 13 credits total, quite a load for a mom getting divorced with 4 kids, but I'm sure I'll manage.

Actually, I HAVE to. No grade lower than a B in an science class or we can't continue in the nursing program until we DO get at least a B. So, no options on not managing! LOL

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2004

All of the CC's I applied to wanted the same thing - high GPA, high NLN scores, and every non-nursing course completed.
The private Catholic college I attend now is different, probably because they have ADN, BSN and MSN programs. There are a lot of students in the BSN program right out of HS. My academic advisor did tell me that I'm doing it a "little" backwards for my ADN - I've got all of my pre-req's done except A&P 2, Micro and Bioethics. I'm taking A&P 2 next semester with my second semester of clinicals - Med/Surg 1. It will be 13 credits total, quite a load for a mom getting divorced with 4 kids, but I'm sure I'll manage.
Actually, I HAVE to. No grade lower than a B in an science class or we can't continue in the nursing program until we DO get at least a B. So, no options on not managing! LOL

Hey there,

So, are you doing clinicals without the A & P II and Micro?