Hi! & Inquiries

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 19, 2014

You'll have to seek clarification from UCLA.

More than likely, these are academic rules that UCLA's School of Nursing enforces. The school must not have a BSN completion program for those with a Bachelor's degree from another field. The UCLA MECN program is a direct entry MS degree in Nursing that leads to eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN. From my understanding, it's not the same as direct entry programs in other schools that lead to an advanced practice specialty (such as NP). Their website does say that MECN grads can sit for the CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader) exam.

UCLA does not have a CRNA track. But yes, a MECN program will qualify you to pursue CRNA in the future at another school. If CRNA is your future goal, you must meet requirements of CRNA programs which always include 1-2 years of working as a critical care RN. That means you can't transition from UCLA to another school without working as a nurse in a critical care unit first.

Adamz · Feb 20, 2014

You'll have to seek clarification from UCLA.
More than likely, these are academic rules that UCLA's School of Nursing enforces. The school must not have a BSN completion program for those with a Bachelor's degree from another field. The UCLA MECN program is a direct entry MS degree in Nursing that leads to eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN. From my understanding, it's not the same as direct entry programs in other schools that lead to an advanced practice specialty (such as NP). Their website does say that MECN grads can sit for the CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader) exam.
UCLA does not have a CRNA track. But yes, a MECN program will qualify you to pursue CRNA in the future at another school. If CRNA is your future goal, you must meet requirements of CRNA programs which always include 1-2 years of working as a critical care RN. That means you can't transition from UCLA to another school without working as a nurse in a critical care unit first.

Much appreciated! Thank you.

I tried seeking clarification from the contact person in UCLA, and she just half-answers my questions with pre-packaged sentences and restates rules. With her, it's more like having a one-sided conversation, which gets a bit frustrating after a while. Hence my questions to the fine folks here on AN.

I hadn't heard of the MECN until the UCLA official mentioned it. I'm wary of it and not motivated to pursue it at all. Also, budget-wise MECN isn't enticing with 55k for the first year and 35 for the second (International student rates).

The way I see it I'd rather get my ASN, get licensed as a RN, find work then work on my BSN, meanwhile transferring credits from the ASN.

I'd rather get the BSN directly, but it's a matter of funding really at this point, and finding a school that doesn't have the unfathomable rule UCLA's School of Nursing imposes on BA holders.

It's time to research nursing schools in California that have ASN programs and schools with BSN programs. I'm just relieved this is just an UCLA rule, not a general one.

Thanks again, Juan.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 20, 2014

Are you in California already? Are you trying to get into a state funded program as a state resident?

From what I know as I've been out of school for a long time and I didn't attend school in California, it's hard to get into a state funded ASN or BSN program in this state. Community college ASN program admission is granted via lottery due to the number of applicants. State universities have a lot of applicants too. Easier options are private schools and as you must know, they have expensive tuition.

Of the state universities, the CSU's have majority of the BSN programs. The UC system seems to promote Master's entry to nursing as only 2 few of them offer BSN (UCLA and UC irvine), the others start their nursing programs at the MS level (UCSF, UC Davis). Do you have to go to California schools? there are more affordable options in other states in my opinion.

Board of Registered Nursing - RN Programs

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 20, 2014

Just noticed you're looking to study as an International Student. How do you plan on working after graduation?

loriangel14, RN · Feb 20, 2014

You would need a work visa in order to stay and work.

Adamz · Feb 20, 2014

Are you in California already? Are you trying to get into a state funded program as a state resident?
From what I know as I've been out of school for a long time and I didn't attend school in California, it's hard to get into a state funded ASN or BSN program in this state. Community college ASN program admission is granted via lottery due to the number of applicants. State universities have a lot of applicants too. Easier options are private schools and as you must know, they have expensive tuition.
Of the state universities, the CSU's have majority of the BSN programs. The UC system seems to promote Master's entry to nursing as only 2 few of them offer BSN (UCLA and UC irvine), the others start their nursing programs at the MS level (UCSF, UC Davis). Do you have to go to California schools? there are more affordable options in other states in my opinion.
Board of Registered Nursing - RN Programs

No, I'm not. I don't need to study in California, but I will if I want to work there after graduation. Why California in particular? Because its year-round climate and general vibe seem more agreeable to me.

Thanks for the link; very helpful.

Adamz · Feb 20, 2014

Just noticed you're looking to study as an International Student. How do you plan on working after graduation?

Legally, of course. If I'm unlucky, I'll work abroad till I have enough for the next degree.

Adamz · Feb 20, 2014

You would need a work visa in order to stay and work.

Yes, I'm well aware.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 20, 2014

International fees are expensive and student visa will only allow you to work so much during term time and so much when they are on their breaks. Usually first year to restricted to campus work and once your have graduated you get OPT for 12 months which allows you to work as a nurse after that you have to either maintain student status or leave the country. In CA trying to find employer willing to go the Work or Immigrant route will be hard due to the high number of local nurses out of work. Same goes for a lot of other states as well.

Adamz · Feb 20, 2014

International fees are expensive and student visa will only allow you to work so much during term time and so much when they are on their breaks. Usually first year to restricted to campus work and once your have graduated you get OPT for 12 months which allows you to work as a nurse after that you have to either maintain student status or leave the country. In CA trying to find employer willing to go the Work or Immigrant route will be hard due to the high number of local nurses out of work. Same goes for a lot of other states as well.

Thanks for the info. Why are unemployment rates high (or higher than usual) for RNs in California? The economy isn't exactly great but statistics show growth if anything in the medical field in general.

Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook

Occupational Employment Statistics, Registered Nurses

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Feb 20, 2014

Thanks for the info. Why are unemployment rates high (or higher than usual) for RNs in California? The economy isn't exactly great but statistics show growth if anything in the medical field in general.
Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook
Occupational Employment Statistics, Registered Nurses

No not usual at all, now that healthcare reform is enacted there are less jobs while there is a very strong pipe line of new graduates. Remember those are US Government reports who tend to make every thing rosy.