How do "alternate" positions in nursing school work exactly?

[cookie123d, CNA]

I'm an alternate at an LVN program, online it says if you don't get picked by the first day of class basically apply again next year, But I remember when I talked to the nursing counselor lady she said alternates have up until clinincals start to get in, I said when do they start? She said 8 weeks I can't get a hold of her but is this normal? Do alternates usually stick around for a couple weeks and go to class just like they are normal students? or do they have until the first day to get picked?

[iNurs5, CNA]

The alternate students must show up regularly and do the coursework. If some selected students withdraw, the alternate students get in. This is based on my direct observation.