How do I start applying to nursing schools?

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Hi everyone! I'm planning on going back to school but I don't know where to begin with. I want to get into a nursing program in one of the nursing schools here in LA. I've been out of school for 1 year now but I have my pre-requisites completed already (out of state). However, I haven't taken my TEAS yet. I didn't apply for fall 2014, so I'm hoping that I will get into the program by Fall '15. For the mean time, I want to retake my A&P in hopes that it'll boost up my chances to get into the program. I don't know who I should ask help with when it comes to starting applying to any schools. Should I go to my local community college and start my way there? or should I go directly to the schools that I want to apply to?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you guys in advance!!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to Pre-Nursing Student forum for advice.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

What is the nursing job market like in LA? I've heard (not sure of the veracity of it) that CA as a whole has around a 50% unemployment rate for new nursing graduates. I recommend doing some homework to verify if that is true. Even if it is, if moving out of the area is an option, then don't let that change your mind.

I'm taking my prerequisites at a local community college. Not all nursing programs require the TEAS V. So I would check what nursing programs are in your area, and check their specific requirements.

Thank you.

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Moved to Pre-Nursing Student forum for advice.

Hi Thanks! I just realized that I posted this on the wrong forum! lol

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go to your local cc and talk to an advisor. good luck

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@blu_02: Are you going to school for a BSN? If so, there are a few things you should consider doing:

1. I would look at both the community colleges as well as the universities. Some students choose to go to a community college first (because classes are cheaper) and then transfer. Just make sure that the classes you choose to take will transfer to your desired nursing program.

2. Know how the nursing school selects prospective students. Do they decide based on cumulative GPA only? Cumulative GPA and TEAS V score? Or do they use another ranking method?

3. Because you mentioned retaking your A&P class, check with the nursing program to see how often you can retake a prerequisite science course to get a higher grade. Also, know what the required GPA is for admission (cumulative and prerequisite sciences).

4. Be aware of the application deadlines. To apply in the Fall, most schools require that your application file is complete by January or February of that year.

5. Decide which nursing program is the best fit for you. Consider the price, length of program, and program requirements.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. I hope it helped a little.

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@blu_02: Are you going to school for a BSN? If so, there are a few things you should consider doing:

1. I would look at both the community colleges as well as the universities. Some students choose to go to a community college first (because classes are cheaper) and then transfer. Just make sure that the classes you choose to take will transfer to your desired nursing program.

2. Know how the nursing school selects prospective students. Do they decide based on cumulative GPA only? Cumulative GPA and TEAS V score? Or do they use another ranking method?

3. Because you mentioned retaking your A&P class, check with the nursing program to see how often you can retake a prerequisite science course to get a higher grade. Also, know what the required GPA is for admission (cumulative and prerequisite sciences).

4. Be aware of the application deadlines. To apply in the Fall, most schools require that your application file is complete by January or February of that year.

5. Decide which nursing program is the best fit for you. Consider the price, length of program, and program requirements.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. I hope it helped a little.

Thank you very much for this answer! It's very helpful! I'm now looking at the colleges here in LA. I want to try to apply at cc for their ADN. My gpa in natural sciences doesn't make the cut gpa for BSN, so that discouraged me to give it a try. :( I'll try every community colleges here in LA and hopefully I'll get into at least one of it. Thanks again!:)

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My gpa in natural sciences doesn't make the cut gpa for BSN, so that discouraged me to give it a try.
You're welcome! I'm happy that you found my response to be helpful. But please don't be discouraged from the BSN programs! You said you were going to retake the A&P class to achieve a higher grade. If you've only taken the class once, it's possible that the previous attempt will be completely exempt from your GPA (cumulative and prerequisite science). Also, not all of your science grades count towards the prerequisite science GPA. Only those sciences required for admission to the nursing program are counted for the prerequisite science GPA. Those classes are usually A&P I, A&P II, and Microbiology.
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