I have no college credits but want to join a RN program, whats step one?

caliotter3 · Apr 12, 2009

Anyway that you approach it, you will have to take the classes or test out of them if you can find a program that accepts such credit. Your first step is to find out which programs are around you and what their requirements are. If you want the fastest way to a paycheck, you can get your LVN license and begin working. The advantage here is that you can gain entry to an RN program by going the LVN to RN bridge route. This can be faster than dealing with rejections, waiting lists, lotteries. Or you can go straight for a BSN program, if one is nearby. This route is best if you know that you want to further your education and career. Sometimes it is easier and faster to get into a BSN program than an ADN program. While you are looking into programs, just start taking classes at the community college nearest you. It does not matter what program you end up in, you will need to take freshman English, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, biology, perhaps chemistry, math, developmental psychology; a combination of these or some of these. Take the diagnostic tests for English and math placement and start classes this summer term. That is the only way to go at it, unless, like I said before, you find a program that you can take DANTES or CLEP tests for. Classroom courses are probably easier than taking tests in the long run. Just get started because there really is no easy way unless you are capable of carrying a heavy courseload. But remember that your grades must be as high as possible so you don't want to overload yourself. Good luck.

jwannab · Apr 13, 2009

wow that was a good response. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. From the looks of things, I will have to knock those prereqs out at a CC/JC or find a BSN program, I would much rather find a BSN program then go the ADN route but honestly if I have to go the prereqs @ the CC/JC way, then so be it. I know what I want, where I want to be, and no matter what I do in life, I have to pay dues. The thing now is the fact that I am still enrolled at University of Phoenix. I actually was an on campus student, and decided to switch programs from on campus BSIT to their Associates degree in IT online(Axia College) and I am scheduled to start my second class on the 20th. I have already gotten my student loans and financial aid.. So now what? Do I waste money taking these classes at Phoenix(online) and change my degree from IT to one of their Healthcare programs such as: AS-healthcare administration or AS-healthcare administration(medical records) or AS-healthcare pharmacy practice. Will a AS in any of those fields open up any doors in the future or is it a waste of money? With that said I guess I will just have to try and find a BSN program. Do any of you know of any good BSN programs in Socali? I had no idea all of this was so confusing. I mean if I wasn't so determined, I could see how a person could get discouraged. The thing that kills me is the fact that I am so old(28yrs old) and just trying to do this. I will wait for any leads given. Thanks guys, and oh Happy Easter! p.s.s Its more about accomplishing this goal then the paycheck. I have never done what I said I was gonna do in my life(besides graduating h.s.) and I owe it to myself to pay dues, and be someone who does something he enjoys.

caliotter3 · Apr 13, 2009

There are several good BSN programs in SoCal. Of course, you know that West Coast University costs $116,000. CSULA and CSULB are difficult to get into. I believe that UCLA is up and running again. Mt. St. Mary's has a regular BSN program as well as an accelerated program, but the accelerated program is for those who already hold a four year degree. There may be other programs that I am leaving out. I believe there is some good financial aid in place for the MSMC program and it is not as costly as WCU.

caliotter3 · Apr 13, 2009

This link gives the available programs; you can also see the entry level MSN programs which you might be interested in: http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/rnprograms.shtml#bsn

UVA Grad Nursing · Apr 13, 2009

I would recommend completing your prerequisites at a community college, and then applying to trasnfer into a BSN program. Taking the prereqs through a California community college would be a fraction of the cost than taking these classes through U of P (UofP is 5x the cost of community college classes here in Virginia).

If your heart is set on patient care and 'hands on' healthcare, then pursuing a degree in IT would take you away from our aim.

Good luck.

ZanatuBelmont · Apr 13, 2009

So I apologize for asking what I feel might be a common question. I searched the site a bit for answers, but found nothing.
So this is my deal I returned to school to University of Phoenix-Southern California campus this past Feb. My intial plan was to pursue a career in multimedia design, but as weeks passed I begin to juggle my career choices of either design or medical. I worked in a hospital as security gaurd when I was 19 and it was one of my favorite jobs ever. I really enjoy the atmosphere(fast paced + new faces) and on top of it all I am a very caring person. I want to impact lives, and serve a good purpose. So after speaking with my mom, and researching about becoming an RN I have decided that I truly want to take this journey. The only problem I am facing is I just finished my first class at phoneix 2 weeks ago, and it was like gen/200. So basically I have no college credits what so ever to transfer in. I am pretty much at scratch, 28 years old, and I want to get my ADN in 2 years-At max 2.5 years. Is that possible? If so how? What can I do tomorrow to begin this journey? Not to mention my goal is to become a practitioner which will entail getting my masters. So keep that in mind. I don't want to pay 116k for a BSN ( like westcoast univ. offers) and not be able to transfer it to a traditional school. Nor do I want to do the community college, or junior college thing...They drag too slow for me(as far as the prereqs go) I understand once I enter the program I will spend 25-30hrs a week in class. I am simpily speaking about knocking out the prereqs fast so that I can enter a program, or find a program that offers the prereqs in the program at an accelerated pace, and still be accredited. I mean am I asking for to much? Is this all possible? I checked the California-BRN and I don't see this option in any of the schools listed. I thought i'd through my situation out there.
Can anyone give advice?

There are generally a total of 8-10 prereqs for an RN program across the board. You could do four classes in a long summer session (or break it up into two during summer 1 and two during summer 2), then do the remaining classes in traditional fall semester. I also do recommend you do your prereqs at a community college. You will pay at least half what you would pay at a university and get the same education (it really is about what YOU do to learn the material, not what kind of school you go to).

Anyway, doing the summer/fall option will shoot you at 2.5 years to get ADN.

ZanatuBelmont · Apr 13, 2009

wow that was a good response. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. From the looks of things, I will have to knock those prereqs out at a CC/JC or find a BSN program, I would much rather find a BSN program then go the ADN route

Look at it this way. Going from ADN to BSN route takes the same amount of time, except you'll be an RN two years sooner with the SAME PAY. What that means for you is that while you're finishing your last year or two years on your BSN you'll work at a health care facility with your RN and have them PAY your schooling.

The only real "promotional" benefit for ADN vs. BSN is management opportunities. The pay is the same.

jwannab · Apr 13, 2009

Wow- Thank you guys so much you all are so informative. I really enjoy what Zanatu said. It made good sense, aswell as all of you. Thank you so much.

From the looks of things I think it is safe to say I take a full load of classes this summer/fall, get the prereqs out of the way. And aim for starting a ADN program by Jan. of 2010?

Now my question with this route is what do I do about Univ. Of Phoenix? I don't think I can get my money back. and I have already been approved for 9500 student loans and 2000 dollars Pell grant. Do I still continue my AS in IT, while pursuing my ADN? or will Nursing school be to much for me to handle, alongside of me getting my Associates in IT at Phoenix? I mean in the end I will have an ADN and ASIT. Or should I just finish up this year with Phoenix, and don't apply for student loans next year? idunno I am confused.

jwannab · Apr 13, 2009

Oh and not to sound sexiest, but are their alot of grants for student male RN's? or RN's in general? I have been unemployed a year and a half, and am barley holding on. any info would help alot. Thanks.

Tozz · Apr 13, 2009

Another option would be to quickly get your CNA certification (4 weeks at the Red Cross), work as a CNA, and confirm that this type of work is actually what you want to do. This would also solve your unemployment situation.

You seem to want to rush through the pre-reqs. That's understandable, but be aware that the prerequisites are not easy courses. A&P is a lot of (what I find to be) painful memorization. Many find microbiology and chem to be difficult too. On top of the difficulty, you're going to want to get A's in these courses. If you try to get them out of the way quickly, it will probably be at the expense of good grades, which you're going to need to get into nursing school. I took a full year (including summer) to do Bio 1, Chem 1&2, A&P 1&2, Statistics, Human Growth and Development, and MicroBio. One year seemed about right. Also, Statistics may require a prerequisite depending on your math background/abilities. Bio 1 is required by most schools as an A&P and Micro pre-requisite. I tried to opt out of it, was refused, and can now say that I am glad I was turned down. It's an essential base for everything.

Good luck.