I don't know where to begin!

[nursetobe2134]

Hi everyone. I am new to the board. I am in my 30's and want to change careers into the medical field. I have completed only PART of my bachelors' degree from my younger years, but dropped out due to family issues.

Now I want to become an RN as quickly as possible and then, while working, continue my education to a BSN and possibly onto a masters. I'm interested in private nursing school, but don't even know where to begin! I had a friend who waited over four YEARS to get into school after completing her pre-requesits at a community college. That just isn't something I can see doing at this stage in my life.

I am in Southern California (but would move to Northern California if the need be). I've looked at Stanbridge College, but am worried about those credits transferring to another university in the future like UCI, UCLA, USC, etc... Does anyone know if there are private nursing schools that are accredited so I can get into that would allow me to continue my education elsewhere afterward? I noticed Stanbridge allows you to complete your pre-requisits while in school, which is nice, so one can save time and complete this even faster. Do other schools offer the same thing?

Please help me with these questions and any advice you may have on where to begin! Thank you so much!

[neurodude, MSN, NP]

Try going to a California Community College (Chancellor's Office Portal Home)

It is much easier to transfer from a CA Community College than a private institution. Issues such as course equivalencies may come up, but CA CCs have a standardized transfer pattern with the UC and CSU schools.

It doesn't look like Stanbridge is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), so transferring to a UC, CSU, or other 4-year institution may be very difficult.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Google can answer the vast majority of your questions. Specific schools have specific requirements. Contact them and speak with an advisor or set up a time to visit the school. Ofcourse there are private schools that are "accredited". Usually you can see it right on a schools website on their nursing home page.