In need of guidance.

beth66335, BSN, RN · May 4, 2009

I don't know that it matters where you go to school in terms of getting a job. All schools must maintain high NCLEX pass rate whether university or cc. There is no rule saying you can't apply to more than one school, so apply to both and it will help your chances of getting in. If one school puts you on a list or says no you have other apps out there.Good Luck!

guiltysins · May 4, 2009

Where you go to school doesn't really matter when it comes nursing, that's the great thing about it. Unless you don't learn enough to pass the NCLEX or it's not accredidated but if you have no problem with that then it's okay.

4 year universities and private schools usually don't have waiting lists because they either don't have as many people going for nursing there (possibly because of tuition costs) and they generally have bigger nursing classes that can accomodate more people. My university lets in 130 people every semester so pretty much everyone who has the proper GPA and passes the entrnace exam will have a shot to get in. So you probably would have a better shot at getting in at the state university versus the community college but it wouldn't hurt to apply to both anyway, try to see which program might be better as far as professors and let that help you decide as well.

BaseballNut · May 4, 2009

Honestly i'm sure there are PLENTY of people trying to get into both ASN and BSN programs in CA. A more important question you must ask yourself is do you want to work for your ASN (shorter-2yrs) or your BSN (longer-3yrs) because that will decide which school you choose. "I dont really wanna wait two years..." Listen,if you want this, I mean REALLY want this, which is what you must have to make it through anyways, a real burning desire, two years is a small investment to wait for something that will have such a positive impact on your life. Best of luck to you!

JMMagana18 · May 4, 2009

Honestly i'm sure there are PLENTY of people trying to get into both ASN and BSN programs in CA. A more important question you must ask yourself is do you want to work for your ASN (shorter-2yrs) or your BSN (longer-3yrs) because that will decide which school you choose. "I dont really wanna wait two years..." Listen,if you want this, I mean REALLY want this, which is what you must have to make it through anyways, a real burning desire, two years is a small investment to wait for something that will have such a positive impact on your life. Best of luck to you!

Thank you! And I guess waiting two years alright but it's just I don't wanna feel like I'm wasting my time waiting for two years to get into the program at a community college, while I could be actually be in the program already if I were at a university.

I just wanna figure out what's the best smooth route without being stuck in pre nursing purgatory.

JMMagana18 · May 4, 2009

Where you go to school doesn't really matter when it comes nursing, that's the great thing about it. Unless you don't learn enough to pass the NCLEX or it's not accredidated but if you have no problem with that then it's okay.
4 year universities and private schools usually don't have waiting lists because they either don't have as many people going for nursing there (possibly because of tuition costs) and they generally have bigger nursing classes that can accomodate more people. My university lets in 130 people every semester so pretty much everyone who has the proper GPA and passes the entrnace exam will have a shot to get in. So you probably would have a better shot at getting in at the state university versus the community college but it wouldn't hurt to apply to both anyway, try to see which program might be better as far as professors and let that help you decide as well.

Thank you! Haha I've been waiting for someone to actually give me one answer, most people have been telling me to just apply to both, and that doesn't really help my situation. Yeah well there's always financial aide. Alright I was leaning towards a university more, and thank you for helping me. I wouldn't mind applying at both.

nlion87 · May 4, 2009

Hate to be the one to inform you but a lot of cal state schools, like cal community colleges are also impacted so you may be waiting either way uness you apply to a private four year college such as St Mary's in LA which is quite expensive

yelle418 · May 21, 2009

Hi there! I live in Ca too, and I had the same concern. I really wanted to get into a BSN program, because i knew that i wanted to continue my education, and why not aim high? I know firsthand - being a prenursing student in CA is VERY discouraging. I once had a counselor tell me that i might as well shell out $50,000 for a private school with a 3.5 GPA if i didnt want to sit on a waitlist for 2 years. Well, guess what? I just got accepted into a BSN program, with a 3.6 GPA !! I first applied for the spring, and i only applied to 3 schools - 2 Universities and 1 CC lottery - that had 900 applicants for 40 spots :eek: . I didnt get in to any of them. So then i really started doing my research on the different schools admissions requirements, and i learned that some schools points systems worked more in my favor than others. So for the fall I applied to 7 schools - 5 CSUs and 2 ccs and i got in to a BSN program! I start in the Fall! So for me, it really did make a difference in applying to several schools, but i was willing to relocate. I was also on a VERY long waitlist (more than 2 years!) for my CC that i did my prereqs at. But I wasnt about to just sit and wait for that spot - it was pretty much my last resort/back-up plan. So i say apply anywhere that you can! From what i've experienced CCs are more impacted than CSUs, everyone is trying to get in and out for the cheapest they can. If you know you want to be a Nurse, go for the BSN - you'll have more opportunities and a more thorough education! Good Luck to you, and feel free to ask any questions!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · May 21, 2009

I'd apply wherever you can and then make a decision once you hear back about acceptance and waitlists.

Personally, I'd go the BSN route, but that is just my own personal preference. I really enjoyed my undergrad experience (academics, sports, social life...all of it) so it was worth it to me. Plus, you will be one step closer to a MSN or another advanced degree should you decide to go back.

With the job market the way it is currently, I think its more worthwhile to be in school, enriching and furthering my education than try and fight hundreds, if not thousands of people for a job. I think its better usage of time at the moment.

JMMagana18 · May 21, 2009

Hi there! I live in Ca too, and I had the same concern. I really wanted to get into a BSN program, because i knew that i wanted to continue my education, and why not aim high? I know firsthand - being a prenursing student in CA is VERY discouraging. I once had a counselor tell me that i might as well shell out $50,000 for a private school with a 3.5 GPA if i didnt want to sit on a waitlist for 2 years. Well, guess what? I just got accepted into a BSN program, with a 3.6 GPA !! I first applied for the spring, and i only applied to 3 schools - 2 Universities and 1 CC lottery - that had 900 applicants for 40 spots . I didnt get in to any of them. So then i really started doing my research on the different schools admissions requirements, and i learned that some schools points systems worked more in my favor than others. So for the fall I applied to 7 schools - 5 CSUs and 2 ccs and i got in to a BSN program! I start in the Fall! So for me, it really did make a difference in applying to several schools, but i was willing to relocate. I was also on a VERY long waitlist (more than 2 years!) for my CC that i did my prereqs at. But I wasnt about to just sit and wait for that spot - it was pretty much my last resort/back-up plan. So i say apply anywhere that you can! From what i've experienced CCs are more impacted than CSUs, everyone is trying to get in and out for the cheapest they can. If you know you want to be a Nurse, go for the BSN - you'll have more opportunities and a more thorough education! Good Luck to you, and feel free to ask any questions!

This is awesome!! Thank you. So we're you just an undergrad or were you going for your rn to bsn?

This is great, yeah I figured that too! Cause being at my CC for the second year, I see ALOT of pre-nursing students trying to do it there, and our system isn't really in my favor cause it goes by GPA, and basically if you have a 4.0 you're gettting in and I'm not perfect. So what CSU school did you get into? And did you have to take an enterance exam too?

yelle418 · May 21, 2009

Yep, Im an undergrad - I'll be transferring with 70 units. I got in to CSU Stanislaus :) I think that Chico state would have been another option for me, but i didnt apply this semester (bc my waiver ran out) - they take your 2 highest science grades and 2 highest English grades, so if you at least have an A in those, you have a shot. However, they are switching their program to a 5 semester and won't be taking applicants for spring '10, only Fall '10. I know, i really had it in my head that the only way to get into a program is with a 4.0. Yes, i did have to take the TEAS exam. Twice actually. The first time I didnt study and got a 79%, and the 2nd time i purchased the study manual from ATI and got an 89.5%. From what i understand, if you have a higher TEAS score it helps balance out a lower GPA. I also had a little bit of health care experience at an assisted living facility - but i noticed some schools dont count it. If you dont have any experience, Id look into volunteering at a local hospital - every little bit helps. I now truly believe that if you want this bad enough, you WILL get it! Yes, there are tons of prenursing students out there, but a lot of them arent serious, so just tell yourself you want this more!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 21, 2009

Give the schools a call. Insist on talking to someone in the nursing school (instructor). How many will they take per semester? How many apps do they anticipate? What is the GPA requirement? What other requirements? What gives a student an edge over another student?

ADN students (comm. college) vs. BSN students all must meet same criteria to be eligible for licensure. ADN gets you in the market sooner. BSN helps you advance in the ranks.