Kaplan college in San Diego RN program

GN82 · Feb 25, 2009

Hello everyone (first post)

Could someone that has either met with or entered/finished Kaplan give a run down of what the requirements are for enrolling?

I live in San Diego and am interested in the Online ASN program, but would like to skip some of the hoops if possible.

From those posting here, I've read the need to have past medical experience, complete a CNA course, take and pass a few different exams, etc. Just wondering if the requirements are listed somewhere online or if I would have to set an appointment to even get this information.

I asked the kaplan online chat about the ASN and was informed about the BSN and that Florida is the only place ASN is available. Not much help there.

Just curious if Kaplan is even a possibility for me at this time/place or if I'll be getting on the wait list somewhere like so many others.

Thanks for any responses.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

Kaplan College in San Diego offers LVN and ADN (the 2 year degree) They are not an online school. You take your classes on their campus on Balboa Ave. You can take all your pre-requisite courses there and take them at the same time you take the RN courses. They are not a WASC accredited school so you can't take their speech lets say and have that transfer over to the CC nor SDSU. But upon graduation and getting licensed the University of Phoenix accepts Kaplan and that is where student's go to get their BSN.

The only online nursing schools around here are NU and OSU both offering the BSN.

If you want to know more about Kaplan call their campus and make an appointment to go there in person to talk to someone and get a tour. :)

SanDiegoNurse2bAt48 · Feb 26, 2009

Hello, SanDiegoNursetobe--I'm interested in where you decided to go to do your RN and why you decided against Kaplan. I'm considering Kaplan after taking some pre-reqs at a CC and getting tired of the time passing by. I've looked into most of the pros and cons but am very interested in hearing from people who've actually gone there for whatever classes. Thanks.

It's a long story but basically after reading a thread on National University's RN program I decided to pay them a visit and noticed the vast difference between a "for profit" school and a "not for profit" school. In my opinion, Kaplan doesn't have the students best interest as their main goal. It's all about how many students they can get enrolled. Almost everyone in my class of 30+ felt the same way after 1 month of classes. Most wanted to go on to the RN program and felt they were mislead to taking PCAT as a step up.

For me, it will take 6-8 months to get my pre-reqs done, then I can take my TEAS and apply to the RN program @ National. The cost is a bit less but you end up with a BSN instead of an ASN. Also, I realized that accreditation is important to me. No one is guaranteed acceptance into Kaplan's RN program and being an alumni may or may not help. So that is my :twocents: .

lolwut · Mar 26, 2009

The following is from a guideline sheet that I received from Kaplan:
Individuals are considered for acceptance into the nursing program based on their ranking, which is determined by three main categories: Standardized testing, work experience, and graduate/alumni status.
1. All applicants must take the Wonderlic SLE examination, only scores 24 or higher are eligible for acceptance into the program.
2. Upon successful completion of the Wonderlic SLE, all applicants must take and submit one of the following standardized testing for review: TEAS, ACT, or SAT. (ACT or SAT must be within 5 yrs).
3. All applicants must have at least 6 months of healthcare experience prior to starting the program. Students will receive points for current healthcare experience (must be within the last two years) based on length of employment. A letter of recommendation from employer and proof of employment must be provided in order to receive points).
4. Applicants who have previously earned an academic degree or graduated from Kaplan will receive points toward acceptance into the program.
Hope this helps.

so is the healthcare experience mandatory? or only worth points? i have a degree and high teas score. so if work experience is only for points, i would guess i am still competitive.

lolwut · Mar 29, 2009

can any kaplan students chime in and let us know how what you think of the program?

SanDiegoNurse2bAt48 · Mar 29, 2009

so is the healthcare experience mandatory? or only worth points? i have a degree and high teas score. so if work experience is only for points, i would guess i am still competitive.

Yes, work experience IS mandatory! You must have the min. 6 months medical experience, and it's very difficult getting into a hospital position right now. I've been trying for the past 4 months or so. Good luck.

FutureRNAngel · Mar 29, 2009

i am a fairly new LVN student at Kaplan ( i started in jan of this yr) and so far for me the course work has not beem challenging AT ALL. Basically we have a test every night and our only homework is to read the chapter for the test. I find myself reading ahead when im not reading the assigned chapters. The teachers to me are often times unprepared and the lectures can sometimes be scattered. I can only speak for the LVN program. The RN program may be totally different. :nurse:

SanDiegoNurse2bAt48 · Mar 29, 2009

i am a fairly new LVN student at Kaplan ( i started in jan of this yr) and so far for me the course work has not beem challenging AT ALL. Basically we have a test every night and our only homework is to read the chapter for the test. I find myself reading ahead when im not reading the assigned chapters. The teachers to me are often times unprepared and the lectures can sometimes be scattered. I can only speak for the LVN program. The RN program may be totally different.

I was in the PCAT program and it was the same thing....very unorganized :banghead: . I too felt it was not challenging and I ended up quiting the program and am now attending National University. I've heard that the RN program is much more intense, but I can not say since I won't be attending there. Good luck.

msdimplescsuf · Mar 30, 2009

I applied to Kaplan and am waiting to hear the results. Yes, you must have 6mo medical experience and a good score on the teas and wonderlic test. I will let you guys know the outcome..PRAY PLEASE lol :loveya:

jangelvi · Mar 31, 2009

I applied as well. Good luck to you msdimplecsuf...we should be hearing something by the middle of April. I am on pins and needles with anxiety... Let the praying begin!!!!!!

msdimplescsuf · Mar 31, 2009

Omg finally someone I can talk to :yeah: ...Who was your rep? I've had two. My friend called for me last week lol and said she was told they will know by the 1st and start calling people by the 6th. I want to call on Wednesday but then i kind of want to be suprised with the phone call lol. I will be moving to San Diego so I need to know ASAP so I can go down and meet my potential roomie. How did you do on the teas?? I got a 79 and 27 on the wonderlic. I already have my bachelors and about 3 years medical experience. What have you heard about the school, like how easy is it to get in to?? Well good luck, we can keep each other motivated through the wait.

jangelvi · Mar 31, 2009

I am doing the happy dance:dncgbby:My rep was great. Not sure what my score was on the wonderlic but I scored 84 on the teas. I have 13 years of health care administration experience, with 1 year assisting the doctors directly and recently I became a CNA . Where will u be living in SD? Where r u moving from? OMG>>>OMG>>>OMG...I can't beleive that we will find out so soon!!! I have heard mixed reviews but I am confident that I made the right decision. I have been researching for months...i am soooo ready. Good luck to you as well...I will let u kno as soon as I kno. CHEERS!!!