Loma Linda or CSUSB

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hi all,

would appreciate any more feedback regarding llu vs. csusb. i am attending victor valley college and have just submitted my application to csusb for fall 2010. i will finish my csusb pre-reqs by the end of this spring. however, i am also seriously considering llu, but would need to attend summer and fall semester at vvc to finish llu's pre-reqs.

one of the main reasons i am interested in llu is because i have heard that its clinicals are really strong because they are more "hands-on", and a teaching hospital. i did more research and found that llu medical center is the only level 1 trauma center in riverside and san bernardino counties. the clinical sites for csusb does not seem to include a level 1 trauma center (from what i could find). any feedback from nurses/students/employers about llu clinical experiences vs. csusb? are you a stronger candidate/nurse as a new grad (in general) to employers if you have worked at a level 1 trauma center? or are you better prepared if you have had clinicals in a variety of settings like csusb has?

also, my current science/core gpa is 3.7, overall gpa is 3.88, and my teas is 91.8%. i do not know what my chances are at csusb for acceptance because i heard that there were over 1500 applicants for 44 spots for fall 2010 - and they do not publish or reveal the average gpa/teas score or other info on the students they accept. i have also heard rumors that because of ca budget crisis, there may be a freeze on accepting new students. i am also concerned that the nursing program may be in danger in the next few years anyway if they were able to avoid a freeze for fall 2010.

yet, if i were to be accepted at csusb fall 2010, i am considering passing on them to try to get into llu for winter/spring 2011. i am very nervous about this though because i know that it is difficult and/or there are long waiting lists to get into most nursing programs in this area. other apprehensions i have about csu is that i heard that there was a huge faculty change at csusb. additionally, most of my experiences with the csusb nursing office staff by phone or in person, has been very..."not helpful". thanks in advance for any feedback!

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Hi kalimuse,

I just recently finished at LLU so I can only speak abuot my experience at LLU since I am in no way familiar with CSUSB. As far as clinicals go, most clinicals are done at LLUMC, but there are also clinicals that are done at the VA and at Riverside County/Community/Kaiser. When it comes to your practicum and management classes you have far greater choice ranging in hospitals as far as the Palm Springs Area and to Orange and LA County.

What's nice about LLU is that its hospital is a teaching hospital, and being a level I hospital, there are a lot more services available that you may be able to see with your patients. With that said, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be a stronger candidate/nurse. Not all the patients you will see will need level I services. What LLU gives are opportunities in areas of nursing that you might not get at other schools. One of my co-workers only had a couple weeks in pediatrics whereas at LLU you get a whole quarter. Not many schools have a geriatric-centered class as well. Like I said before, I'm only speaking based on my experience at LLU.

I hope I've given you a little insight into the clinical area at LLU. Whatever your decision is I wish you the best, and remember, in the end you'll walk away with your RN either way. Hopefully somebody familiar with CSUSB's nursing program can give you insight into their clinical so you can see from both sides instead of just one.

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Hi,

I am interested in the LLU accelerated programs and would love to learn more about the school from current students. How do you feel the program was or is? Are there any negative qualities to the programs??

I am currently accepted to the University of Hawaii, Manoa MEPN program and am on the wait list for USD MEPN but just applied to Loma Linda and need to get more info so I can make a decision!!!

Any insight would be a great help!

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Due to the high competitiveness of the nursing programs, I would go where I am accepted be that CSUEB or LLU. Goodluck

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I'm a current student at CSUSB and statistically, LLU and CSUSB are fairly equal in terms of NCLEX pass rates. The clinicals at CSUSB vary within the community, and I personally enjoy this because it gives you a better insight on where you'd like to work in the future.

You are in pretty good standing to get into the CSUSB program. You can see the average TEAS results at nursing.csusb.edu.

Another thing to consider to cost. Financially, CSUSB is a steal for a BSN but LLU may have other advantages such as a stronger clinical setting, etc.

Hope that helps!

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Margs,

Have you had an interview or heard of anything from LLU for Fall 2010?

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Hi aRNie10,

Thank you for your reply! I haven't been able to get to this site for a while because of school :) I really appreciate your feedback. I think every program has its strength and weaknesses, and it was good to read about some of your experiences. Did you enjoy your program at LLU? Was it difficult to find a job after you completed your program? Thanks for any additional info!

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I'm a current student at CSUSB and statistically, LLU and CSUSB are fairly equal in terms of NCLEX pass rates. The clinicals at CSUSB vary within the community, and I personally enjoy this because it gives you a better insight on where you'd like to work in the future.

You are in pretty good standing to get into the CSUSB program. You can see the average TEAS results at nursing.csusb.edu.

Another thing to consider to cost. Financially, CSUSB is a steal for a BSN but LLU may have other advantages such as a stronger clinical setting, etc.

Hope that helps!

How long did it take you to complete the pre-preqs at csusb?

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I have posted asking for info on CSUSB before and noone seems to answer can you enlighten me on thier selection process.

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your best bet is to apply for both schools and see who accepts you 1st..... right now its extremely competitive... p s you said you go to victor valley? a lot of students from that school do their clinicals at St. B's and they seem a very good crowd.... as far as your grades and etc... my friend got in last year w a 3.33 gpa... and a 79% on her teas.... i guess now its a matter of luck...as for clinical experience.. i would have to say LLU cause at CSUSB my friends clinicals are very SHORT....we do double pretty much what ever they do

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