LPN to RN bridge programs in the Bay Area

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Since I get asked this quite often, thought that I would set this up as a sticky to have. If this works out well, then perhaps we can set up a sticky with all of the states for a current list and update it as needed. Think that it would make it easier for all to find things.

regarding about ur question, all schools really require prereqs no matter what school ( private or community college ).You should have taken those while ur in lvn program so by the time u'l finish ur ready for rn program.. .I'll try to get into LVN first while getting my prereqs. I'm taking it at chabot college.I advice u to just take all of ur prereqs and try to get into Rn program.But first apply to community college because it's cheaper. I believe the wait list is not that long compare to straight RN. If u will not be accepted then just go for a private school.. I searched around and it cost $ 35,000 on average.Some school that I inquired does'nt have this year but for sure nx yr there would be a lot. NCP in hayward, Medical career college in fremont, and Gurnick academy of arts in San Mateo.. Just keep checking w/c school u can save money...Goodluck!:wink2:

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Specializes in LTC, Treatment nurse, Rehab.

I did my finnished all of my prereq's at Solono Community College to get on their waiting list in 2004, but they said it would take about 2-3 years to START their program. So, I went to Western Career College's LVN program and graduated Nov. 2005. (I worked and was pregnant.) Then I worked as an LVN for 1 1/2 years. I went back to WCC for their LVN-RN program this year and graduated Oct. 2008. I've passed my boards and am now a RN. I probably would have saved some money, but I'm a new grad with experience. :yelclap:

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Specializes in Med Surg/ Pedi, OR.

How is western career college?? Is it a good program??

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Specializes in LTC, Treatment nurse, Rehab.

The program was overall good. Don't let the cheezy "You can do it" commercials fool you. It is a tough, thorough program. My classmates are passing the NCLEX, so that's what counts. Right?!:monkeydance:

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Does anyone know if Excelsior is still approved by the State Board of Texas? I checked the web site and all I can find are the on campus schools. I have 112 on campus credits I need one class to get my ADN, and I want to take it through Excelsior.

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Is there anyone knows online courses for the bridge program LPN_ RN. I know suzanne said the Indiana state Univ. but there is so much requirements if anyone can help much appreciated.

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How much is the WCC program?

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Specializes in LTC, Treatment nurse, Rehab.

Once you have your pre-reqs, WCC in Sac. is about $35-37K. I paid $35K for the eight month program. It was quick, there is usually two admit times a year and hardly, if any waiting list. I applied and was accepted with in six months. You are paying for the short duration of the program and not having to wait. BUT, hospitals are not hiring new grad RN's in California.

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Thanks for the info. I know there's been a hiring freeze, but I assume by now...it all worked out and your employed??? What are the pre-req's?

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Specializes in LTC, Treatment nurse, Rehab.

The pre-req are the same as Community colleges: Anatomy, Physiology, Micro, Human growth and Developement, Psychology, Nutrition, English, Math and I think Chem.

As far as being employed: I was working as an LVN Treatment Nurse at a SNF and now I'm a Charge Nurse at an Alz. SNF that doesn't have any tubes. I needed a job and my old place couldn't afford an RN. I am making $7 more an hour and apply to hospitals, subacute SNFs and clinic jobs EVERY day. I either get polity declined or no responce. One of my classmates is working for Mercy Urgent Care as an RN, but she was their before she started the program. One of my classmates worked for Kaiser on the Med Surg floor for 9 years, had some of her education paid for by Kaiser and she is working for them as an LVN (they won't let her use her RN license b/c they don't hire new grads.)

I think my RN education was excellent and think that LVNs should consider WCC if it is possible, but all of the 2008 RN grads are going to apply to hospitals when the hiring freeze is over. We will probably have to do some type of new grad program b/c we were at SNFs. Do you think that there will be a "back log" of applicants?

If being an RN is a life long dream of yours and you don't mind a small pay increase and having the same job as you have now, then go for it. Reach for the stars. Good luck!

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hello loving very nice...i have a few questions for you about WCC....I am considering that school along with unitek to obtain my RN license. currently i am an LVN, i just passed the boards feb 2009 and im working for 2 agencies at the moment to gain experience. right now, im also enrolled to college network/ISU. but honestly, its hard to start considering im doing this all by myself. i actually miss being in a classroom and the student/teacher interaction. so im thinking of getting out and enrolling to either WCC or unitek. now, i did attended San Jose State to complete all my prereqs, but that was since 2004-2005. its 2009 now and im afraid that it might have expired, and my only fear would be to repeat all those classes again. so im wondering if WCC had an expiration date with those prereq classes and also was it easy to get in and get out? i really want my RN license and would be willing to push through just as long as in the end im done. im 24, and i want to be DONE with school! (however, i will get my bachelors later..much later). my main objective is just to get my RN license. any tips? strategies? advice would be greatly appreciated. thanx!

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Specializes in Med Surg/ Pedi, OR.

I'm in the same boat but I've been to CAL state EAST BAY..... so Now wondering what program would be best as best. Some programs don't expire....

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