New Here...have some questions!

[jnguyen115]

Hi Everyone!!

My name is Jeanie and this is my first post! After 2 years as a Communications Major (and hating it)...I feel like I've found my calling and have decided to practically start over to go into nursing. I do have a few questions..so please hear me out!

I'm currently a junior at Cal State Fullerton...I just transferred over from a local community college (Golden West). CSUF does not offer an AA nursing program. They do offer a BSN program but only accept applicants that have obtained their AA in nursing. I think my best path right now is to go back to a JC and finish my pre-reqs there and apply to the nursing program at Golden West where I can then obtain my AA. It would save me time since the classes at Golden West, I can go straight in, as opposed to classes at CSUF that have a pre-requisite. Any input on this? I'm just curious if anyone thinks i'm making the wrong decision. Also, will it look bad when applying to nursing school if I had attended CSUF for a semester and left?

One more...the pre-reqs required to apply into the nursing program are microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and english 100. They say that they look at your science grades when determining the probability of how successful you will be in the program. I did take a General Bio class 3 years ago and I got a D in it...will this greatly affect my chances?

Thanks so much!

[blughst43]

Hi Jeanie...sounds like you're on the right track. From my understanding, leaving a state university before obtaining your degree should not hurt your chances of getting into NS at Golden West just as long as your grades are up and you left in good standing. GWC's nursing program is highly competetive. When I attended an on-campus orientation last year (they're now online), the counselor informed us that they received approx. 500-600 applicants each semester for 40-60 seats! They may admit more pending state grants. Definitely work closely with a nursing counselor about what classes you still need besides the pre-reqs. You may want to ask them about your general bio grade and if you should repeat. I know that they look at the core sciences (A and P, micro) and english 100 grades along with your overall GPA.

In the meantime, while you're working on pre-reqs and other classes have you thought about volunteering at a hospital or maybe looking into being a CNA? You can get an insight into the role of a nurse and see if it's a right fit for you...your communications experience would be a plus! Good luck!

[jnguyen115]

Hi Jeanie...sounds like you're on the right track. From my understanding, leaving a state university before obtaining your degree should not hurt your chances of getting into NS at Golden West just as long as your grades are up and you left in good standing. GWC's nursing program is highly competetive. When I attended an on-campus orientation last year (they're now online), the counselor informed us that they received approx. 500-600 applicants each semester for 40-60 seats! They may admit more pending state grants. Definitely work closely with a nursing counselor about what classes you still need besides the pre-reqs. You may want to ask them about your general bio grade and if you should repeat. I know that they look at the core sciences (A and P, micro) and english 100 grades along with your overall GPA.

In the meantime, while you're working on pre-reqs and other classes have you thought about volunteering at a hospital or maybe looking into being a CNA? You can get an insight into the role of a nurse and see if it's a right fit for you...your communications experience would be a plus! Good luck!

Hi =)

I spoke to a nursing counselor today and she strongly encouraged me to stay at Fullerton and continue working on my degree and start working on my 4 core pre-reqs at the same time. GW NS usually takes 2+ years to get into so I have a better chance applying to other local schools also...and some do a point system where I guess you get extra points for having a degree.

I did find out that that CSUF has a EL-BSN program, so I may just stay at CSUF and work on getting into the program there. I will be going into see a counselor at CSUF tomorrow.

I am currently applying to be a volunteer at UCI Medical Center in the neonatal intensive care unit.

I have not considered being a CNA until you mentioned it, which sounds like a pretty good idea. Do you know of any programs in the Orange County area? Can I just go through the Coastline ROP program?

[Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP]

It's always good to not put all your eggs in one basket as well. CSU Long Beach has an awesome nursing program you might want to look into. They use a point system and have about the same requirements as CSUF. Once you're finished with all your prereq's (they only allow one prereq in progress by time of application) you can put in an application to their School of Nursing (and a separate application for the university) and see what happens. No waiting list and they offer BSN so you wouldn't have to go back to get it. It never hurts to try. :wink2: As for the D in Bio, you should repeat that class as it serves as a foundation course for the prereq classes you need. Every school is different so it's hard to say across the board that it will or won't hurt your chances. For example, CSULB SON will look at your science GPA as well as your prereq GPA. Once you repeat your Bio, they will take the previous Bio grade and average it out with your new Bio grade. Hope this helps. Good luck! Keep us posted!

[blughst43]

I have not considered being a CNA until you mentioned it, which sounds like a pretty good idea. Do you know of any programs in the Orange County area? Can I just go through the Coastline ROP program?

I agree with Water...try not to put all your eggs in one basket. CSULB has an excellent program. As for a CNA program, check with Coastline ROP's website or Google: California Regional Occupational Program for other options. When I was looking for a phlebotomy program last summer, Coastline had CNA courses...good luck and hope this helps.