Part time nursing program in CA?

benegesserit · Feb 13, 2008

I don't know how far from the Bay Area you'll consider, but Sacramento City College has a part-time program. They only offer it once very few years (one part-time class at a time), so it's probably difficult to schedule and get into.

Asherah, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2008

I'm not trying to criticize your intent, but unfortunately nursing programs are so competitive that many, if not all of the candidates are not looking for nursing as just something to "pick up", the programs are taken much more seriously than just a certificate you take 6-months to earn. Full time ADN programs (Junior, or community colleges) will offer full time nursing programs that are severely impacted and often have two years worth of science pre-requisites that are necessary to complete successfully before being able to attempt to apply (if you have not taken these during the course of your previous BA).

These forums are a valuable tool for finding out what it takes to begin finding programs that are suited for you and what it takes to gain entry to them. Most programs will vehemently insist that you cannot work a full-time job and be successful, and for the most part, this is a true statement proven by those who have tried and have not made it through.

Please take a look at your intent to pursue nursing, if you discover a true commitment to the path, it will indeed offer a stable job opportunity, however it is much more than that and requires a high level of dedication to succeed and do the job well.

Regarding other allied health roles, perhaps others can come along and give you some information.

Good luck!

jmw1 · Feb 13, 2008

I'm quite aware of how difficult it is to enter nursing school and how difficult it is to get the RN. The demand on nursing school admissions is also a sign of how appealing this career.

Right now, it looks like it will take me 2-3 years to do prereqs and I can definitely do that part-time. I'm not in any rush and I want straight As so I'm going to do only one lab science at a time. I took the allied health chemistry class 18 years ago and got an A easily. Perhaps when I'm done a few years from now, I can take a short sabattical to do an accelerated BSN program, since I already have a BA. Maybe a part time program will open up when I finish. If none of this works, perhaps there are other allied health fields those classes are still good for. Anyway, I'm still doing research and have not decided on any action yet. Thanks.

NurseJeanB · Feb 14, 2008

Yup the prereqs. you can definitely do part time. I did them at night. I know there are accelerated programs out this way. SF State has one. I am in the Bay Area as well. I didn't find any part time programs and ended up having to quit my job of 21 years to go to nursing school, but I am glad I did because I can't imagine working and getting through nursing school. (Although there are people in my program that do that and I am just in awe). Still I wish you the best in whatever you decide.