Pasadena City College RN LVN program?...

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hi im i student at pcc, its my first year i just started working on my pre-req:p.

they say its hard to get into the rn so im thinking if i should just go for the lvn and come back later for the lvn to rn latter. i dont know if the lvn prog is easier or better for me.

should i just stick to the rn program.:uhoh3: please if anyone has been in the program from your experience can you please tell me which option is better.

:sstrs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox2pj0jlsr0

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Don't believe everything you hear....for two years other students told me that it was nearly impossible to get in the PCC RN program. Well, I got in first try. The key to your success is getting good grades; mainly in these four classes: English 1C, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology. When I say good grades; shoot for A's but a few 'B's is not the end of the world. Don't attempt to take these classes at the same time and whatever you do, don't take short-term versions (summer/winter) unless you already have a science background. Also, avoid dropping classes (receiving a "W") for any reason. This will affect your status - it's doesn't mean you won't get in...but your chances will drop. Also, retaking a class to increase your GPA may help but it may hurt at the same time. TRY TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! As far as the other required general ed courses; do your best but don't fret if you fall below a 3.0 (just don't fall below 2.5!!). If you get in PCC RN school, you are expected to keep up at a rate above 75% each semester (x4)- fall below that and you fail. Only 1 semester retry possible if you can convince them you will succeed next time!

On another note: don't believe that PCC will help you get a job. They won't...I don't think any college will. I have friends who graduated 1 year ago (with honors) and still don't have a job. Hospitals want nurses...yes, but "New Grads"....not really...there are very few positions for new RN grads unless you're willing to move to cities like Riverside or Bakersfield (so the teacher's have told us). I'm not sure that info is accurate because I haven't applied there. But you may need to move (or commute) if you need to get an RN job immediately! So far, only 1 of my 5 friends who have passed NCLEX last February have found a job. I'm hoping to be the exception after I take NCLEX in August!

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Hello More to Learn thank you so much for writing back. You lifted a weight off my shoulders, i hope you don't mind if i ask more questions, knowing that you went through the Pasadena nursing program. I hope you have a good rest of the day

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Hey no problem. I really like helping people...guess that's why I want to be a nurse! I only ask that you pass it on and help someone. The nursing program is challenging and we all need help and encouragement from each other throughout the program. I could not have gotten through the nursing program without my commrades! Good luck to you!

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I could see that you are a good :redbeathe nurse. i will pass on your knowledge to help everyone i can. I have so many questions, so here is one are you happy being a nurse? and are you working right now?..:)

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Well, I'm not really a nurse yet...I graduate next week. However, I've been working in the hospital as a student for 2 years and so far I love it. Of course any job has its ups and downs. I'm hoping to find a job with good management and continuing education. That's more important to me than money.

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Wow next week congratulations you and your family should be very proud.:yeah:

How many years did it take you to complete your pre-requisites, and when you finished them how soon were you in the program.

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Started pre-reqs Winter intersession Jan 07. Accepted in program at first application. Started Sept. 08. Graduating June 15th, 2010. Whoooop, Whoooop!

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You are so fast, i wish i could be graduating with you.:grad:*wine

So i have one W in math 131, i plan on retaking it and passing the class next time around with an A++ this time. I had to retake English 100, im getting a C right now. And i took Sociology1 during winter and received a D, i plan on retaking it and getting an A. From you experience and, others can you tell me if my dream of becoming a nurse have been smashed.

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I did hear of one student who had 2 W's (and retook classes) get in to the program but that was when they were still choosing based on a minimum 2.5 GPA and lottery system. Now they do look at the W's and retakes because they want to see your success rate. They have some sort of scoring system (besides GPA) that will deduct points for the W's and retakes. However, the main criteria for the RN program is your grades (and W's) in the following courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English 1C. I STRONGLY SUGGEST you do well in these classes; focus on A's and B's!!! One of my friends in 3rd semester got one C in Physio...but he is a guy and there is less competition with the guys - I believe they are now choosing a percentage of male/females which is unfair but they want more guys in nursing so the guys end up having an better chance to get in however, many of the these guys end up failing out during the nursing program.

FYI, I never took Sociology or Math 131 because they are not required for PCC Associate degree however some other city colleges may require those. Unfortunately, it seems each city college has different requirements. Many of the students took all the classes required for the different colleges and applied to them all at once.

If I were you, I would consider looking at some of the different city colleges and even call them and ask about the GPA required. I did hear that Long Beach City College will not accept any W's and that Los Angeles City College is easier to get into with a lower GPA.

Alternatively, you can go to a private school (like Western) and get it without a problem. It will just cost you more money!

Anyway, don't give up......but I would highly suggest avoiding taking any difficult classes during the accelerated Winter/Summer because it is sometimes just too hard to keep up and you don't want to scar your GPA. Go onto "rateyourprofessor.com" to review teachers before choosing classes. I have found that as a general rule, the overall rating system is true and if many people say the teacher is difficult...then don't take that teacher! And....study hard!! You are going to need good study habits for the nursing program so you might as well start now. Also, take advantage of any free tutoring the school offers. When I took Chemistry, I practically lived in the tutoring room - funny thing is that I received better tutoring from other students in there than the actual tutors! And that's another thing, get to know your co-students and form study groups. This has really saved me; especially when I got behind in my reading. My co-students helped me catch up and shared their notes.

And...I think it may be easier to get in the LVN program with a lower GPA...so if you continue to struggle with your grades, suggest going the LVN route. Then get a job for awhile and come back to school for RN later. Having some hands on experience under your belt will make a difference in passing the RN part.

Good luck!

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More to learn, How bad do the W's weigh you down? Right now I have a 3.8 overall GPA, A's in Micro and Anatomy, right now taking physio. But i have 1 W. What do you think?

Janice

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I started in summer 07, I finished my pre-req 3 years, but i have C for english 1A that what kill me, all of classes i had B or A.I had w for chem 2a and esl33a. RN program won't considered at all for other pre-req. They care more about English 1A grade than anything elese. I applied RN last semester, i didn't get in. sad for me.

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