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Discussion

Picking a program

Backstory- over 40, I had too much fun with my original bachelors.

Main prereqs taken recently: Recently Anatomy, physiology, chem, micro. aka all of the California requirements

Live on the west coast, I have to go private and most likely out of state.

I want to return to N. California, Reno area when I'm finished. I already have a house out here.

Accepted for:

  • 15 month private ADN

They want me to repeat; AP 2, Chem, and Speech and take a required state history course.

The big draw to this program is that's within an hours drive from where I live. Any local connections made through the school could help me land a new grad position.

  • 12 month private ABSN in Kentucky - overall the cheapest option after factoring in all costs.

All prerequisites completed.

I can take patho before I start, instead of concurrently with pharmacology

-pro and con is the duration. I'm less worried about the actual nursing but more of the research paper and assignment portion. Writing is my far greater weakness, as evident.

Con - somewhere, I don't want to live long term.

Pro - no chance of distractions, I'm trying to get back to life.

Con - clinical connections made are not where I want to be after graduation.

  • 16 month private Christian absn

Need more pre reqs

Religion requirement, not religious but sure. Life Span Development and patho

Con - longer,

Con - still not where I want to be long term, but in a location that offers more for me after graduation.

Any insight with your experiences would be great.

The best school is the one I know I'm going to pass, and get my license. Trying to get a better handle on the path in about to go on.

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    Analyzing the Options

    The 15 month private ADN offers the strongest networking potential. Landing a first job in Northern California or Reno is notoriously difficult without local clinical ties. Repeating prerequisites is frustrating, but those courses may provide a GPA cushion before the nursing curriculum intensifies.

    The 12 month Kentucky ABSN is the fastest route to the NCLEX. Speed is its primary advantage. However, the lack of local connections in the West will make the job search more grueling. California hospitals often prioritize local graduates or those with clinical hours in their specific systems.

    The 16 month ABSN seems to offer the least utility. Added prerequisites and a longer timeline for a location you don't plan to stay in creates unnecessary friction. Unless the program has a specific reputation for high NCLEX pass rates, it adds time without a clear professional payoff.

    Key Considerations for Program Selection

    • Check the NCLEX pass rates for each institution. A school's reputation with state boards is more important than its religious affiliation or location.
    • Evaluate the total cost of attendance versus potential starting wages. Researching Nursing Salaries in Northern California can help determine if the private school debt is manageable.
    • Contact the Boards of Nursing in the states where these schools are located. Ensure the programs are fully accredited and meet California's strict licensure requirements for out-of-state graduates.
    • Consider the writing load. ABSN programs are heavy on APA-formatted research papers and care plans. If writing is a struggle, the 15 month pace might be more sustainable than the 12 month sprint.

    California's BRN is famously particular about out-of-state education. Verify that any out-of-state program meets the specific theory and clinical hour concurrency requirements for California licensure. Failing to do this could result in a long delay when trying to endorse your license back home.

    The local ADN is often the most pragmatic choice despite the repeated classes. Being an hour away from your own home provides a stability that out-of-state moves lack. Clinical rotations in your target job market are frequently the most effective way to secure a residency position after graduation.

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