I'm hoping someone can offer some advice as I am completely baffled by all the different nursing options available here.
I am Scottish, I'm now a resident here in CA and I want to train to become an RN.
I'm looking at LVN/LPN courses at private colleges - these seem expensive but thought it would be a good idea as I'd be able to start working after one year but I see now that this is not the case at all as LVN/LPN jobs are scarce here in SoCal.
So... Is the best thing to do (with regard to time and money)... the LPN/LVN course at private school then transfer to an RN course *OR* is it better to apply for an RN course (for example Pierce's ADN) and take all of the pre-requisite classes?
I graduated high school 1996, so I would have to complete all of the pre-req classes before joining an RN course - does anyone have any idea how long this might take? And where can I take these classes?
Also... does anyone know approximately how long a 'bridge' course LPN to RN might take and cost?
So I noticed you mentioned Pierce....I currently attend Mission which is part of LACCD (LA Community College District) which Pierce is also a part of. I am currently working on my pre reqs which is going to take me about a year and a half. I did this by going full time and taking summer and winter courses. After my pre reqs are done I am going to apply to the Pierce, Valley College, College of the Canyons, and Moorpark programs. I have heard most of these are hard to get into as most do it by lottery and therefore it can be just luck. For me community college is way cheaper but I am a California resident so it is only $26 a unit. I am not sure if you are considered a Calirfornia resident or not but if you are it should be much cheaper to go the Community college route if so.
SoCalCrystal, CNA
137 Posts
So I noticed you mentioned Pierce....I currently attend Mission which is part of LACCD (LA Community College District) which Pierce is also a part of. I am currently working on my pre reqs which is going to take me about a year and a half. I did this by going full time and taking summer and winter courses. After my pre reqs are done I am going to apply to the Pierce, Valley College, College of the Canyons, and Moorpark programs. I have heard most of these are hard to get into as most do it by lottery and therefore it can be just luck. For me community college is way cheaper but I am a California resident so it is only $26 a unit. I am not sure if you are considered a Calirfornia resident or not but if you are it should be much cheaper to go the Community college route if so.