Jorge Salazar

I'm a pre-nursing student from San Diego, CA. I am writing this post because I would like nursing school suggestions preferably around California and public. Currently, my academic process is taking the last class to obtain my CSU certification. I speak fluent Spanish (will get certification for being a native speaker.) I currently posses a GPA of 3.3 on my science courses, which are anatomy, physiology, and Microbiology. I have around 3.6 if we count intro to organic Chemistry, psychology (general and lifespan one), statistics. Life happened and I was a bit careless during my pre-nursing classes. This led me to obtain a F and W in Anatomy and Microbiology. I recently retook these courses and obtained an A on both (kept the C on physiology.) I was denied at National University for nursing school with result of 80.7% on my TEAS exam. While I work as a Clinical Medical Assistant, I have been looking into possible alternatives around California (even some out state). My tries at the moment will be Cal State East Bay, Southwestern College, Riverside City College, Pasadena City College, CSU Bakersfield, among a few others (still doing research.) I chose these ones because they seem to accommodate with my student stats. In addition, I am sending a form to reactivate my CNA, which expired because I never worked. I am expecting to just retake the test to be re-certified. I will probably obtain a total 1000 hours of healthcare experience as a CCMA by late October. As well, I will try to apply to Azusa Pacific University but this will be my last resource. Riverside looks promising, but I am not sure until I apply. The situation with the COVID-19 is affecting pre-nursing students and non-nursing students trying to apply any place! As well, It feels like every year is tougher to get into nursing school, as I see some very outdated posts and school requirements. I will appreciate if anyone from California that is trying to applied, was accepted, or knows someone who got in nursing school, shares the experiences. Thank you! Best, Jorge S.- CCMA

Thank you! I am certain now that I can aim for that A. As I gave my best efforts for the other two recently. I just learned the hard way that school and grades are very important. And here I am right now.

That is a good option as well. You see, my main goal is to become a NP. I also thought becoming a physician assistant (that is why this is a good idea.) But, I just realized that the RN pathway was better because I already have the prerequisites and I am a caring person. I truly love to be a CCMA, but their scope of practice is really limited. I will try to apply to nursing schools, if no luck, I will take this in consideration. Thank you

That is actually a great idea. I will try to reach counselors for more info. I bet they now more about the stats of who gets in into the program. The only inconvenience is the distance if I try to contact one far from San Diego. I’ll write some emails and make calls to figure out how to talk to one. Maybe an appointment with one over the phone would be one option. Thanks!

That is exactly what I thought. But I am really hesitating by the fact that some programs either don’t allow more than 1 repetition or subtract points from their admission criteria. In fact, I’m already struggling because some places count that W as a repeat. A good thing is that some programs include in their science portion Chemistry and stats. I have A on both, so that boosts up my GPA.