cmami

No problem... Having a $73,000 debt after graduating would give me a sickening feeling too... Good Luck and maybe I'll see you in one of the Programs!

Hi Digxlina, I know the costs went up... When you request info on their site (by putting in your name, addr, ph, etc), it takes you to another page that says thank you for inquiring and there's a table that you can click thru that has each programs price.... Here it is: Fremont, Santa Clara, Sacramento Vocational Nurse Cost Program Price: $33,850 LVN to RN ADN Price: $38,850 That's what I see today. So if you go to your appointment, take and pass your TEAs test then they will present you with the costs and make it sound so simple... Keep in mind that even though there is demand for RNs... There's plenty of RNs who don't have a job still and they have BS or AA... So job outlook can fluctuate... If you aren't sure, ask yourself how you will pay the loan back if you dont get that RN job right away... My family works for various hospitals across the Bay Area, and they tell me that those that have BS or AAs have better chances of getting hired...That's why I'm sticking with my plan to just continue with trying to get in a real college... not an accelerated course. GOOD LUCK

I think that especially if you're route is CRNA you should try applying to a 4 year since you have to get your BA/BS first because then you'll have to go to get your Masters so you can get to your goal.

Hey Tela, No I didn't go to Unitek... I thought it's too much for the education. I mean there's other programs that seem to be much better as long as you put the effort. Look at my other posts above (2 from Dec 18) and I write about it. I just don't think it's worth it. I found some schools here in Hayward that looks like I'd be better off in. Are you going to Unitek?

Well as far as I know, there is still the LVN - RN programs as well as the LVN- BSN programs. Usually, it's always better to keep updated with the CA Board of RN (http://www.rn.ca.gov/ ) or the CA Board of LVN (http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/ ). Plus there are a lot of programs that are private that have more than enough funding from their extremely high tuition costs. The sites don't mention anything from what I've looked through inferring to any sort of Law for the LVN - RN bridge. Just continue with your schooling. Also, there has always been pre-reqs for LVNs going to the RN program (just the basic courses, which may have even been completed prior to LVN Program). You will most likely have less to complete than others in the RN program, depending on which school you go to. GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING:yelclap:

There is actually some programs under that $27,000 minimum that you thought... Nightingale Nursing is actually around $18,000-19,000 and in San Leandro. There are 2 Hayward nursing schools in Hayward that are 23,000-25,000. So go check them out... Where in the Bay are you? B/C these schools are in the East Bay where I am.

:welcome: TO THE SITE since you're new! Thanks Amanda! Honestly I started this post in hopes of not only getting new info, but hopefully combining all the info I gathered so someone else doesn't have to feel like me when I started researching. I wanted it to be a one stop shop =) I feel the same way about feeling like I wasted so much time...I mean technically, I should have graduated... I'm like in my 5th year... I'm 22 and having a child means I got to get my stuff together ASAP. My first 2/3 years of college I was in so many majors and took so many classes that are in so many fields, from business classes to Egyptian language to random writing classes to science classes for non science majors (oh the pain I felt knowing I needed to retake Chemistry for the Allied Health Field again and Bio.) I mean I have so many general ed classes that probably don't even help with my Nursing BSN for the future, so I know what you mean by wasting time... Plus I work Full Time. I only switched to Nursing b/c I know it's more reliable than Business and faster than becoming a Doctor, especially since my son was born last year. I mean to me it's like every Filipino is a Nurse, and I just didn't want to be part of it, but after my son, it seems like the most responsible choice to make for stability. If you like the campus at Unitek, then maybe you should check it out, but my experience was that they were very pushy. They get some nice commissions when you sign up. My guy just kept telling me "To be honest, You are basically giving up your life and will have no life during this program. Can you handle that?" (encouraging right?) I mean seriously? It's being realistic, but don't you want to say it just a little differently? I thought my guy was uninterested, fast, and a pushy salesman. I might as well have done this over the phone. Yes, WCC does offer Financial Aid and Grants, but keep in mind the total cost: Certificate in Vocational Nursing (67 weeks): tuition, $42,770; books, uniform and supplies, $1,676. (FALL 2009) That's from CollegeBoard... Here's the link: http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/CollegeDetail.jsp?collegeId=3858&profileId=2 just look at the last line in that long paragraph of programs and costs... So when you get a grant like the PELL GRANT, it's only about maybe $5,350 at most (depending on how/if you qualify and they sometimes distribute it on different times of the year i.e. Fall/Spring), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pell_Grant ] and there still will be a huge cost, unless you find an abundance of financial aid. I think the silliest thing is that most colleges don't provide their cost till you go to the school and "check it out" so they can hook you on their sales pitch. This should help avoid all that pressure first hand. It's the list of CA Eligible Training Program List from the CA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: http://etpl.edd.ca.gov/WiaEtplProg.asp?txtPgm=vocational&cboCnty=&txtCity=&cboDlvry=&cboCost=&cboFinclAid=&cboAccess=&cboAddtlServ=&btnSubmit=Submit&Pg=6 You can click on the previous pages to see the other colleges' LVN programs... when you click the links to each school it will show you if they allow Pell Grant and/or Financial Aid. It also gives some breakdowns of the program like costs, curriculum, description, when offered, etc. It's seems like a long road ahead, but you're one step closer than you think! Hope the above helps! I will send you my e-mail add. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!:christmasball:

Hi Tigerlily1910, I know it would seem like I am in the program or went there, but I'm haven't been. I was going to go, but I am feeling a little reluctant. I took the entrance test, and took a tour of the school...and all that I needed to do was sign up and get that LOAN. I've also done A LOT of research because I wanted to make sure that this huge commitment to debt would be for the best. I mean it's a LOT OF MONEY to give up for 8 months + 11 months is like $40,000 or just a little under it for EACH program so it's like $80,000 debt. Not to put down those that have finished the program, you guys are real troopers. It's just a lot for me. I've researched a bunch of programs from WCC to AP Nursing to NCP. I mean they all have their various costs, and it's lower than UNITEK. I've looked up at all the UNITEK related threads as well as threads and posts for all the bay area nursing schools that was near me. Overall, I would say to check out other schools, and if worse comes to worse, go to UNITEK...If you have no other options... I know the lottery system at the colleges here suck. Some I've known got in the first app...or if someone dropped when the class started... others waiting 3+ years strong... There are other private schools and programs, it's all about how you can deal with the staff, people, lack of interested teachers, and can you finish the program, even if you have to study a whole bunch of hours on your own... Because I would hate to be enroll into the program and put my credit at risk and then drop out/fail out the program and now owe this huge debt still. I'm not sure where you live, but I'm from the Bay Area around the San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland area. So the Fremont Unitek isn't that far, it's as if you're going to Ohlone College. There are also those other schools I've mentioned above. They aren't as pricey as Unitek (EXCEPT Western Career College) though still will cut a deep hole in your pockets. I think that it really helped me to slow down and do my research. I'm finishing my prereqs for the program, and will try the lottery system. If I don't get in, I will try one of the programs. It seems like a long process, but I hope that the info helps you in your goal to become a nurse! And also THANKS for the post, and I've added you as a friend so just let me know what you decided or if you find some new information!!! Good Luck with everything and God Bless.

What state do you live in? I was just curious because I'm in CA. I am working towards becoming an RN and if I don't get into the program for Fall 2010, then I will go into the message therapy program so at least I can start on one thing instead of waiting for the silly lottery system or wasting so much money on private nursing schools.

justhope, Is the ISU program good even in CA?

You are most certainly right!!! I hate the lottery system. I had one friend who I believe is still waiting (about 4 years now) to get into the RN program anywhere around here. Yeah, my cousin was lucky since her clinical was at kaiser and she went for an interview and she was the only one who applied for labor and delivery and she got it since everyone assumed it would be harder to get that position. I'm still lost. I'm taking pre-reqs still and I'm just trying to see what I can do to make it some how. But it is too much it's like $34,000 for the LVN program.... sigh. it's crazy, and my advisor keeps calling to get me started on the financial aspect so I can start on the next round of students, but it's soo much money...I don't want to be in debt like that. It's like a new luxury car. Not to mention the next $39,000 for the LVN RN program... it's too much.

THANKS FOR THAT... I really needed that sense of optimism because my advisor who will remain nameless... is really discouraging.... how the heck does that person still have that job when they are so rude-mannered and don't even care... I mean you get paid to recruit... They're lucky I'm one of those people who already did research and had my mind set I would attend, regardless of the person who was presenting this school in such a hurried manner.

Sorry iicheninii, I didn't go to that school. Well I haven't yet... I plan to probably some time this year. I just had a lot of info from reading other posts which is why I made my own... since some are older and I want to see some other's ideas if they're out here. Thanks FEAR and yoyoyoyo for answering and clarifying it. I still will probably go since I am not sure about the lottery system at chabot or ohlone... and I CAN'T MOVE... so that's that I guess. Well good luck yoyoyoyo on that program and job hunt. Good luck FEAR on completing the program. I hope I can just find a way to make it work where I will be able to put the extra studying...

If all we do is wipe a**es for clinicals then it shouldn't be too hard because I finish a CNA training last year. It's not pretty but just make sure you have extra gloves b/c if we have different clinicals, some may not have gloves like the place I went to in Oakland... ugh... they say if you go to this nursing home you can work anywhere... gosh...anyways Hopefully we can get thru this.....and be nurses.

:omy: oh gosh... that really sucks... I'm so much more nervous now. Did you go to Sac or Fremont campus? Are you a nurse now or an LVN still? Have you been able to pay your loan back or has it been a struggle? Did they help you in finding your job? I know it's a lot to answer but I just want to be sure if I should ... I really would like to complete this asap... if I had more time, I'd stick to the lottery system...but I dont...

Oh I see.... I guess it's different for us here near Fremont. They have one for July then the next October... I guess like every 3 months...Good luck with it. I'm still seeing if I want to go... I'm so nervous b/c of the big commitment but I would love to finish so I can be here for my family...

hey MissIndependent89, did you get approved for the loan? The advisor I met with said we need "excellent" credit. Also, when are you starting your LVN program? I'm trying to see if I'm going to join the July class.

congrats and good luck on your career!!!:cheers:I hope I can pass too when I take it!

hi i'm interested in applying to the expensive private school unitek college in fremont, ca. i am trying to get to closer to becoming an rn much quicker because i would like to be done with school while my son is young. i have read other topics, and have been looking into other's opinion. i would just like to see if there are any recent graduates of the 2-stage adn (which includes lvn & lvn to rn) i know it's a lot of work and study compressed into 11 months lvn, 3 weeks pre-req, and 8 months for lvn to rn. but i want to get your opinion of you experience, and was it worth it? i am most likely going to see if i can attend, but i just want a reassurance that there are people who have done well. i read on the bvnpt http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/education/vn_stats.asp (for lvn pass rate): unitek college (fremont)--2005 (75%) --2006 (74%) --2007 (72%) -western career in sl did slightly better...but nothing outstanding. then on the brn (for nclex rn pass rates): unitek college (fremont)--2007/2008 (69.44%) of the 36 ppl that took it passed... those of you that passed (good job ) and hopefully those that didn't have already gotten a chance to retake it and pass. i just want someone to let me know that there is a good chance of passing. oh and one post i read said that the teachers may change the days to weekends for classes? and that they have different places they do clinicals...where are some places so i am prepared for this? is there anything else i need to know before i apply? also, have you started repaying your loan? is it really a lot monthly? i mean i could be done with the program and be a rn and have a to repay a $76,000 consolidated loan from 2 stage adn over 10-15 years.... gosh... it sounds like sooooo much. well it is.... but i hope it's truly worth it..... i heard that one of the hospitals may not be doing the loan forgiveness for much longer... but i'm not for sure sure...i just want to get a real perspective on it... the only options i have is either waiting on lottery system at chabot, ohlone, sfsu, csu east bay, etc... or paying a huge amount of money to get in and out and on with my life and be in debt for a minute... i just want the pros and cons for all this.... if you have an opinion about anything i said here, please do tell!!!:plsebeg: i would like a better perspective on what i am really getting myself into... i know it's long but if you can help... it would truly be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thankya: