slward

You can apply directly on their website.

I have not personally attended, but know a couple people who have. I wanted to attend, but with tuition over $100,000 it's not at all possible for me. It is a sister company of American Career College, so many of the policies and etc are the same. One RN I know graduated and she said she loved it! She said she recommends it, for those who can afford. The other person I knew was still an undergrad, but she was telling me about her experiences which included high stress (I'm sure they're ALL high stress, though) and multiple loans that need to be taken out each term. She said she had friends that didn't qualify for the next round of loans and had to drop out. That people had so many different loans and each family member co-signing on one loan or another for this school. Kind of sad. A racket.

What is a PCT? What is the pay like?

I applied. I didn't take any test (I know what you are talking about!), but I did receive a letter like 6 months later informing me that I was eligible to apply to open positions. It also listed one or two positions that were open and stated that I may apply for them, or if I choose not to, that I am still in the pool and they will inform me of openings as they come available. It also said that unless you specify, you are in their system for all regions. But I haven't received anything more from them. (I didn't apply to that position-too far away)

Depends on your school. American Career College is structured so that the first 2 terms (2 out of 4) coincide with CNA coursework, so all you need to do is apply to test once you have completed the second term. At American Career College, a person in the career center gives you all the paper work/signs off on it, or whatever. Many of my classmates did that so they could get part time jobs as CNAs during our last two terms of LVN school. Hope that helps! Good luck!

I certainly don't know your activity and strength level, but CNA and HHA are pretty physically demanding jobs! You are constantly moving and lifting your patient. Consider that... As far as the LVN market here in CA...I am an LVN (licensed 1 year) and have been having a terrible time finding a job. Most of my classmates are doing CNA work or home health (which is pretty much CNA work). Starting pay for any LVN job is $16/17, but I have lately been seeing LVN positions advertised at $10 and $13/hour!! Unimaginable if you (like me) now have $25000 in student loans to pay back and have wasted $7,000 in retirement savings just to pay rent. That said, if I hear one more friend/family/acquaintance say "but I heard nurses are in high demand", I'm going to scream!

Hi- Thinking about West Coast University BSN program, but it seems so much less intimidating than some others I've looked at. It is accredited, but is it too good to be true? Anyone gone to this school, or currently attending??

Hi Youcandoit! I'm sold on your book....but you didn't mention what it was! Thanks!

Not sure yet, still looking around. I live in Pasadena and I have a not-always-reliable car, so I need to take that into account. I'm thinking maybe Kaplan in North Hollywood for LVN (I don't think they offer RN) and a bridge program to follow. I've sought advice on these boards about that, but getting few responses.

I posted this a few days ago in the general student forum, but it occured to me advice from Calif nurses might be more practical to seek, not only because of our shared region, but because what constructive advice could I get from other students? I am looking into nursing as a second career. I am 29 and don't really want to spend the time to take a community college BSN or RN program because they seem too long. I have no community college credits and have only previous vocational schooling. I am concerned about the pre-requisits for Pasadena City College (my local community college, and a very reputable one), mostly because there are pre-requisits for all the pre-requisit classes! The biggest reason is that I have no means to support myself, except by working, so I can't be a full time student in a community college with 2 + years of pre-pre-requist, and pre-requisit classes followed by a 4 semester RN program. Moving with parents etc is not an option for me. I was planning on attending a vocational (LVN) course (any advice for schools in the Los Angeles area??) and immediately enrolling in a bridge program while I begin working. That seems like the most logical path for me, but I've read not all LVN programs are eligible for bridge program transfers. How does this work? Anyone else done this route? Also, I have always considered nursing school for various reasons, but have zero health care industry background. Any advice there would also be greatly appreciated!! Thanks guys for reading my post, and thank you so much in advance for any feedback positive or negative!!!

Are you looking for LVN or RN? I'd like to know about schools also. I am planning on enrolling (but more in Los Angeles), but haven't decided wether to do RN or LVN with a bridge. I hope you get some great responses!

Wow! Thank you, you guys!! I will check out the info straight away and let you know what happens!

I hope this isn't flagged as supposed to be posted on the pre-student forum because I wanted to get advice from current and former students. I am looking into nursing as a second career. I am 29 and don't really want to spend the time to take a community college BSN or RN program because they seem too long. I have no community college credits and have only previous vocational schooling. I am concerned about the pre-requisits for Pasadena City College (my local community college, and a very reputable one), mostly because there are pre-requisits for all the pre-requisit classes! The biggest reason is that I have no means to support myself, except by working, so I can't be a full time student in a community college with 2 + years of pre-pre-requist, and pre-requisit classes followed by a 4 semester RN program. Moving with parents etc is not an option for me. I was planning on attending a vocational (LVN) course (any advice for schools in the Los Angeles area??) and immediately enrolling in a bridge program while I begin working. That seems like the most logical path for me, but I've read not all LVN programs are eligible for bridge program transfers. How does this work? Anyone else done this route? Also, I have always considered nursing school for various reasons, but have zero health care industry background. Any advice there would also be greatly appreciated!! Thanks guys for reading my post, and thank you so much in advance for any feedback positive or negative!!!