nmdupre

Hope you have done some research and found some answers since you first posted. I have been doing a TON of research on this matter as I am trying to decide what I should do as well. I'm 22 and have 3 years of college coursework, but still have about a year left. Unfortunately, due to increased cost (this school considers me out of state and tuition this year is 54K...yeah, you heard that right.) I cannot finish this year and have to wait until winter 2013 in order to be considered in-state and finish my non-nursing related degree. So I have no degree and no nursing pre-reqs. So since I have to wait a year to get my BS, I figure I should see if I can do an LVN program which would give me almost all my pre-reqs for PA school and give me experience. In order to apply for a PA program, you have to have: +a BA/BS in any field..there is no preference. +program specific pre-reqs (similar to those needed for nursing) +anywhere from 300hrs to 4 years of patient-care experience. There are very few Bachelors PA programs left as most jobs require a Master's degree now. And I think there may even be a few Associates PA programs left, but I would NOT recommend doing that as you would never get hired. So here are a couple options for you: 1. Apply for a Bachelors PA program, then get an MPH (you just need a masters degree for work, it doesn't have to be PA since you would already have your bachelors in it) 2. Get a BA or BS in any field, then apply for a Master's PA program 3. Apply for a BS/MS 5 year program. I don't know how many of these exist, but I know there is one on the east coast if you are willing to relocate. This would be the fastest of your options. You are only 20, so you have time!

Have you thought about becoming a PA (Physician's Assistant)? Its very similar to an NP, just different practice modalities. You can finish your bachelors then go on to a PA master's program. They don't care what you Bachelor's is in. All you need is some pre-reqs...which it sounds like you've already done, and some patient care experience. Competition is just as stiff as for nursing school, but it isn't uncommon to get in with a not so stellar GPA. I'm in a similar situation as you. Halfway through my college education I realized I wanted to be in healthcare. I might as well finish my bachelors (rather than waiting to get into an ADN program which could take years) and pre-reqs, then apply to a PA program. To my knowledge, PA programs seem easier to get into than entry level MSN. My thought process though, is that I want to get to my goal as quickly as possible. And getting into nursing school in California seems near impossible these days and I fear it will only get worse. My gpa is not so great either and I just don't see myself getting into an accelerated BSN program because they want to know you can handle it and a low GPA does not indicate you can. But I suppose a PA program might think the same thing I have a year and a half to raise that GPA though...so I guess we'll just have to see! Just something to think about. If you want to start working in healthcare as quickly as possible, think of alternative careers. If you only want to do nursing then just take it slow and try not to spend much money!

I just wanted to comment on the validity of a degree from JFKU. I know a few people who have attended/are attending this school. People who have gone to this school always tell me how much they love it. They have all gone on to get jobs or go into a masters program with a degree from this school. Class sizes are very small...typically below 20 students and all students must complete 2 years of college credits in order to attend. The students I'm talking about were in other programs: Psychology, Philosophy, and Legal Studies/Paralegal certificate. I guess the point I'm making, is that it isn't like a Kaplan or a Phoenix. Which I feel like has no validity as far as I'm concerned. And Universities often offer courses taught by Masters-level instructors. They obviously get paid less and are limited as to what they can teach. The ADN to MSN pathway at JFKU does work for people. I know a few people who have gone on to UCSF through this program. The degree that you obtain through this program is a B.A. in Health Sciences. It's not a B.S. because they don't have the facilities to offer lab courses, but if you have an ADN you've already taken those so it would be redundant for JFKU to offer them. There are people who get the B.A. in Health Sciences without having an ADN, but obviously they wouldn't be qualified for the pathway program to UCSF. I've heard (and this is pure heresay) that most of these types of students who graduate with this degree end up going to get their ADN. I don't know if they do it to go to UCSF or if they just desperately want to be a nurse. Just seems like a lot of money to spend on a bachelors just to end up going back for an associates. I've talked with the head of the program and asked if you could get a job with this program and she told me it is possible, but most students go on to get a graduate degree. I don't know. I'm wondering what you think about someone getting a B.A. in Health Sciences. Would graduate admissions programs laugh at that?

JFKU is accredited by WASC : http://www.jfku.edu/About-Us/Accreditation.html I'm trying to get in contact with the head of the admissions department at UCSF so that I can ask them how much weight is given to a graduate of JFKU. I'll keep you updated.

Hi All! I need help deciding on what to do. I'm so glad I found this forum. I am currently an undegraduate Senior studying Agriculture and Environmental Education (B.S.). I realized my passion for nursing at the end of spring quarter, but still want to finish out my bachelors program. I've looked into ABSN and MSN programs. I think that an MSN program would suit me best as I eventually want to be an FNP. I will still need to take a few pre-requistes before applying. I just got hired working for a non profit that helps developmentally disabled adults. I am a personal assistant to a woman who needs help with all her daily living activities (bathing, eating, going to the bathroom, etc...). I have two questions about my eligibility. 1) Unlike many people who I've read about applying for the ELMSN program, I will be fresh out of college with little experience. Will working for the personal assistant job for 2 years before I apply be enough experience to qualify me for this program? Or do I need hospital experience? 2) I've been reading a lot lately about new grads having difficulty finding jobs. If I do the ELMSN program (3 1/2- 4 years) will I be able to get a job after graduation as an NP with 630 hours experience (amount of clinical praticum in SMU ELMSN-FNP program)? *I should note that the programs I am aiming for will allow me to become an RN after 4 semesters and I could work part time to get more experience. What do you all think is my best option in reaching my goal of becoming an FNP based on my background. Thanks!