Puddin2day

Try again. Go to your local health food store, they vitamins that can help with memory and enhance brain function.

I just purchased a medical terminology book. I need to start studying. Thank you for your reply.

Here's what you need to know about the psych tech program. In the state of CA, a psych tech cannot use their training to get into an RN program. Only in two states (one of which is Montana and another state- forgot which one. I am going to go for my RN, whether or not I go for the CNA/HHA or go back to working in corporate. Why are you scared?

Na-Na, I have looked into other LVN programs in the area but they are by private schools. It is easy for me to get to one of these schools just by taking a couple of tests. The problem with these privately ran schools is they are so darn expensive (30 K and up) and all loans (make too much money for pell grant). I don't have a problem investing in my future, but taking that amount in loans just for a certificate is too much.

Knowing medical terminology is very important. The requirements to get in RN School is a lot different than those of LVN CAD (Community Adult District) school. It is not right that they (the LVN school) warned us of what to study (handbook, dress code and A & P modules) but not medical terminology. I am sorry but I do not agree with you but I respect your opinion.

I did not make it into the LVN program at Hacienda La Puente CAD School again. I was so disappointed not only in myself but the entire process itself. During the Pre-LVN class the school administration added two additional tests (one was medical terminology and the other was questions on a nursing essay). There was no indication regarding the medical terminology. Also, they reduced the time allotted to complete all of the tests from 25 mins to 15 mins and raised the entry score from 83 to 93. So after a good cry, I am at a crossroads. Should I use the WIA funds to get my CNA/HHA training and work as a CNA and go back for my RN or should I return to the corporate world and still pursue my RN? Any insight would be appreciated.

I think you should not change a thing.

Congratulations on your acceptance. You will very well and I wish you all the luck in the world. I will try harder next time.

Thank you, Dezmijia. I think not only was I not prepared as I should have been, the competition was steep. Admission was based on a points system. So besides the test scores, people got extra points if they could prove they had extra training/work experience(s) in a certain field, licenses, college degree(s).

Hi Innocent Namondwe, It is done this way (for this program) because the program is highly regarded (at least in Southern CA) and is inexpensive in price. I am going to try for the class that is starting in June 2013 (unless there is any more gliches in the works). I just have to re-think on how I would approach the pre-selection process. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

The pre-LVN class is part of the selection (or elimination) process to enter into the LVN program. The Pre-LVN class does not include dosage calculations, mircrobiology and A&P. As far as the assessment test is concerned, I scored 12 grade and higher in all subjects (7 in all) across the board. This is the only reason why I was invited to participate in the Pre-LVN course in the first place. The reason why I am pursuing the LVN instead of my RN is because I am currently unemployed and have obtained WIA funds (for training only). I figured that I would get my LVN and then bridge over to RN. I know that it sounds crazy and drawn out, but I am thinking about my current situation. If you have any suggestions on how I can approach this differently, I am open to any new suggestions. Thank you for responding to my post.

Hi Mz.snuggly, No, it is not the only school with an LVN program, but it is the only one where I have one foot in the door (passed the assessment test with flying colors). I have learned from my mistakes and thought about what I would do differently if given the opportunity again (next Pre-LVN class in May 2013). Thank you for your support and words of encouragement.

LCinTraining, It is interesting that you would mention that about the pay of people in the psych field. I have befriended an educator on Facebook and she did some research and reported back to me. While it is true that a psych tech can bridge over to ASN for RN, that can only happen in Arkansas and Colorado. I live in California! So long story short, I would be stuck in that field. I have decided to pursue the LVN program again in June 2013. I have thought about all of the things that I would do differently if given the opportunity again.

Hi RNmama999, The program that I was trying to get into is the most highly regarded LVN program in Southern CA. Any student that graduate from this program is employed quickly. This program has over 1,000 applicants each term. First, there is the assessment exam. Applicants must score a 12th grade level or higher. Applicants that score 12 grade or higher are then invited to the Pre-Lvn Course. This course costs $25.00 and the 30 highest scores are picked for the actual LVN program. The two tier selection process is like this to weed out the top candidates. I have good test taking skills. It is not just test scores that determines who enters into the program.

I do look at this as a temporary setback. I have to take a step back, evaluate what I did wrong and think about how I can do better next time and /or explore other options such as the psych tech program or another LVN program.