Question about LPN-to-RN bridge programs in California

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2005

I've read on this site and others about bridge programs to help LPN/LVN's get their RN. I've also seen that most community colleges in California seem to offer these bridge programs as part of their ADN program.
However, most of the websites for the ADN programs say the bridge program is offered on a "space available" basis. Since every ADN program at a public school in California that I've heard of is impacted, does this mean that they don't take any bridge students?
Could someone with recent experience with this kind of program in California translate this into English for me?
Thanks,
Dave

Dave,

All the JCs have online sites where you can see their college catelogs and see what is required. In general, you have to have all the pre-requisites completed first before they will even let you into any nursing classes. So, you will need to be admitted as a student first and then work on these general education and required science classes. Usually, what they do is give you credit (by granting it or having you test out of) their basic nursing classes. Then you register for the other classes along with the other RN students. You have to contact the individual JCs to see how they are accomplishing this. You should be able to make an appointment to talk with a nursing program counselor even before you register for a class. But, be aware that the counselors are particularly busy in the few weeks before the start of each semester so the counselors will have more time to spend with you in mid-semester. You have to declare a major before you can even register for a class, so the nursing department will know that you are a potential RN student. You should also let the nursing department of the school know who you are and that you are looking to get into the bridge program so they are aware of when you will be ready to mainstream in with the other RN students. You can't just show up and say OK I'm ready to get into the RN classes. Let them know who you are way ahead of time. If you know the JC you would like to attend, get in touch with their nursing department and talk with them about how they specifically handle the bridge program at their school. The California JCs and the State Colleges have worked out these bridging programs so LVNs can get their ADNs and then move on into one of the State Colleges to complete their BSN if they wish. There are no deals here, Dave. They have a planned route you will need to take and there is not much room for negotiation. In general, you are going to become an Associate degree seeking student so you will have to fulfull the same requirements as all the other AA students do. The only thing you are going to be given a break on is the basic nursing classes.

Again, the only way you are going to find out what these colleges mean by "space available" is to contact the nursing department at one of these JCs directly and talk with them. Don't rely on gossip or what you've heard. Suck it up, put your fears on the back burner and call the college closest to you today. And, in case you didn't know, as a California resident you can attend any one of the state JCs, not just the one around the corner from you. So, if you are inclinded to shop around or can move to get into a JC you think you'll like better, go for it. If you are serious about being an RN they will see it as you complete the requirements and they follow your progress. You will get a place. It will take you some time to get all the pre-reqs out of the way, so your name will be on their list for some time and at the top of it by the time you are ready to mainstream in.

Good luck and go for it, kiddo.

BladderCancerSxMgt · Aug 11, 2005

Thanks very much! :)

I also found one cc here (Gavilan College) where they ONLY admit LVNs. There are about 9 cc's in the counties surrounding me, so I figure if I do the LVN and then apply to all 9, I'm bound to get into one. Even if it's Gavilan, which is 80 (!) miles away one-way.

Cheers,

Dave

Dave,
All the JCs have online sites where you can see their college catelogs and see what is required. In general, you have to have all the pre-requisites completed first before they will even let you into any nursing classes. So, you will need to be admitted as a student first and then work on these general education and required science classes. Usually, what they do is give you credit (by granting it or having you test out of) their basic nursing classes. Then you register for the other classes along with the other RN students. You have to contact the individual JCs to see how they are accomplishing this. You should be able to make an appointment to talk with a nursing program counselor even before you register for a class. But, be aware that the counselors are particularly busy in the few weeks before the start of each semester so the counselors will have more time to spend with you in mid-semester. You have to declare a major before you can even register for a class, so the nursing department will know that you are a potential RN student. You should also let the nursing department of the school know who you are and that you are looking to get into the bridge program so they are aware of when you will be ready to mainstream in with the other RN students. You can't just show up and say OK I'm ready to get into the RN classes. Let them know who you are way ahead of time. If you know the JC you would like to attend, get in touch with their nursing department and talk with them about how they specifically handle the bridge program at their school. The California JCs and the State Colleges have worked out these bridging programs so LVNs can get their ADNs and then move on into one of the State Colleges to complete their BSN if they wish. There are no deals here, Dave. They have a planned route you will need to take and there is not much room for negotiation. In general, you are going to become an Associate degree seeking student so you will have to fulfull the same requirements as all the other AA students do. The only thing you are going to be given a break on is the basic nursing classes.
Again, the only way you are going to find out what these colleges mean by "space available" is to contact the nursing department at one of these JCs directly and talk with them. Don't rely on gossip or what you've heard. Suck it up, put your fears on the back burner and call the college closest to you today. And, in case you didn't know, as a California resident you can attend any one of the state JCs, not just the one around the corner from you. So, if you are inclinded to shop around or can move to get into a JC you think you'll like better, go for it. If you are serious about being an RN they will see it as you complete the requirements and they follow your progress. You will get a place. It will take you some time to get all the pre-reqs out of the way, so your name will be on their list for some time and at the top of it by the time you are ready to mainstream in.
Good luck and go for it, kiddo.