Realistic time frame for nursing program: CCSF

frankiebaby · Feb 14, 2011

It is certainly possible to finish all of your pre-reqs and then have to wait two years to get into the program. In fact, if you get in after two years you should count yourself lucky! I graduated in December 2009 and had a classmate who applied to the lottery six times before getting in. I believe that most of my classmates applied three or four times - but this was back when they held the lottery twice per year.

Most of my classmates, and myself as well, applied to multiple programs in the Bay Area to cover our bases. If this is feasible for you, you should as well.

If you do find yourself waiting several years to get into a program, my advice to you would be to use your time to study another language! Spanish fluency would be very useful when you graduate in helping you to find a job. I'm sure that you've heard how hard it is out there for new grads to find RN jobs - especially in the Bay Area. My classmates who did happen to land a job either spoke Spanish or Cantonese, or had previous hospital experience.

Good luck to you!

wannabe an rn · Feb 16, 2011

With CCSF, there is no assurance of getting in no matter how many times you apply. I applied twice and didn't get in. Your best bet is to get on a wait list and apply to as many programs as you can in the interim.

Alice3 · May 3, 2011

Hello.

I see that you have received several replies and some good advice- here's my take as I finish my first year at CCSF RN program.

Finishing your pre-reqs in 1 year is almost impossible. I went full time including summer and it still took almost 2 years as you need to do the classes in order. I did med-chem and anatomy at the same time with a full class load and it was tough even only working part time. You can't take micro or physiology until you've taken med chem which rquires math and unless you have already been attending City College regularly for a few semesters your registration priority will be too low to get into the pre-reqs right away- it took me two semesters to get into med-chem to even get started! However, as I had an art degree previously I used the time to take the board of nursing requirements such as speech, soc, psych, Spanish and other biology courses.

The first year I applied they were taking applications only once per year and with 1000 applicatns+ for 50 spots... well... I did not get in on the first try. :yawn:

I dusted myself off and finished most of my BS requirements as I had now spent several years in school so had my UC transferable "IGETC" requirements mostly out of the way. I got in the second year I applied. :clown:

So... at the end of May I have one more year of clinical nursing program to finish up and I will have been in school for 5 years straight. I sure wish I had "won the lottery" the first time around but it was a useful year and when I finish the RN program I only have a few credits to finish for my BS in health science so I am on track for a Master's program within a year and change of graduation.

Now, in the meantime of course I considered every other program in a commutable distance including "pay to play" schools and here is the only piece of advice that I can give beyond telling you my own experience: careful how much you spend on a nursing degree! Some of these programs are going to cost 100K+ to get your RN and that is a crazy amount to pay off particularly as there are currently hiring freezes and it is likely you will have to go outside the bay area looking for work-- and the jobs in Tracy and Gilroy don't pay like SF jobs.

If you can work and take the classes and keep living life then wait for City College but keep a sharp eye on their website as they frequently change the rules- they are currently shuffling around staff and clinical spots and you want to be sure you do not only fulfill their requirements since it can be so hard to get in.

when I started I thought I would spend 2 years in school and walk out an RN with a lot of job offers, and it hasn't worked out that way. Its a great program and the price is right so good luck to you and always keep all your options open! Now back to studying for finals so I don't flunk out.

lexyrose · May 4, 2011

Hello.
I see that you have received several replies and some good advice- here's my take as I finish my first year at CCSF RN program.
Finishing your pre-reqs in 1 year is almost impossible. I went full time including summer and it still took almost 2 years as you need to do the classes in order. I did med-chem and anatomy at the same time with a full class load and it was tough even only working part time. You can't take micro or physiology until you've taken med chem which rquires math and unless you have already been attending City College regularly for a few semesters your registration priority will be too low to get into the pre-reqs right away- it took me two semesters to get into med-chem to even get started! However, as I had an art degree previously I used the time to take the board of nursing requirements such as speech, soc, psych, Spanish and other biology courses.
The first year I applied they were taking applications only once per year and with 1000 applicatns+ for 50 spots... well... I did not get in on the first try.
I dusted myself off and finished most of my BS requirements as I had now spent several years in school so had my UC transferable "IGETC" requirements mostly out of the way. I got in the second year I applied.
So... at the end of May I have one more year of clinical nursing program to finish up and I will have been in school for 5 years straight. I sure wish I had "won the lottery" the first time around but it was a useful year and when I finish the RN program I only have a few credits to finish for my BS in health science so I am on track for a Master's program within a year and change of graduation.
Now, in the meantime of course I considered every other program in a commutable distance including "pay to play" schools and here is the only piece of advice that I can give beyond telling you my own experience: careful how much you spend on a nursing degree! Some of these programs are going to cost 100K+ to get your RN and that is a crazy amount to pay off particularly as there are currently hiring freezes and it is likely you will have to go outside the bay area looking for work-- and the jobs in Tracy and Gilroy don't pay like SF jobs.
If you can work and take the classes and keep living life then wait for City College but keep a sharp eye on their website as they frequently change the rules- they are currently shuffling around staff and clinical spots and you want to be sure you do not only fulfill their requirements since it can be so hard to get in.
when I started I thought I would spend 2 years in school and walk out an RN with a lot of job offers, and it hasn't worked out that way. Its a great program and the price is right so good luck to you and always keep all your options open! Now back to studying for finals so I don't flunk out.

Congratulations on making it so far! Thanks so much for your input. I'm taking the very first step and taking the placement test this weekend. Before I got all this info, I figured I would quit my full time job, get financial aid and do the prereqs w/ a part time job somewhere. My job currently takes so much time and energy~ There's no way I'd be able to devote the focus i need to my studies. I know this for a fact.

I have such a long way it seems, before i'd even get to the pre reqs that i need though?

You gave me a lot to think about! Thanks again.

LyssC · Mar 14, 2012

Hi everyone, I have been reading through the various threads for CCSF and have come up with a couple questions for current CCSF nursing students.

1. How do you like the CCSF nursing program and curriculum thus far?

2. What number were you ranked in the lottery?

3. If you live in the city, where would you suggest living that is closest to CCSF ocean campus?

4. What is the process following the lottery results? Or how long did it take to notify you after the results were posted on the website?

I looked at the lottery results yesterday and saw my name ranked #69 out of 780 people. They said that they are taking 50 for Fall 2012 cohort and 50 for Spring 2013 cohort. My fingers are crossed that if I am accepted I get into the Spring cohort as I am currently finishing out my bachelor's degree in Health Administration.

Thanks for the info !

LyssC · Mar 14, 2012