is there really a wait to get into an RN program?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 13, 2008

Moved to a forum where I think you will get more appropriate responses

Good luck

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jun 13, 2008

I don't know where you are in the US but the problem eiher in california is most of the RN programs are publicly funded and most of the community colleges are being encouraged by the chancellor of community colleges in CA to move to the lottery system which means anyone with the minimum entry requirements has the same chance as someone else. Seems fair if your an average student but unfair if you are at the top of your game.

If you can spend the dime to go private they can pick and choose based on their criteria

Jules A, MSN · Jun 13, 2008

In my state there isn't a wait list but the competition which is based on gpa and sometimes in-county residence for CCs is fierce. Even my LPN program had over 400 applicants for 40 spaces. Around here the BSN programs are much easier to get into but I didn't want to wait 4 years before I could work. Are you a LPN now? I got accepted into 3 LPN to RN bridge programs so that wasn't hard. Good luck.

vashtee, RN · Jun 13, 2008

I don't know where you live, but the wait list is considerably shorter for an LVN-RN bridge program than going straight for the RN at my school (also in California).

kcochrane · Jun 16, 2008

I don't know where you live, but the wait list is considerably shorter for an LVN-RN bridge program than going straight for the RN at my school (also in California).

Same here (upstate NYS MCC). As long as you have your pre-reqs done with a C or better, you have an excellent chance of getting in. It is still a point system based on grades and classes completed, but still easier than for those that aren't already nurses.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

The waiting lists here in the area of TX i live in and back home in OH are HORRIBLE! :no:

I opted for the private school route. it's a little bit pricey, but the school starts 4 times a year and NO WAIT LIST! :yeah: I figure i'll make the money back quicker if i can get in and get out of school vs. working as an LPN for the next 4 yrs (2 yrs wait list, 2 yrs school time combined) I figured the median salary of $60,000 yr looked WAY better than the $30,000 i make now! :eek: I'm only paying $17,000 for the entire program so that works for me... my mom paid $25,000 for her Respiratory Associates degree...yes very price but she also went from working for $28-30,000 a year to now two years later she makes $75,000- $80,000 so paying for a private school for her was worth it! I suggest looking into private schools, some are more priceier than others (AND CHECK the BON to make sure their pass rates are GOOD) but you may find it quicker and worth it as i did!

amjowens · Jun 21, 2008

Here in OH a lot of LPNs are wanting to get their RN because many hospitals are beginning to hire only RNs. The bridge programs are still with a shorter wait list, but the environment can change very quickly (as we have seen with the regular RN program-most schools are very competitive now).

Most nursing schools have clear requirements for acceptance, and maybe you'll get a few points (if the school accepts on a point system) for working as a nurse, but the schools I know have academic records as the main reason for acceptance or not.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jun 21, 2008

Natania are you in the high desert area as I've heard Antelope Valley College doesn't have a wait for the bridge. It might be worth me driving out from LA

beginning · Jun 22, 2008

Ensure that your grades are at least 3.4 or 3.5 and all pre-nursing courses - core courses - are completed - including Micro.