to all those researching LVN schools--here are my findings and opinons

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:wink2:Okay so I have worked as CNA in the passed and am finishing up a phlebotomy training program. I have also been researching my options for LVN schools and was looking at WCC(western career college), UNITEK(my first choice) and Gurnick (concord location) Pros for WCC they take government grants ETC but cost an arm leg and whatever else you can give them(they are all a chunk of change though). They have flexible schedules and are relatively quick as are all the others by comparison. UNITEK would have been my first choice as I was going to have the luxury of my parents financial support to focus solely on the 10 month VERY INTENSE program however was very shocked when I couldn't qualify for their only funding source(sally may) which is VERYSTRICT. I even tried with 6 different co-signers and to our suprise were all denied. I then visited GURNICK academy in Concord. Same set up as unitek in regards to funding however there program has day/eve classes and only 5 hours a day for those who want/need to work unlike UNITEK(very very very difficult to work) Also Gurnick does have some in house financing options unlike UNITEK and is approx 22K vs. 33k. Gurnick is also BART ACCESSIBLE. Hmm what else. UNITEK is beautiful. the others ok. in the end though I know its what I choose to make of it. All the marble floors and new computers UNITEK has can be overlooked as long as I can get the same information at Gurnick that I could at UNITEK. Anyone else looking into Gurnick Concord? I currently work full time as a Flight Attendant but want out of the airline industry and want to help people on a more self gratifying level. Also to those of you whom might be a few steps behind me and still gathering all your information. Don't be discouraged like I was and still kind of am by RN's(like my aunts) that you speak to regarding LVN intially vs. RN. Some just don't understand that the waiting lists are rediculous. Please email me if you have any questions about my findings thus far as I have also taken a few of their basic entrance tests. Don't worry I barely passed Algebra. I have just been told that I will really need to pay attention and work twice as hard in area of math that may prove more challenging for me than some of the others that are good in math. Good luck all in transition such as myself. Okay well I know my post was all jumbled--just typing what comes to mind.

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Wow thanks for posting this! I have been looking at LVN programs around the Bay Area too :) Do you know anything about American College of Nursing in Concord? I'm considering between that, WCC and Gurnick since they are the closest distance to me. All I know is that it's a 12-month program with classes M-Th, and it costs about $25k. Their next program starts on June 2nd, which I'm really tempted to sign up for..

About WCC - do you know how long their program is/cost/start of next class? I've emailed them through their website but no one has gotten back to me yet.

Thanks!!

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Thanks for posting all the info! I ultimately want to be an RN but am keeping my options open for LVN also. Getting into a program through the CC is almost next to impossible in Northern CA.

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Wow thanks for posting this! I have been looking at LVN programs around the Bay Area too :) Do you know anything about American College of Nursing in Concord? I'm considering between that, WCC and Gurnick since they are the closest distance to me. All I know is that it's a 12-month program with classes M-Th, and it costs about $25k. Their next program starts on June 2nd, which I'm really tempted to sign up for..

About WCC - do you know how long their program is/cost/start of next class? I've emailed them through their website but no one has gotten back to me yet.

Thanks!!

Hi

I'm unfamiliar with American College of Nursing.

For me Gurnick is the best bet. I base my decision on feedback I've gotten online good and bad, visiting the campus, location, cost and financing options.

WCC (don't quote me but I recall WCC well over $35K but that was including pre reqs that I would have needed to take) The good thing with WCC is they take state grants but then again their fee is so much. I'm signing the contract to hold my seat at Gurnick and Gurnick thus fas has been GREAT. They have been VERY VERY VERY flexible regarding funding. Hope this helps. Please email if you have any more questions. I'll be starting pre reqs on July 7 at Gurnick. Oh yeah pre reqs are three months only 2 days a week.

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hi..have you decided what your going to do? email me on your findings and or questions if any. I love hearing what other people are upto and thinking. My research has been very stressful but happy I finally have made a decision. take care and good luck either path you take.

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e-mailed you ;)

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:wink2:Okay so I have worked as CNA in the passed and am finishing up a phlebotomy training program. I have also been researching my options for LVN schools and was looking at WCC(western career college), UNITEK(my first choice) and Gurnick (concord location) Pros for WCC they take government grants ETC but cost an arm leg and whatever else you can give them(they are all a chunk of change though). They have flexible schedules and are relatively quick as are all the others by comparison. UNITEK would have been my first choice as I was going to have the luxury of my parents financial support to focus solely on the 10 month VERY INTENSE program however was very shocked when I couldn't qualify for their only funding source(sally may) which is VERYSTRICT. I even tried with 6 different co-signers and to our suprise were all denied. I then visited GURNICK academy in Concord. Same set up as unitek in regards to funding however there program has day/eve classes and only 5 hours a day for those who want/need to work unlike UNITEK(very very very difficult to work) Also Gurnick does have some in house financing options unlike UNITEK and is approx 22K vs. 33k. Gurnick is also BART ACCESSIBLE. Hmm what else. UNITEK is beautiful. the others ok. in the end though I know its what I choose to make of it. All the marble floors and new computers UNITEK has can be overlooked as long as I can get the same information at Gurnick that I could at UNITEK. Anyone else looking into Gurnick Concord? I currently work full time as a Flight Attendant but want out of the airline industry and want to help people on a more self gratifying level. Also to those of you whom might be a few steps behind me and still gathering all your information. Don't be discouraged like I was and still kind of am by RN's(like my aunts) that you speak to regarding LVN intially vs. RN. Some just don't understand that the waiting lists are rediculous. Please email me if you have any questions about my findings thus far as I have also taken a few of their basic entrance tests. Don't worry I barely passed Algebra. I have just been told that I will really need to pay attention and work twice as hard in area of math that may prove more challenging for me than some of the others that are good in math. Good luck all in transition such as myself. Okay well I know my post was all jumbled--just typing what comes to mind.

I know what you mean I have checked out private schools myself and they are so expensive so I am on my Community College's LVN wait list #44!!!! Hopefully they will accept the 45 students for Fall 2008!!!! I feel ya on the LVn vs. RN because like you have experienced & everyone else too the RN wait list is so ridiculous & I am barely passing Algebra right now:lol: & I have another Algebra class after this one ugh:dzed::sstrs::sstrs:!!!! That is one area I will need to really work on. I wish you luck, keep us posted ok!!!!

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Im a Unitek grad....be VERY wary of the fremont campus. Do lots of research, talk to the instructors that you would be in their class (they have 2 nursing classes, so make sure the admissions sales rep lets you talk to the one that you would be part of).....there are LOTS of problems with Unitek Fremont....just a warning.

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Hi, Did You Check Boston Reed. They Have In House Financing. No Credit Check(i Think) Just Scedule Payments, Every Three Months. Their Program In Martinez,ca Is A Fri,sat Class, And It Is Cheaper Than The Rest. It Also Has A Very High Pass Rate According To The Ca Board Of Vocational Nursing, I Think It Was 90 Or 100% Pass Rate In Martinez. Check It Out Bye

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35 THOUSAND? oh my gosh!! I guess I can count my blessings for being at a podunk town in South Carolina because my schooling is only like $4500 and the only requirement to get in was to pass the PAX exam before the class filled (they had to give the test about a dozen times to fill all the seats too because it was kinda tough and very few people studied)

If LPN school cost as much as it does for you all, I would not be able to do it. I don't care what my program is like as long as I pass my NCLEX at the end and can start my career as a nurse.

That being said, I'm generally wary of private schools after having a bad experience with University of Phoenix and a local private college in the Orlando Florida area (in IT industry stuff) I found they said what I wanted to hear and not the truth on a lot of things, and the classes were catered to keeping you there, much more than making sure you learn.

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Wow... if I do decided to attend Gurnick this year we might actually be classmates. cool!

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I'm looking into Gurnick's program and wanted to know which school you ended up going to. Also how did you finance it I don't qualify for financial aid and taking out such a large loan is a little scary.

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