Sacramento Nursing Schools?

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I am currently an esthetician and would like to get into the medical field. I've found that I'm more interested in helping those that need help with their skin than those that just want pampering. I have a bachelor degree in Psychology and am looking to get my RN. I would love to work with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, or maybe even in a burn victim unit.

Anyway, I wanted to know what the best schools in the Sacramento area are. I know AR has a program and CSUS. I also know UC Davis is going to have a new program starting in 2011. Does anyone have any insight as to if any of the schools are better than others? Does it matter much if I get an Associate degree or a Bachelor degree?

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I just started my search as well a few months ago. I have a BS from Sac State and wanted to go back to get my RN. From what I've found, private schools are the best way to go - you get in and out the fastest! Granted they are more expensive, but the wait list is so ridiculously long for public schools (both JC and CSU/UC). I've been reading alot of the threads here on this site and some people have been waiting for years to get into public school programs. Check out Samuel Merritt. That is where I'm planning on going! Hopefully I'll get into their ABRN program in Jan 2010. It's 12 months and your out. Do a search for Samuel Merritt on here and you'll get alot of good info. Let me know if you need anything else!

Monica

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I have thought about the private schools as well. I have my BS in Psychology and so I could do the accelerated BSN as well. Just thinking if it is worth the $50k. Perhaps it is.

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Yeah, I just graduated from UC Davis with my BS and am planning on continuing on into nursing as well. I've heard a lot of great things about Samuel Merritt too, so I'd definitely look into that. Their Sacramento program begins in the Spring semester (I think they just started), but if you're willing to move they have programs in the Bay area that begin in the Fall (that's where I've applied).

In addition to the ABSN they also have an ELMSN (entry level master's program) if you were interested in becoming a nurse practitioner. The ABSN is faster but if you wanted your master's the ELMSN might be worth checking out.

I'm not sure of any other accelerated BSN programs in the Sacramento area, but if you're in no hurry then you can definitely check out the community colleges and CSUS for the more traditional route.

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Specializes in ICU.
Granted they are more expensive, but the wait list is so ridiculously long for public schools (both JC and CSU/UC).

Monica

There is no wait list at CSU Sacramento. If you have great grades and test well, you can get in on your first try.

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Sacramento area schools:

CSU Sacramento (BSN, point system admission)

Samuel Merritt (BSN)

Sacramento City College (ADN, multiple programs, lottery and point system)

American River College (ADN, lottery)

Sierra College (ADN, lottery)

Yuba College (waitlist)

Solano Community College (waitlist)

Napa College (waitlist?)

Delta College (lottery?)

I think Sac City and CSU Sac's programs have the best reputation, but really, if you're determined to stay in the area, what it often comes down to is where you get in and how far you're willing to commute for class/clinicals.

Both ADN and BSN are RN degrees, and qualified for the same entry level positions. ADN and BSN get paid approximately equivalently initially. All other considerations being equal, a BSN would probably have preference in hiring or promotion over an ADN. A BSN has more mobility into management positions. BSN provides an easier pathway to advanced degrees, though there are ADN to MSN programs too. Most military nurse positions require a BSN.

ADN programs have a few less prerequisites, and some BSN programs are 1-2 semesters longer than ADN programs (CSU Sac's is currently 4 semesters, same as ADN programs).

So basically, it depends on your eventual career goals, the time and money you want to invest up front, and where you can get in.

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CSUS is probably the best. I'm trying to get in for spring 2012. It's all a point system, and they accept twice a year which is awesome :) If you can, go for a BSN. I keep hearing hospitals almost always want you to have a bachelor's degree. Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Moved to CA Nursing Programs Discussion forum for better response.

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