Sacramento Resident Wanting to Become RN

[jenniferhall09]

Hi, I have no medical experience. I joined the Army years ago to become a combat medic with the option to become an RN. I live in Sacramento, CA. I want to become an RN however, the junior college route is not something that peaks my interest due to the long wait and applicant pool. We have 2 big name vocational schools (Carrington and Kaplan) and 2 local school district schools that offer LVN programs. There is another voc school (Unitek) which I have never heard of. I am actually considering relocating in order to avoid the LVN route however, that would be an absolute last resort.

I would like to know the wisest route to go about obtaining my RN education. CSU Sacramento is not accepting applications for new students this upcoming year so that option is out. If there isn't a logical way to go about getting my Bachelors then I was thinking go for my LVN and then do a bridge program. What do you all think?

[mrsmoore213]

Hi, I have no medical experience. I joined the Army years ago to become a combat medic with the option to become an RN. I live in Sacramento, CA. I want to become an RN however, the junior college route is not something that peaks my interest due to the long wait and applicant pool. We have 2 big name vocational schools (Carrington and Kaplan) and 2 local school district schools that offer LVN programs. There is another voc school (Unitek) which I have never heard of. I am actually considering relocating in order to avoid the LVN route however, that would be an absolute last resort.

I would like to know the wisest route to go about obtaining my RN education. CSU Sacramento is not accepting applications for new students this upcoming year so that option is out. If there isn't a logical way to go about getting my Bachelors then I was thinking go for my LVN and then do a bridge program. What do you all think?

I didnt want the hassle of taking all those pre reqs and all that extra schooling just to "try" to get into the RN program so im taking the LVN program at Carrington then I'm goin back for my RN. Yes it pricey but the pass rate is good, and the time frame is good. I got right in, took my tests and passed them and there was no waiting list. They don't have a lottery and I didn't have to waste a year or 2 on pre reqs. The community college thing just isn't for me, I dont like the idea of taking all those pre reqs and hoping to get excepted into the nursing program. At least this way I can do my LVN in 16 months get a job take take maybe a semester of pre reqs for the RN program and then take the bridge at Carrington which is 8 months.

[vwgirl22]

BSN is highly recommended. If you read more on this forum, you will find new grad nurses are having a very difficult time finding jobs right now. Try to get into CSUS. I know they aren't accepting new students at this time but they will probably change that. It may take a while to get through the whole process (from admissions to getting into the program to graduating) but it will be worth it. I am suspect of vocational schools, the cost and degree obtained- I don't think those grads have a good chance competing with grads from CSU's and UC's. Also, get your CNA first and work as a CNA while you work on your education. This will help you get a job at the end of it all. Good luck!

[Peny]

I go to Unitek College and my sister graduated from their a few years ago. They don’t have a wait list and I think they may offer some type of benefits for you since you were in the army. They are a good group, and instructors are very helpful.