Short Waiting Lists for CC

[KTBrown]

I'm a pre-nursing student looking for a community college option with a relatively shorter waiting list/points system. Right now, I live in Pitt County, but I grew up in Raleigh, and it seems like all of those programs have 2+ year waiting lists. I can move just about anywhere in the state for school and was wondering if anyone knew of any community college programs that are easier to get into. My grades are good, I just don't want to spend two years waiting to get into a program. Any ideas?

[leixlip]

Johnston CC in Smithfield does not use a waiting list, it is always merit based. Great NCLEX pass rate but you do have to be CNA 1 to be accepted.

[NurseKittyAtlanta]

I went to Vance-Granville, where there is no "waiting list" either. The selection process is based on merit. I applied and was accepted for the very next term.

A word of advice - make sure you have all of your requirements out of the way (required coursework/grades, standardized tests, physical exam, TB skin test, CPR certification, etc.). Often, missing even one of these things can disqualify you from being accepted to the program.

[momathoner09, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Actually, most of the schools(community colleges) in the Raleigh area (as well as Greensboro) do not go by a "waiting list," but by a points system. Unfortunately, each school is different and I had an awful time trying to figure it all out. I wound up having to move to charlotte b/c I finally got in here. I would recommend just starting to call every school and send them your transcript(s). Also set up a meeting with a nursing guidance counselor to find out your standing according to their criteria. Also most of the schools have mandatory "information sessions"; find out the dates of these b/c they only offer a 1 or 2 per semester. Good luck!

[UNCgirl]

Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington is also merit-based. They have a great clinical program and good pass rate on the NCLEX. I applied and got in for the following semester, though I ended up choosing to get a BSN. I had considered Durham Tech since I was in Chapel Hill at the time and wanted to stay in that area, but ran into the same waiting list problem there (2+ years to get in).

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

East Carolina University School of Nursing is now the largest nursing program in the state and is expanding enrollment each semester (eventual target: 150 students per semester). Many students find it easier to be accepted into a large BSN program, such as ECU-SON, rather than waiting YEARS to be admitted into one of the area community college nursing programs.

[TNUp2Jen]

Just graduated from VGCC in Henderson, just north of Raleigh. As NurseKitty stated, they accept applicants based on merit - you earn "points" for taking pre-req classes, living in a county of choice (four county area), working in the healthcare field, etc. I applied after being told I was on the wait list at Durham Tech. and that it might take two years to get in. At this point, I've graduated and STILL haven't heard my name called on D.Tech's list!

[TruDivaRN, BSN, RN]

I'm in my third semester at Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC. Last year was my first year applying for the program. The NEWH corsotium (sp?) Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, and Halifax CC do not have waiting lists. They also go by a point system.