Single Mom looking for good LVN school

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Hi, I'm new to this site, I'm really glad I found it. I'm going through a divorce and have a 3 1/2 yr old daughter. We live in the Valley of Los Angeles. I am frustrated because I never had any career training before and now I am going through a divorce with a small child and don't even see how I'm going to afford the tuition.

Nursing is something I've wanted to do for a LONG time, I just never pursued it because I lived in Europe with my husband and knew the training there wouldn't help me here, besides he had a very good paying job and didn't see that I would ever leave. ANYWAYS, my point being is I am looking for a good, reputable LVN school where I can get my certificate in about a year. I've looked into my local cc's and it's like trying to get into the FBI or something plus it will take YEARS before I can even sit for the exam, so I've decided a one year school is best. I know it costs a lot more, but I can't afford to live like this too much longer. I plan on using my financial aid, but I know that won't cover everything. So there are so many schools like Casa Loma, Concorde, Maric, etc, none of them want to tell you the tuition or length of program on the phone, they want to drag you in so they can pressure sell you.

After some pressuring on them, I got the jist, it's around 25k!! Wow!!! I had to get some water after hearing that, but then again I don't want to be struggling 3, 4 years from now with my little girl.

Does anyone have advice on the best, "most" affordable one year college in L.A? Preferably in the San Fernando Valley. Also I'd like to connect with any other single moms, maybe we can help each other out with babysitting etc.

Thanks!!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I attended Casa Loma College, which is located in Van Nuys. The tuition was very expensive.

The only affordable LVN programs tend to be at community colleges and adult education schools that are in the greater Los Angeles area.

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Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.

There is a public adult school in the Valley with an excellent reputation. I have friends that went there. Wait was less than a year. Do you have any clerical skills? If so take a med terminology class at any college or adult school and apply for a job with LA County. Pay is close to LVN and after a year you can apply to nursing school thru them for free; no other waiting lists. The county also pays 100% health care for the family. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. None of those schools are worth $10,000 debt!!!!!!!!!!!!!:balloons:

Go to human resources at Olive View in Sylmar and look through the clerical jobs, for the county you must meet the qualifications exactly.

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I know that you said you wanted to stay in the LA area and that is definatly a long way from where I am but I just thought I would tell you about our school.

I am up in Susanville. We are about 2 hours from Oregon and 1 hour from Nevada. Our town is rather small, the population is only 17,000. Great little community though.

Our LVN program here starts in January and ends in December. You go for 15 weeks, one week off, 15 more weeks, one week off and then the last 15 weeks.

The application process is probably one of the easiest around. We all were finishing up our pre-reqs when we applied last October. There is no lottery system like you hear at other schools. It is just a first come first serve basis as long as your pre-reqs are done. They accept 30 students and 3 alternates. We had about 45 people in line but when the day for orientation came around only 30 people total showed up. Most of us did stay the night at the college so we could be there when the doors opened at 8. I know, that part sounds really weird. But it sure was worth it.

If you want any more info, just let me know. I would be more than happy to help you.

Marlana

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I know that you said you wanted to stay in the LA area and that is definatly a long way from where I am but I just thought I would tell you about our school.

I am up in Susanville. We are about 2 hours from Oregon and 1 hour from Nevada. Our town is rather small, the population is only 17,000. Great little community though.

Our LVN program here starts in January and ends in December. You go for 15 weeks, one week off, 15 more weeks, one week off and then the last 15 weeks.

The application process is probably one of the easiest around. We all were finishing up our pre-reqs when we applied last October. There is no lottery system like you hear at other schools. It is just a first come first serve basis as long as your pre-reqs are done. They accept 30 students and 3 alternates. We had about 45 people in line but when the day for orientation came around only 30 people total showed up. Most of us did stay the night at the college so we could be there when the doors opened at 8. I know, that part sounds really weird. But it sure was worth it.

If you want any more info, just let me know. I would be more than happy to help you.

Marlana

Thanks Marlana for that nice information, I don't have any pre reqs so I am looking for a private (most likely expensive too) school.:monkeydance:

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