So-Cal Folks, pls. help me decide which school

Published

Specializes in ED.

Hi everyone-

I'm new to these boards and am in the fortunate position to need to decide between several schools. I'm starting school in the Spring for my ADN.

I live w/in 15 minutes of three schools

LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health

Pasadena City College

Glendale Community College

I live an hour plus to Long Beach City College. All of these schools have comparable NCLEX pass rates. However, only Pasadena and Long Beach are NLNAC accredited. All of the programs are BRN accredited.

I have my bachelor's degree already and was annoyed to be asked to repeat some of those classes by the administration of some of the junior colleges, so I'm not all that interested in finding out that in 5 years if I want to get my masters, my nursing degree is not recognized because of an accreditation issue.

I've searched through the threads to read about NLN vs. BRN, I've called a few schools this week to inquire about it, and I feel I'm getting conflicting information. Less than half of the schools have the NLN.

Would it be worth it to go to a school that is a logistical nightmare (long beach) to attend because of traffic etc. over the school that is close and JUST CA BRN accredited?

Bh the way, I do not plan on stayin in California forever. Also, I'm doing a mid-life career change and while it's unlikely that I'll pursue graduate work, I don't want to unnecessarily close a door to myself.

Thanks in advance for your insights.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Vivasmom,

I sent you a PM as well, but then I thought that I should look up your post to reply to that.

I'm assuming that you are applying to the Pasadena Accelerated RN program? It looks from their website like their Spring application period doesn't end until November 9th, there is still a chance that you could be accepted there.

As far as LA County College, I don't know much about that school.

Glendale looked like their application period ended in August? I'm not sure.

Have you tried calling these schools and asking their nursing department when letters will be sent? They have to send you a letter if you are not accepted, but they usually follow the accepted letters by about a week.

Both Pasadena and Glendale look like they have great programs too. I just don't know about the LA one. To help you decide, does LA cost more than the community colleges? Is money a concern?

Of course Pasadena has the NLNAC accreditation, so if they accept you, I think that would be your best choice for location and transfer of credits if you choose to pursue your masters degree in nursing.

Good luck in whichever you choose. I'm sure you really don't want to drive to LB, but if that is where you end up, I'm sure it will work out for you. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am very familiar with all three programs, not with Long Beach. I attend Pasadena & am a big fan of their program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For excellence in education and professors and instructors exemplifying kindness toward students, patients, and each other I know Glendale Community College is supurb.

I know a fine RN graduate of LA County. Pasadena has a good reputation.

I just know from the students zI work with and graduates who are excellent nurses that my top choices would be Glendale and Mount St. Mary's.

And Glendale is much less expensive.

PS: Mount St. Mary's accelerated program for those with a previous degree is the quickest was to a great nursing aducation IF you don't have to work while in school and can borrow and/or afford the tuition.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

I appreciate your input.

My hesitation regarding Glendale, County and Mt. St. Mary's, is that they are NOT NLNAC accredited. I am getting very conflicting information about the importance of this. I don't want to close any future doors to a Master's if I end up wanting to get one. What do you think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

There are a few past threads discussing NLN v. CCNE accreditation, I've pasted the link to one of the more lengthy discussions below. Just more information or opinions.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f17/ccne-vs-nln-accreditation-76354.html

Also, if in the end you've earned your BSN (whether NLN or CCNE accredited) and are a licensed, practicing RN, how could any Master's program deny you admission based on the lack of one accreditation or another and not recognize the fact that you are a practicing nurse? (Just a thinking out loud type question.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.
There are a few past threads discussing NLN v. CCNE accreditation, I've pasted the link to one of the more lengthy discussions below. Just more information or opinions.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f17/ccne-vs-nln-accreditation-76354.html

Also, if in the end you've earned your BSN (whether NLN or CCNE accredited) and are a licensed, practicing RN, how could any Master's program deny you admission based on the lack of one accreditation or another and not recognize the fact that you are a practicing nurse? (Just a thinking out loud type question.)

The thing is NLN vs. CCNE only applies to BSN and higher programs. The programs I'm applying to are ADN programs and are accredited by the state BRN AND NLNAC or just the State BRN.

I have my BA and am doing a mid-career change to nursing. Getting my R.N. through an AA program is the most direct route for me. So, THein lies my problem. IF, I want to do more school down the road, and that is a big if, am I making a poor choice by attending a school that is NOT NLNAC but just CA BRN.

I've been accepted to a NLNAC program but it is VERY far from my house. THere are 3 CA BRN programs withinh 15 minutes of my house. So I REALLY want to convince myself that the NLNAC is not that big of a deal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.

I don't think accredidation is an issue when applying to an ADN program, just make sure for your BSN the program is accredited. Go to the school(assuming academic equivalence) that is most convienent for you. A nursing program requires 24/7 commitment, don't drive any farther than you have to. All three of your choices are excellent, like trauma :La County,

Pasadena : best traffic wise, Glendale : good clinical sites. Now, have you applied to all three, it's tough even for 4.0 students to get into these schools. Good luck.

I would go with Glendale, especially after viewing the post from Space Nurse!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I abandoned my application to LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health when they wanted me to repeat general micro because it had been more than 5 years since I had taken it, even though I had been a microbiology major and general micro had been followed by several micro classes, including medical microbiology. Other than that negative experience myself and some hearsay negative comments about the school, I don't know too much about it. I would agree that Pasadena and Glendale have good reputations in the area.

Definitely apply to more than one program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, CCU, SICU, MICU.

I'm looking into LA County, those of you who are familiar with the program could you share some info???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.

Remember that the requirement that your sciences be within the last 5 years is a universal one. LA County has a great program and the clinical experience you get is unsurpassed! It is very hard work, the acuity level of your patients is very high, but when you finish you'll never have to worry about getting a job. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I could not agree with dijaqrn more. Two friends of mine attended the county. Both have an exceptional education and will never have an issue finding a job. Yes, the county is not the only program out there, but it is exceptional. I attended Pasadena & am a big fan of their program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion