So Confused! Programs hard to get into

I would recommend applying everywhere you possibly can.

Both Linfield (Portland Campus) and University of Portland have accelerated programs for RN-to-be's who already have a previous Bachelor's degree in another field.

I just graduated from Linfield, and liked the program, and have heard good things about U of P as well.

Good luck!

Yes you do, at Linfield. It took me two years to get in, but many people did get in on the first try. It is hard when we all got together and some people were saying "it took me 5 years" and other were ashamed at their 1 time.

OHSU also offers an accelerated BSN.

The odds of getting into PCC are slim.

Personally, I'm afraid of the implications of the word "accelerated" for my health and happiness. But many do it!

You sound JUST like me!! I am 32, with kids aged 2 1/2 and 7 months and I have a bachelor's in communications! I am taking A&P 2 this fall to apply in January at PCC. I would try at Linfield but it's soooooo expensive! So is UP. I would try for the AEM up program at UP, but I don't know if we'll still be living in Portland 3 years from now.

There is no way around it, you will be waiting like everyone else. There are 6-8 applicants for every nursing class seat in Portland. Welcome to the world of wanna be nurse frustration. I suggest if you don't want to wait, choose another career.

I'm fully aware of the wait, and I am willing to do it. This is something I know for sure I want to do. I'm really not in a rush, but the sooner the better would be great!

I have heard some conflicting info about the lotteries, esp at PCC. A friend of mine worked with an advisor at PCC and was told that the higher GPA's get put into a smaller lottery and if you have a previous bachelor's you get into another smaller lottery. Kind of like, the more "credentials" you have the better your chances.

Whatever the case, I am going to apply and see what happens. I will keep taking support courses and I may look into the accelerated program at OHSU. The only problem is my bachelor's GPA is kind of weak. My GPA at PCC so far is 3.8.

I'm looking into Nursing as a second career, and am starting my pre-reqs at Portland Community College... they have a Nursing Lottery to enter the ASN program, so my questions are these:

1. Once I'm done with my pre-reqs in a year and apply to the ASN at the Comm. College, if I don't get in, what would you recommend I do?

Apply to everything. That is what I did. I was accepted to 4 local programs my first year.

2. Does anyone recommend going for a LPN diploma, work and do the LPN-RN bridge instead of sitting around waiting for entry into ASN? I think, an LPN takes 1 year, a RN takes 2 years and my BSN took 18 mo. (accelerated program). Most hospitals (At least OHSU and LHS, do not take LPNs but many function independently in geriatric facilities.)

3. Should I just bite the bullet and transfer my pre-reqs and get into University Nursing school and get a BSN... the only issue I have with this route is the time it takes to get a BSN. I have a Master's in Communication, and don't want to spend 3-4 years in school!! By the time you do your prerequ, it is usually 1 year, full-time (stats, 1 yr chem, 1 yr A&P, 1 psych class, 1 speech, etc...) at least 18 mo-2 years ASN/BSN.

We don't have an accelerated BSN program locally in Portland, OR, i think. I believe Linfield, OHSU, U of P. I did Linfield's accelerated BSN program. I was accepted to OHSU's accelerated BSN and accelerated CNM Midwifery program and Clark Community College ASN when I was going to nursing school. Hope that helps. I think that some new schools like George Fox and Concordia have started straight 4 year programs but I am unsure.

The PCC Lottery is anticipated to be over in 2009

REALLY??? The lottery might end? How did you find that out? I am hoping to apply in Jan for a Summer 2008 start but I know that's a big IF I get accepted.

Will they move to a more merit-based admittance?

REALLY??? The lottery might end? How did you find that out? I am hoping to apply in Jan for a Summer 2008 start but I know that's a big IF I get accepted.

Will they move to a more merit-based admittance?

PCC will be joining OCNE for the 2009 - 2010 Academic year... no more lottery.

Apply to as many schools as you can - putting all your hopes in one school gives you very poor odds. Did you apply to Clackamas, Mt. Hood, OHSU, Linfield, Clark, Concordia or UofP? Like mentioned earlier there are 6-8 applicants for every seat in Nursing school. PCC odds are worse because of the lottery.

I would look into ALL the Nursing Programs that you could possibly consider and gather as much pre-reqs as you can cover. I started pre-reqs in PCC with the intention of just going to PCC and then midway had to add more classes that would qualify me for the other schools/programs. In other words cast a wide net.

On your second question; it really depends on your long term goals. Do you want to work NOW or do you have other intentions in the distant future? I gather a lot of us here are second career hopefuls or just a little bit more mature in age. Therefore we tend to consider a lot of variables in the mix but are also capable of realizing the essence of time and how we want to live our lives.

Finally on your third point, well, like I said, we do know what TIME is like. You already have a Master's and so you are quite aware of what it takes.

I don't know if this helps.....Best of luck to you!

I'm fully aware of the wait, and I am willing to do it. This is something I know for sure I want to do. I'm really not in a rush, but the sooner the better would be great!

I have heard some conflicting info about the lotteries, esp at PCC. A friend of mine worked with an advisor at PCC and was told that the higher GPA's get put into a smaller lottery and if you have a previous bachelor's you get into another smaller lottery. Kind of like, the more "credentials" you have the better your chances.

Whatever the case, I am going to apply and see what happens. I will keep taking support courses and I may look into the accelerated program at OHSU. The only problem is my bachelor's GPA is kind of weak. My GPA at PCC so far is 3.8.

My first go at college wasn't the greatest either. But since I returned to my studies I've earned all A's and only two B's.

One reason I applied to Linfield is that the accelerated program only looks at prerequisite GPA. I believe the philosophy is that if the applicant can show high marks with current courses, it is a good indicator they will succeed in nursing school. Fact is many applicants have a much different mentality towards studies as adults, compared to when they were an 18-20ish college student.

Linfield was the most expensive choice, but I was awarded a good FA package. That included a good portion of loans, but my wife and I decided that being out of the working world for only 18 months was worth the expense. Don't count Linfield out because it is a private college, scholarships were also a big part of my aid package.