Starting the Journey in Fresno, Ca

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Hello!

My name is Cee and I have always wanted to be a nurse! I Started college right after highschool at 19. For 2 years I tried to get into the nursing program at Fresno City College while completing my General Ed. No such luck with being accepted:(

I took a job as staff in a group home and took a few courses here and there, still waiting for entry, but couldn't get in. After I got married at 21 and had a baby I put education on hold. Now at 23(nearly 24) I've decided to make my nursing dream come true, even if I have to work my way from the bottom!

I am going to start CNA training at Golden Living Center. From their, I will take an LVN course at Either Fresno Adult School, Viselia, or Clovis Adult school. I don't know If I'll ever be able to be an RN, as the two local programs (Fresno City and Fresno State) are VERY competative and some people wait 5 years and never get in!

But I have always wanted to work with special needs adults, and after seeing what happens to them when they grow old and elderly (sad) I think I might work in a group home or LTC.

I'm very excited about all this but it's been a hard road! The waiting list for CNA courses are 1 year long, and the interview for this course (Free and only 6 weeks) there were over 200 people!!! They only chose 20, and after the 1st two weeks, the 8 with the lowest test scores will be kicked out!!

I know I can do this!! I've been waiting almost 6 years for my shot! Here goes everything

Cee

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Hi Cee,

I am glad I came across your post. I'm also from fresno, ca! And a current student at fresno state, I will be applying into the nursing program this fall semester.

I'm glad to hear you are resuming chasing your dreams. Nursing is a great field to go into especially if you are passionate about it (which it seems you definitely are).

I have been interested about starting the CNA program as well. Can you please let me know more information about where you are doing your CNA classes and what hours during the day will you be going to the class.

Thanks,

Kay

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I' taking my class at the Golden Living Center in Fresno, Ca. They start a new class every month. The times for this class is 6:45am to 3:00 pm. If you work (anywhere at any job) , then the class will cost money and you are at the bottom of their list. If you don' work then there is no tuition or fees, but the book costs $35. if you fail the 2 step TB test (which is mandatory, but free) and need a chest xray you have to pay the $35 for that. You must have a lifescan fingerprinting done, which is done through their office and is free. You scrubs must wear white scrubs and all white shoes which are not provided. The 1st 20 days are classroom only and will cover 10 chapters a day. If you miss 1 day you are dropped.

When you show up for the interview that is usually at 9:am, there will be a line of 100+people. You sign in and sit. Expect to be there for 3 hours+. Bring a snack or lunch. You will take a math test that is basic math (pretty easy, fractions and convertion) and a basic reading comprehention test.

If you pass, then you are given a application and some essay questions will be on it. Answer honestly and thoughtfully.

Then comes the interview, you get 3 minutes to answer some questions and explain why you are the best person for the class

They choose 20 people total

How did you get accepted into the nursing program? My GPA is 3.7 at city college and I never(ever) got chosen. I hear they only acceot 4.0 and higher. Perhaps I'm just not lucky :(

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Specializes in Family Practice & Emergency Department.

HI! I am starting my training at Golden Living in Fresno,CA in January! That orientation day was ridiculous! I just want to wish you the best in your journey. Also some info, the RN program at city is a 0-3 year waitlist. Its a lottery and not based off of GPA as long as all of your pre-reqs are above "C." And don't be so discouraged about becoming an RN. City also offers and LVN to RN bridge program which is 9 months and is no waitlist! So follow your dream, you can do it! And a 3.7 is awesome!

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