There seems to be obstacles everywhere.

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I live in San Diego and I became a CNA in June of 1999 throught the ROP Program. I passed the state board exam test. I also took the Healthcare Essentials course at the Grossmont Health Occ Center in Santee (although I did not like my teacher). I knew that both programs were prerequisites for the Health Occ's LVN program. However, I was not aware of the TEAS test, nor was I prepared for it. I never knew I had to take a test for admission. I thought I had to just do the prerequisites, and maybe I could get in. How naive I was. Since I am awful at math, I failed that part of the exam very badly, so of course I never got in. I just gave up on Nursing altogether. And my fingerprints for my CNA certification kept being rejected (more than once) by the machine up in Sacramento. Apparently they were smudged. So I was (and I am) back to square one. Now in 2012, it's even harder to get into an LVN program. That's why Kaplan or UEI sound good. I know they're way too much money, but at least you don't have to deal with prerequisites or the TEAS test (unless I'm wrong?). I just don't know where to turn or go. I think I'll just forget about Nursing, although I really want to become one. Any advice? Is there any way to avoid the TEAS? Thank you all.

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I dont think you can avoid the TEAS test altogether. Few years back concorde did not have the test and they recently have it as a requirement. If math is the problem i suggest study for it. if nursing is what you want you to do then dont let something like math be an obstacle.

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Thank you. I'm just afraid of failing it again. I have a learning disability with math (I always have). Even in High School I had Special Education math because I was so bad at it. I'm afraid that if I never pass the TEAS (or I always do poorly in the math part) I will never get into Nursing school ever.

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Hi, Don't give up. I too, am poor in math, and didn't do well on that part of the TEAS, but I did well enough on the overall test to get in, and now I am in my 5th week of Nursing school. You can do it, just study basics, pre-algerbra, basic additon, subtraction etc. Once you are in the program, there will be math. You, as a nurse will have to know the basics to give meds. I promise you it isn't all that difficult, if it was, I wouldn't be here. Don't let fear, or a learning disability stand in the way of what you really want to do. I am in class with others that have difficulties as well, and they have made it. Whether you have to pass the TEAS or any other test, and there are many, just study, don't be fearful and let that get in your way. Remember, many before and many after you have, and will feel the same way. Just dive in, the water is fine. Write a list of things to do, and start doing it. Get organized, and stay that way, Nursing school is fast paced. Good luck!

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Thank you. Yeah I have a big fear of the TEAS exam for that reason (math) alone. I can't even comprehend pre-algebra without help. I would love to be able to get into the LVN program at the Grossmont Health Occupations Center in Santee, California. It is very close to my residence, and I have heard nothing but good things about it. However I would have to start all over again, as far as becoming a CNA and taking the Healthcare Essentials course because those two are prerequisites for admission into their program (even before taking the TEAS exam). In fact those two are prerequisites for admission into most of the LVN programs at the Community Colleges here in San Diego county (some even have more pre-req's). It's very annoying and discouraging.

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Wow! I am 46, have no previous Healthcare backround. I do have college credits, but didnt need any of that to get into LPN program. If I had to do all of that, it would have taken so much longer, and I would be discouraged just as you are. The math is nothing, trust me on this. I have a horrible mental block, wouldnt even take a basic college math(too afraid). I didnt study a ton for the math part of TEAS, remember, it's multiple choice, just get a basic idea. The word algerbra freaks me out, but its really fractions, adding, multiplying etc, you can use a piece of scrap paper and some let you use a calc, or there is one on the comp screen. PM me, i cant post examples here, but I can in a private message, or email me, [email protected]. I will help you through this, don't give up. If i can do this after being out of school for 29 yrs, so can you.

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Here in Florida, the schools that don't use the TEAS test use the HESI, which is harder.

I thought Kaplan was just a "study for the test" program?

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Thank you. Unfortunately California makes it so much harder to get into Practical Nursing (or any Nursing) programs. I know each state is different. I'm not sure where you live, but out here it is really hard. They even have the TEAS for some CNA classes (depending on location within San Diego county), or they have a pre-req course. They did not have that when I signed up for my CNA course back in January of 1998. I just signed up and I was accepted with no problem. I wish our LPN programs would have no TEAS tests or pre-req's, but they do. At Southwestern College down in Chula Vista (about 25 min south of me) you have to take about four classes, be certified as a CNA, take the Healthcare Essentials course, and the TEAS before you can be admitted into their LPN program. And even if you do all of that, you still might have to wait on their wait list (which is pretty long). As far as I know, the only LPN programs which have no pre-req's are the expensive, private colleges like Kaplan (which used to be Maric), Concorde and UEI. Their LPN program tuitions are over $30k.

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Please go onto a website khanacademy.org .. there are tons of math tutorials on there. It is a wonderful site. I used it to test into algebra so I could get my pre-reqs out of the way. You will find basic math, pre algebra, algebra, statistics. It is all step by step and it is truly wonderful. It is like having your own tutor. Once you have watched some of the videos you can click on the practice problems to help cement what you have learned. The more math you do and the more you practice the easier it will be. Don't give up.

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Thank you. Unfortunately California makes it so much harder to get into Practical Nursing (or any Nursing) programs. I know each state is different. I'm not sure where you live, but out here it is really hard. They even have the TEAS for some CNA classes (depending on location within San Diego county), or they have a pre-req course. They did not have that when I signed up for my CNA course back in January of 1998. I just signed up and I was accepted with no problem. I wish our LPN programs would have no TEAS tests or pre-req's, but they do. At Southwestern College down in Chula Vista (about 25 min south of me) you have to take about four classes, be certified as a CNA, take the Healthcare Essentials course, and the TEAS before you can be admitted into their LPN program. And even if you do all of that, you still might have to wait on their wait list (which is pretty long). As far as I know, the only LPN programs which have no pre-req's are the expensive, private colleges like Kaplan (which used to be Maric), Concorde and UEI. Their LPN program tuitions are over $30k.

Grossmont Health Occupations Center no longer requires Healthcare Essentials as a prerequisite to the CNA class. There is an entry test of English/Math skills required.

The school offers a Math Review class. The cost is only $10. I recommend you look into this class, and brush up on your math skills, since you feel you math is holding you back. Math is required in the nursing classes once you are admitted, and you will need it on the job as an LVN.

Here is a link to the school's website, which has the latest class schedule.

http://hoc.guhsd.net/

The TEAS is a hard test, but there are many supports available in terms of study guides. Grossmont Health Occupations Center offered a TEAs prep class this winter for their LVN applicants. You might want to look into this class as well.

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Oh really? Well that's a relief, thank you for letting me know that. That's one obstacle out of the way.

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If you are still interested in attending the LVN Program at Kaplan, I'd be happy to give you some advice for the testing. I was in the program at Kaplan in San Diego. There is a pre-test (I believe 25-30 questions) that they give you on the computer when you go and meet with a counselor to see where you fall. I believe to even be considered for the LVN program you have to score at least a 22. This could have changed, however. Once you've passed that, then you will have to take the HESI. I didn't do so hot in math (70%) but I excelled in everything else, bringing my overall grade to an 89%. You can definitely still be accepted even if math isn't your strong suite. =) Good luck with whichever path you may choose.

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