Trying to get experience in nursing AND get into nursing school- EMT? CNA? PCT?

[VTan]

I am going to be applying to Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach for their EL-MSN programs starting in Fall 2009. The EL-MSN program is an accelerated program for people who have a bachelor's in any field other than nursing who want to get their MSN.

I have no experience/education in the medical field. I am about to start all my prerequisite courses (Bio/Chem/Anatomy/Physiology) for the EL-MSN program at a community college this summer.

Basically, I want to get experience in the field for two reasons: 1) To help me get into the EL-MSN program 2) To see if nursing is even for me!

I am assuming that I'll have a better chance of getting into the EL-MSN programs if I have some experience in the field, is that correct? Is it necessary? Also, I would be looking for a job now and then applying in February of 2009, so it will not be on my resume for very long before applying, is that ok?

I want to get some experience in the field, but I don't know which route to take! I would prefer to work in a hospital setting to get a better feel for nursing. I cannot seem to find any jobs in the field that do not require some type of education (EMT, CNA, MA, ect.) first.

What would be my best option for trying to get a feel for nursing/gaining experience? I've heard some people say to get my EMT and others say getting my CNA, but how long will that all take? I will hopefully be starting school in Fall 2009.

Whatever I do it will need to fit with my schedule of my prerequisites at the community college.

Thanks for reading!!