Uncertain which school to go to

[sanb26]

Hi everyone,

After six years of working retail jobs and a lot of soul searching, I finally made the decision to go into nursing. I want to start out as an LVN since the programs where I live are easy to get into (no waiting list) and last 13-16 months. I'm so fed up with feeling unfulfilled in retail. Quite frankly, I am ready for a change and I feel extremely motivated and hopeful about becoming a LVN.

But... I don't know which school to go to and I feel stuck.

1- Brightwood College in Van Nuys

I like this school, despite it being a for-profit college. Their current transfer to a different accrediting agency makes me nervous since no one can guarantee that the school will become accredited and won't lose their Title IV.

2 - College of Nursing in Canoga Park

Overall, my impression of this school wasn't a very good one. It is privately run and is one of the cheapest schools I've toured.

3 - PMCI in Westlake Village

I haven't actually toured PCMI but I do know they have really high succes rates. The total cost would be around 26k if you pay everything before class starts and I think that's just way too much...

4 - Marian College in Van Nuys

I just got accepted to the program. My remaining tuition would be 11k without loans. Taking clinical in downtown LA makes me worry one day I won't get there on time and fail the program. Also, I believe their succes rates are even lower than Brightwood.

Sadly where I live, in West Hills CA, there are no adult schools or community colleges that offer the LVN program so I have to chose between a for-profit school or for a private one. Every day I keep comparing them, weighing pros and cons, but I can't seem to figure it out. Any advice or suggestions? I'm really confused...

Thanks.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Is it possible for you to relocate somewhere cheaper to live with better options? for example, the community college system in Indiana has accredited LPN programs in a dozen or more locations around the state for under 10k total. Great NCLEX pass rates, terrific job market post-graduation.

Just a thought

[joanna_m]

Sorry, I don't have much information to contribute. But I was hoping to see if you decided on a school? I live in Thousand Oaks and was also looking into LVN programs near by. Thanks!