Visited WCU today, need advice between commitment

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Hello everyone, I visited West Coast University today to get information about the RN program.

I recently graduated from UCLA with a History degree. I had a high GPA but still can't find a job which is why I have turned towards to the nursing field. I do not have any science pre reqs completed but I do have Pscyhology, Sociology, Communications, English I and II, etc. done. With that said, the estimated price for BSN at WCU will be about 100k. I would have to take loans from the government and a private lender.

I was hoping someone with knowledge can tell me what options I should explore before entering WCU. I have tried to do the community college route but seriously cannot get any of the classes that I need.

I was hoping BA would give me an edge but 100k is still a very intimidating price. What are my options? Thanks in advanced.

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I went to west coast. I suggest getting any prereqs you need finished at a community college first. That cut down 20k for me.

Also, keep in mind right now that the job market for new grad nurses in California right now is tough.

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For that price don't waste your time, just get a second career masters in nursing. Ucla, apu, usd, western u all have programs and I know there are more.

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For 100k, you could have finish your master at UCLA for direct entry master into nursing. I highly recommend you to take Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology at community colleges then apply to other schools such as UCLA, Western U of Health Science, Azusa Pacific, CSULB, and CSULA. If you can not commit to a master program, there are a lot of CSUs and couple private institutions in LA offer second degree accelerated BSN ranging from 12 to 18 months in length. Either route is much cheaper than going to WCU. Take your time to consider all the options you have before making a big commitment.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.

I was in the same boat as you 3 years ago... Right down to the Bachelor's in History. Since I didn't have any pre-reqs completed either, my family suggested I become an LVN first so I could at least start working in the nursing field while I completed my pre-reqs. The LVN program took 1 year, but it took me 2 years to complete my pre-reqs at a CC. I took only 1-2 classes per semester due to the difficulty in getting classes -- I was wait listed for all of Anatomy, Physio, and Micro, but was still lucky enough to get in. Because I had so few classes, however, I was able to work full-time hours as an LVN. I'm now in an LVN-ADN program and am expected to graduate in May. I'm also currently in the process of applying to RN-BSN programs for next fall. My LVN program cost less than $5000 at an adult school and my ADN program will cost me no more than $3000 by the time I'm done. I've paid about $2000 so far including uniforms and other misc costs, but I still have a semester to go =P The RN-BSN programs I've applied to should cost me no more than $15,000 total since they are CSUs. So, to get my BSN from the same position you're in now, I would have spent no more than $23,000 -- a HUGE difference from $100,000.

So... the option I'm throwing out there would be to go into an LVN program at a CC with a bridge program. This will 1) help you accumulate units at that CC that counts towards priority in registration for your pre-reqs and 2) knocks out your first year of nursing school regardless of whether your choose to work as an LVN or not. I have a few classmates in my classes now that did this.

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Thanks everyone for their advise. Seems like everyone is suggesting I go the community college route. I have tried to get classes with no luck. I live in the west side of Los Angeles and my choices are SMC, El Co, and West LA, these are apparently all the most popular schools and classes seem to fill up almost immediately after opening. I will keep trying.

Are there schools in LA that accept college graduates who are looking to pursue their second BA in nursing with no pre reqs. That would be ideal. Thanks again for the advice. I guess going to a further community college for classes is worth the try too

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Thanks everyone for their advise. Seems like everyone is suggesting I go the community college route. I have tried to get classes with no luck. I live in the west side of Los Angeles and my choices are SMC, El Co, and West LA, these are apparently all the most popular schools and classes seem to fill up almost immediately after opening. I will keep trying.

Are there schools in LA that accept college graduates who are looking to pursue their second BA in nursing with no pre reqs. That would be ideal. Thanks again for the advice. I guess going to a further community college for classes is worth the try too

Yes, SMC, El Camino and West LA are going to be extremely difficult to get your pre-reqs done. You really need to look at other schools there are so many in Southern Cal. If you really want to do this, you may have to travel. Here's a listing of schools in the states.

College Alphabetic Listing

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I am going to be attending WCU as well in april, but right now i am working on finishing my pre-reqs.. i would reccomend taking as much pre-reqs you can before going there

or you can try to go to a accelerated or entry level MSN after you do your pre-reqs

There are a bunch of Colleges down here in OC to do your pre-reqs if your willing to commute

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