Waiting Lists

RhodyGirl, RN · Mar 30, 2009

There are waiting lists for nursing schools everywhere, especially if the school is financially affordable. You will find that most community college RN programs, and inexpensive LPN programs will have extensive wait lists. This is part of the reason I chose to do an in-state 4 year college. As long as grades are good (A's and B's), most people are admitted within 1 to 2 applications (no wait list). It is competitive, but if you're a good student there isn't much of an issue.

I didn't see a point in waiting 2-3 years for a ADN program spot when I could get the BSN in the same or even less time; and now I'm nearing the end of year 1 of the program.

Just know that there are other options.....other than waiting on a list.....that may work for you! Good luck; many of us remember the frustrations of getting into NS!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2009

If it makes you feel better I was on the waiting list for 3 years and when I start in August it will be 3.5 years I waited. :stone

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2009

I have a large family (4 kids). Years and years ago I had no plans to go to college, the waiting actually ended up working well for me, it took 1.5 years for me to become a resident when I moved here, that way I didn't have to pay out of state tuition. I also had another and my last child. Now when I start NS in August she will be 2.5 so although I am still scared about having her go to daycare full time I am not as upset as I would have been if she was a lot younger. So although it was a long long wait, it worked out good, my CC is 7 mins from my house, our state one that has the BSN is 45 mins away. I plan on doing the RN-BSN though after I am working as a Nurse since my hospital will pay for it

GoBear · Mar 31, 2009

42 people on the waitlist...that's ALL? :wink2:

I was #1104 on our waitlist and was on it for three months shy of three years when I got my spot. When I got on the list, they were only up to something like #750. It worked out well for me as I had plenty of time to get my pre-reqs done and complete a couple of co-requisites ahead of time, so I wouldn't have to take them while I was in the actual nursing program.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

42 people on the waitlist...that's ALL? :wink2:
I was #1104 on our waitlist and was on it for three months shy of three years when I got my spot. When I got on the list, they were only up to something like #750. It worked out well for me as I had plenty of time to get my pre-reqs done and complete a couple of co-requisites ahead of time, so I wouldn't have to take them while I was in the actual nursing program.

Same here, now when I start in August I have everything done for my degree already minus the actual nursing classes, my Pre Reqs, Pathophysiology, 3 Credit Nutrition, and both my electives are done.

tbell2 · Mar 31, 2009

Wow! Those waiting lists sound awful!! At my school there is generally a 1 semester wait. You had to finish all your pre-reqs before you could apply. It actually worked out perfectly for me. I finished my pre-reqs fall semester 2007. I applied for the spring semester, knowing I couldn't start even if I got in because i was expecting my twins. I actually almost forgot to apply! I was on hospital bedrest and the application was due March 15th for the fall 2008 semester. I had my friend print out and bring the application to me. My babies were born unexpectedly that night! Anyway.... I got in for the October start last fall!

slynotshy · Mar 31, 2009

i have yet to finish my bio pre-req...and then there's a year wait after that...so i'm looking at max 2 years, which is fine since i have a (lame) full time job, but a job nonetheless...and we can apply for merit scholarships with our program...so you might want to ask if there's anything like that for your program...

i find that reading allnurses has helped me keep up my excitement, and i'm learning so much from this site, its fantastic. good luck!

craziechiq, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

yeah, i wasn't as bad but when i first got my letter i was #516....42 sounds pretty nice. i'm still not at that spot and i've been on the list for close to 2.5 years. but i understand. you just want to start already. I'm getting pretty excited because i think its coming pretty close after all this wait.

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · Mar 31, 2009

Do you know where you are on the list and how many they seat?

GeneralJinjur · Apr 1, 2009

I remember when I first decided to pursue nursing. I read about it in one of those "Jobs of the 2000s" books and liked the fact that I could get a good job with only a 2 year degree. Um, yeah. 3 years later, after finishing all but one of my bachelor's prereqs, I finally began the ADN program. It's a great program with a cozy number of students and a short commute, but nothing like I expected when I started out to get a simple RN. So while I am no longer feeling your pain, I remember it well. :)

colta · Apr 1, 2009

Oh man! I'm so glad that the waiting list I'm on isn't as bad as those! I couldn't imagine waiting 3 years to get in! :down:

The class I'm trying to get into is a 2 year LPN program. It seats 20 students, but the don't hold over those on the waiting list year by year. You have to reapply each year and then hope you don't get on the waiting list. So, I'll be applying next October (Month before applications are due) and I should be able to get in.

I've also applied to a CNA course, to which I was accepted.... so I think I'll just take that, work and get some of my pre-reqs for my BSN later on. Either way, I'm still happy. I really want to get into nursing, and if I have to wait to be an RN, then I think the best way to go about it is to be a CNA.

Anywho, best of luck to all that are waiting!