Wanna be LVN ASAP, need credible (reasonable) school, HELP!

U.S.A. California

Published

Hey everybody!

I've been out of school for about 5 years and I've decided to become a nurse! I'd like to become an LVN (LPN?) first so I'd have some income to pursue my RN (BSN?).

I'm having trouble starting up however because I'm not rich & I don't have 20 to 30 grand lying around. I have previous coursework that should bring my costs down but it's REALLY expensive! I've heard that some hospitals offer tuition assistance for employees, does anyone know anything about this??

I'd like to go to a good school (as in accredited!)! Can anyone recommend any good schools in Southern California? I've heard some horror stories about some. I have appointments at Maric & Concorde colleges in North Hollywood, CA next week but i've heard they might not be any good and ALL the junior colleges have LONG waiting lists!

ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!

SDstudentVN, the Grossmont Health Occupations (ROP) here in San Diego wesbite says it only has medical assitant do u have the webpage? also does the Grossmont Health Occupations (ROP) have any other locations? thanks

Hi Cecilia,

I just graduated from my LVN program through Grossmont Health Occupations Center located in Santee so WOOHOOO!! I graduated Jan. 9, 2009. My program lasted for 3 semesters-- approximately 18 grueling months! I know it exists because I am proof (hehehe) and they've just started Class 56. Their exact address is

GROSSMONT ADULT SCHOOL

Health Occupations Center

9368 Oakbourne Road, Santee, CA 92071-2314

Telephone (619) 596-3690; Fax (619) 579-4779

VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM

Call them to get more INFO. They do have prerequisites so you must hurry and like I have previously stated they only accept applications from NOV to Jan.13 but call anyway because it might have changed for all I know.

Prereq: CNA, Healthcare essentials taken at their campus, TEAS/ATI exam

Goodluck!

http://www.guhsd.net/adult/Nursing/VN%20Gen%20Info.pdf

Specializes in ED/TELE.

I'm not sure how far you are from Simi Valley, but you should look into the R.O.P program through the Simi Valley Adult school. A lot of the nurses I used to work with completed that program...very cost effective. Even if it's a bit of commute, would totally be worth it.

Michelle - I'm on the waitlists at Grossmont and Southwestern for their LVN-RN step up programs. I applied to Grossmont in May and was told it's a 3 year wait. I'm an alternate for the class starting next month, so either I'll start next month if a seat opens up or I'll start next year - so, it won't be 3 years. I applied to Southwestern in August, I believe, and she told me it would probably be Summer 2010. HTH

I dont have my Current California CNA card.. i want to get a program that doesn't require a cna , a rop or adult school is fine..

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

If I could do it over again, I would have done an ROP program...had I known they existed at the time. I did concorde...can't say anything bad about it...Got my LVN that way and was able to continue on and get my RN (at least I hope so...just took boards today). But I'd definitely recommend the ROP. They tend to have better reputations....and are 10,000 cheaper.

What's weird though is the adult school (beaumont adult school) near me...cost 19000 for LVN...which doesn't make sense... but sounds like the one's in your area are cheap. Go for it!

Specializes in ED/TELE.
Does anybody know how long or if there's any waitlist for the LVN-RN step up program at southwestern or grossmont college??

Thanks!

Michelle

I applied in May 2008, was an alternate for the class starting this month, and was just notified that I have a seat in the class!! They told me the wait was 3 years - I waited 8 or 9 months. HTH

LVN-RNhopeful , i would go to simi valley but they require you to have ur CNA and take a medical terminology course and i haven't done either id like to go straight for the LVN program through an adult or rop school in southern cali but cant seem to find one.. ?
Specializes in long term care, home care, acute.
Hi Cecilia,

I just graduated from my LVN program through Grossmont Health Occupations Center located in Santee so WOOHOOO!! I graduated Jan. 9, 2009. My program lasted for 3 semesters-- approximately 18 grueling months! I know it exists because I am proof (hehehe) and they've just started Class 56. Their exact address is

GROSSMONT ADULT SCHOOL

Health Occupations Center

9368 Oakbourne Road, Santee, CA 92071-2314

Telephone (619) 596-3690; Fax (619) 579-4779

VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM

Call them to get more INFO. They do have prerequisites so you must hurry and like I have previously stated they only accept applications from NOV to Jan.13 but call anyway because it might have changed for all I know.

Prereq: CNA, Healthcare essentials taken at their campus, TEAS/ATI exam

Goodluck!

http://www.guhsd.net/adult/Nursing/VN%20Gen%20Info.pdf

Hi,

I am actually trying to get into the program at Grossmont. I'm going to take healthcare essentials this Aug. and currently working as a CNA at scripps but I wanted to know how hard the TEAS test was? And what percentage do you have to make in order to get in? And how many applicant do they accept per class? I have the ATI study guide and I hope that helps me :uhoh21: I'm super nervous.

Specializes in long term care, home care, acute.

SDstudentVN

I'm going to start healthcare essentials in Aug and was wonder how difficult was the TEAS test? Also if you know how many students they accept? Thanks!

I would not become an LVN if I were you! The profession is phasing them out.Check it out yourself.....do a job search. I have been working in the medical field for 25 years. There are NO LVN's at the hospital that I work.A friend of mine is an LVN and cannot find work. Don't do it!!!! Sounds like you are still young....so take out some loans... and go to nursing school...If you a have a degree.. try a graduate program. If you don't ..then get on a wait list. Believe me .... you won't regret it.

Specializes in Corrections & Developmental Disabilities.

I would encourage you to explore and be open to all available training programs/options in your area(including for profit & private schools). Nursing is a very lucrative field of work at both the LVN and RN levels. Try to enroll in and complete your training as quickly as possible. Waiting lists can be discouraging and delay you from your goal of becoming a nurse. The investment you make in your education will return to you quickly(mine paid for itself in less than 6 months). Once you are licensed, you are not limited to one state or location. You can obtain licenses by endorsement/reciprocity and have the option to move and travel to many places and work. You also have many options for bridging to RN once you are an LVN. Best wishes and much success to you as you embark on this journey.

Grossmont's LVN program receives on average 600 applicants, and takes 60. They have an undisclosed cut off that you must make on the TEAS V exam in order to be considered for admission. The cost of the program is $3000 and it is three semesters in length, with one summer off. The campus is not...glamorous, but for the cost, you can't beat it! Best of luck to you...

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