I am an LVN, and I just started taking classes at my local community college to apply to their RN program. Then I got a postcard from Western Career college. Thay have an acceleratede LVN to RN program. It would be much more expensive, but faster than community college. I just wonder about their reputation. It is a new program, and Western Career College is known for their Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant programs.
I already calle WCC to find out more, but the "representative" didn't know anything, since it is a brand new program. She said someone would contact me. Of course that was before Christmas, and I haven't heard anything......
I am an lvn in california. I recently went to an appointment with western career college. The pre reqs alone are 19,000 the program is an additional 20 to 30 thousand your total around 40 to 50 thousand. I was not impressed with them as they refused to really answer any questions over the phone. I asked if I completed all requirements with top grades would I be excepted into their program especially since i was paying such a high price I was told absolutely not.
I am an lvn in california. I recently went to an appointment with western career college. The pre reqs alone are 19,000 the program is an additional 20 to 30 thousand your total around 40 to 50 thousand. I was not impressed with them as they refused to really answer any questions over the phone. I asked if I completed all requirements with top grades would I be excepted into their program especially since i was paying such a high price I was told absolutely not.
At their LVN info meeting, they said they give priority to students that did their LVN program through them. I got bad vibes from them as well.
I am an lvn in california. I recently went to an appointment with western career college. The pre reqs alone are 19,000 the program is an additional 20 to 30 thousand your total around 40 to 50 thousand. I was not impressed with them as they refused to really answer any questions over the phone. I asked if I completed all requirements with top grades would I be excepted into their program especially since i was paying such a high price I was told absolutely not.
Its all about the $$$ with them. I would go elsewhere. Plus, the universities around here will not accept transfer credit from WCC. Something to think about if you plan to get a BSN later. I had a really bad feeling about them when I called as well. They would not describe the classes I needed, would not take MY classes from previous college because the credit was **gasp** 7 years old (non-science classes mind you). WCC has a very bad reputation in this area. Look for a univerity or jr collge with a 30 unit option. the university general is easier to get into the bridge program.
yes, I called and spoke w someone there. I came across it because I was doing research for schools in which VA pays. I found out VA could have paid for my LVN program!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH! over $21k if I went to WCC. Anyway enough of my crying! So they do have the bridge and you need all of your pre-reqs prior. Although the guy I spoke w didnt act like he knew much, as I didnt know it was a brand new program, and he hasnt called me back regarding if you can have some pre-reqs "in progress" while in the RN program or fully completed. But what I do know for certain is you dont have to have the full one year experience as a LVN before being admitted. One thing I was hoping to kinda skip past because I already have 5 yrs as a CMA & Phlebotomist... so figured once I find out about the pre reqs.. I only have 3 left... decide what to do. And I think the tuition is around 35-40k. Good luck to you all ... I seem like Im in this car race to get done ... I hate that feeling but going to school since I was 21... I cant wait to finally get this over and start enjoying being a nurse !!!
Prerequisite Requirements for the Accelerated RN Program
DEGREE CANDIDATE, prior to admission: Completion of college level transferable prerequisite courses with a minimum of "C" grade (high school courses will not satisfy any of the RN prerequisites):
Human Anatomy with Lab (CAN BIO 10) 4 Units (within 7-years old)
Physiology with Lab (CAN BIO 12) 4 Units (within 7-years old)
General Microbiology with Lab (CAN BIO 14) 4 Units (within 7-years old)
General Psychology 3 Units
Human Growth & Development/Lifespan 3 Units
Sociology (Intro. or Cultural Diversity) 3 Units
English 1A (Freshman Composition) 3 Units
Speech (Oral or Interpersonal Communication) 3 Units
Intermediate Algebra (or higher level college math) 3 Units
The following items are required to be considered for admission into the next available class:
R Completed RN Program Enrollment Application. Please contact the RN-Administrative Assistant for application deadline dates.
R Application Fee in the amount of $35.00, payable to Western Career College.
R Passing Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results page. Please call the RN office if you need a schedule of dates that we offer at our campus. Testing cost is $20.00 per exam and due at time of testing, in the form of cash, check or money order.
R Copy of current/active California VN License and proof of IV Certification.
R Health Care Provider CPR certification, Criminal Background, and Drug Screening clearances, after preliminary acceptance into the Program.
R All official transcripts from colleges and universities you attended, in their original sealed college envelopes.
R If you have college transcripts from outside the United States, you must have them evaluated by a professional evaluation company before WCC can accept them. Please contact the RN Office for a referral list.
VN-DEGREE STUDENTS: Unofficial WCC transcripts will be accepted, however, you must submit official transcripts from all outside colleges even if you have submitted them previously for the VND/Prerequisite Program. A new official set is required to apply for the RN Program. "In progress" reports are due by the application deadline and is the student's responsibility to obtain and submit to the RN Office.
I asked them about the tuition fee.
9 preq. course cost $21,000
RN program cost $38
If you finished all the preq I totally recommend you go WCC
FYI-I just talked with the director of admissions a few days ago. He gave me the following information:
LVN-RN (18 mo.) program is $67K
If you have the prerequisites done, then it's 2 semesters (9 mo.) costing $9500/semester + clinical fees
ADN-BSN (18 mo.) program is $40K. It's 2 days/wk & no clinicals.
Bachelors (36 mo.) program is $116K. There are upper division prerequisites in addition to the other ones. I didn't write everything down, but biochemistry & cultural pleuralism were the ones that stood out.
Also, the programs are accredited by ACICS, BRN approved. I'm not sure what that exactly means, but it might be something to look into.
Do you know how they stack up against Unitek in Fremont? I am struggling here trying to decide which one to go to. Money and time already noted. Just wondering about class experiences, faculty, whatever you can think of.
What are your opinions on wheter or not Unitek's 11 mos course would be just as informative/educational as opposed to WCC 16 mos program? Do you think it's the same info basically, but at a slower pace at WCC? Seems likely but I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts. Thanks.
The nursing board has to approve the curriculum so I would bet most programs have the same content, just taught at a different pace. So if you need time to think and absorb information, then a longer program is probably better because if you fail out of the fast program, then by the time you go back to repeat the classes you failed, you should have gone to the longer program to begin with. Students who have some healthcare experience already as EMTs or CNAs seem to do better because they already know the terminology and alot about common illnesses and how things work in the healthcare facilities.
I am about to start the LVN program at Western. I will keep you posted how it goes. I start school on the 27th of this month (July 09) So far everyone seems hella cool
keike5579
24 Posts
how long was the program and what is the cost of ISU?