Nursing School

There are local colleges that have RN programs. The problem with this is that they are 2 year programs, and don't accept students inbetween. For example, I'm going to be an 08' graduate from high school, and there won't be a nursing program until 2010. Is there any nursing schools that you guys recommend? Preferably in California.
California has some of the worst waiting lists in the nation for nursing programs, unless you're willing and financially able to pay plenty of money to get admitted into a private trade school RN program such as Maric or San Joaquin Valley College.
Quote from TheCommuterCalifornia has some of the worst waiting lists in the nation for nursing programs, unless you're willing and financially able to pay plenty of money to get admitted into a private trade school RN program such as Maric or San Joaquin Valley College.
Quote from ProLogicHow much do you think I would be looking at? I mean if I have to relocate, so be it.
I was planning to do an RN program and then get a masters in nursing. I was looking towards UCSF for that.
Quote from TheCommuterSan Joaquin Valley College has a fairly new RN program in California's Central Valley, and I don't know how much the tuition runs.Maric College's RN program is about $45,000.
ProLogic, have you looked into the pre-reqs for the 2 year program you're interested in? That might be just the right amount of time for you to complete pre-reqs and apply. You could also take a nursing assistant course or get a part-time job at hospital during that time that would not only boost your application but also provide you with good experience.Be sure to inquire at the school as to any impacted courses or wait lists for pre-reqs as well - ask more than one person as well since you don't want to base a major decision on one person's unwittingly telling you incorrect info. Also find out the acceptance rate and policy for any program you're thinking of applying to. As another noted, many California schools have many more applicants than seats in any one class and have variable methods for selecting who gets admitted (eg GPA, wait list, lottery).I wish I could tell you it's as easy as choosing a program and applying, but most places in Cali that's not the case, except perhaps for private, more expensive programs. If you CAN afford a private school, you might want to consider a BSN program where you earn a bachelor's degree along with a nursing license. That's a four year program, but as you are learning, it will likely take at least 3 years to complete an ADN program (2 yrs + pre reqs + possible wait lists). I think there are also some public unis (Cal states, UCs) that have BSN programs (less expensive than private) but I don't know any specifics. Something else to consider if you've got the grades and interest to go straight to uni. Good luck!!!
Quote from jjjoyProLogic, have you looked into the pre-reqs for the 2 year program you're interested in? That might be just the right amount of time for you to complete pre-reqs and apply. You could also take a nursing assistant course or get a part-time job at hospital during that time that would not only boost your application but also provide you with good experience.
You've got a good start! It's a lot of work to get all that info and much of it you won't end up using, but you have to wade through it to find what WILL work for you. You can probably start looking up program pre-reqs in the college catalogue ahead of time. Then you could have questions prepared for your meeting with the counselor. There's usually a copy of the catalogue on the school's website or you could go to the school and pick one up. It also can be kind of fun to read the various class descriptions in the catalogue!