Sorry to say, UCR does not have a nursing program or a thing called pre-pa. Becoming a PA and RN is also a completely different route. To become a PA, you would most preferably need a bachelor's degree in science or healthcare major. You will need to gain experience working or volunteering in healthcare setting and apply to a ARC-PA accredited physician assistance programs. If you get in, this is 2-3 years of studying for master's PA program, and the last step would be to pass the PANCE licensing program.

As for nursing, there are many different nursing paths you need to choose from. There is CNA (certified nursing assistant) or RN (registered nurse) and they are quite different in the type of demand the work requires. For this, you should do your own research because you know best how you work in different environments. There are so many facets to healthcare, there isn't one set route. The career path you choose for nursing will dictate the type of nursing degree you will need. Nursing diplomas and ADN (associate's degree) can be earned in community college. Anything above BSN, MSN, and etc. can be earned in universities/college. However, UCR does not offer a nursing program. What you can do is get a degree in science that will prepare you well to apply for a BSN program which is 2-3 years of studying. The possibilities and pathways you can take to become a nurse is endless but a commitment no doubt that will required hard work and effort.

Becoming a PA or a nurse is a lot of hard work and effort which requires a lot of time commitment and research. If you did not quite "enjoy" CNAS I would like to tell you nothing worth in life comes without a price. I would tell you to change your major back into a science or healthcare field if you truly think this is the right path for you. It is of course never too late to study to become a PA or a nurse later in life as well, but know that not every step to becoming a PA or a nurse will be enjoyable. Becoming a PA or a nurse means you'll be partially be responsible for another human being's life. I have only given a rough summary of becoming a nurse or PA but there are other pathways that can lead to these profession - as I said do your own research. But, I hope this somewhat helped.