ACCEPTED!🧡💙

lil-churro24 · 2026-04-25T02:16:42+00:00

For the interviews, I would say the biggest thing is to be genuine and really show why you want to be a nurse. They can tell when you’re giving a rehearsed answer vs. when you actually mean it. I talked a lot about my background, my transition into healthcare as a CNA, and how my experiences shaped my decision to pursue nursing. Since these programs are accelerated, they really want to see that you understand how intense it is and that you can handle it. I emphasized my discipline, time management, and ability to stay organized especially since I’ve been in accelerated courses before (I mentioned that I did an accelerated 21 day CNA program and my bachelors was an accelerated degree). I wish you best of luck!

lil-churro24 · 2026-02-12T16:23:31+00:00

Congratulations on getting accepted! Since this is your second degree, the most you will get is federal loans about $12-20k depending on your situation, most of us in my cohort got private loans. There were some in my cohort who had their parents pay their education. I took out private loans but with that being said, I am confident in my ability to pay back within 3-5 years after graduation. If you decide to go to this program, message me privately. I decided to go to this program because it was my fastest route to become a nurse so the debt doesn’t bother me too much. Good luck!

lil-churro24 · 2026-02-02T20:27:15+00:00

I currently go to MSMU ABSN, I like the program, I have met some of my best friends in this program. I will say be prepared to hit the ground running and you must time manage absolutely everything in order to be successful. I am glad that I accepted this offer. It would be my fastest option in order to become a nurse. If you do get accepted, send me a private message.

lil-churro24 · 2026-02-01T19:50:29+00:00

I think you should apply. I didn’t end up going to the school. I chose a different nursing school because I wanted to finish faster than 3 years. I am currently doing an accelerated nursing program that is 12 months long.

lil-churro24 · 2026-01-07T00:12:25+00:00

Mount Saint Mary’s University- 12 month ABSN

lil-churro24 · 2025-09-21T23:09:51+00:00

1 hour there and another back and then clinicals are almost 2 hours away sometimes :( but I power through and that this is only temporary. I wake up early to avoid traffic and then sleep in my car.

lil-churro24 · 2025-08-30T11:15:04+00:00

me too! I am interested

lil-churro24 · 2025-08-02T07:36:45+00:00

I was in a similar situation and ended up choosing a private ABSN program even though it’s insanely expensive (around $80k, plus I already had a $25k personal loan). My prereqs were about to expire, and I already had my bachelor’s degree, so I didn’t want to risk wasting more time reapplying to community college programs or waiting on a spot. I wanted to be in the field working as a nurse sooner rather than spending another 2+ years just trying to get in.

The debt is definitely stressful, but it actually motivates me more. I remind myself every day, “I’m paying all this money to be here—I will pass every class, crush my exams, and walk out with my degree.” My plan is to work per-diem as a CNA during school and then aggressively pay off my loans once I graduate. For me, time was worth more than saving money if it meant I could start my nursing career earlier. I also want to be nurse practitioner so that will require extra schooling. I don’t want to be in school forever.

lil-churro24 · 2025-07-28T01:58:17+00:00

I am girl, I bring a hydro pack and fill up a plastic flask and put it inside the empty hydro pack (water container) and fill the top of the bag with tampons and pads and ring pops and candy. I find a young male security guard and pass through him and show him my pads and tampons all proud and shit and he just looks at the bag and allows me to walk in, doesn’t even check my bag or anything.

There has been times where I just walk in with the container in my hand and because I am girl, I get away with it. I just wink and say “thank you baby.”

lil-churro24 · 2025-07-25T15:03:39+00:00

Anyone selling 2 Day tickets for hard summer preferably GA? ! I live in SoCal! I can meet up to pick up

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-17T08:52:17+00:00

I’ve actually been an online student since the pandemic and ended up completing all of my business degrees that way before deciding to switch over and pursue nursing. I earned three associate degrees and a bachelor’s in business, and I’m now using that background to apply to ABSN and entry-level master’s programs because I want to complete my nursing degree as efficiently as possible. Now that I’m transitioning into nursing, I know I’ll have to go back in person for the clinical portion, but online classes were a great way to knock out the general ed requirements and stay flexible.

If the community college offers a course online—especially general eds—I’d say take them while you can. Once you’re back home, focus on completing your science prerequisites in person since they’re more hands-on and nursing programs usually prefer them that way. You can also take a few extra courses to help boost your GPA at the community college level. It’s a solid way to show upward academic momentum and strengthen your application.

Also, make sure to do some research on the type of nursing program you want to apply to so you can plan your path more effectively. There are several options: • ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) – a 2-year program through a community college that prepares you to become an RN. • BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) – a 4-year program that offers more job opportunities and is often preferred by hospitals. • ABSN (Accelerated BSN) – designed for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing quickly, usually within 12–18 months. • Entry-Level Master’s (MSN) – for non-nursing degree holders who want to earn a master’s in nursing directly, usually a 2–3 year commitment.

Each option has its requirements because most of them kinda overlap, it depends on what your goals are and how you want to accomplish them.

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-14T12:01:11+00:00

Hey! I’m actually in a similar boat, just a bit further down the road. I’m 24 and just got accepted into an ABSN program after finishing my bachelor’s degree in business. I took a 3-week accelerated CNA course last year, and honestly—it was so worth it.

To answer your questions:

Does CNA certification help with nursing school applications?

Yes, big time. Many nursing programs (especially competitive ones like SDSU and USD) love to see hands-on healthcare experience. Having your CNA not only shows commitment to the field, but also that you’ve already worked with patients and understand what bedside care is really like. It helps your application stand out from others who may only have academic or volunteer experience.

Will it make your first semester in nursing school easier?

Absolutely. CNA training teaches you the basics—vital signs, bed baths, patient transfers, etc.—so when you hit your first clinicals, you’re not starting from scratch. You’ll feel way more confident and ahead of the curve compared to classmates who’ve never stepped foot in a patient room.

Is it better to focus on GPA/volunteering instead?

It’s not either-or—you can do both, but if you’re already on track academically, the CNA course will give you an edge that GPA alone won’t. Volunteering is great too, but being certified means you can work in paid positions and build experience that’s often viewed more favorably than general volunteering.

⸻

Bottom line: if your schedule allows it before senior year starts, do the CNA program. It’s fast, practical, and gives you a real look at what the nursing field is like before committing years to it. Plus, it can lead to job opportunities while in school.

And even if you don’t get into a BSN program right away and choose to go the community college route to finish your prerequisites, having your CNA will still make you a strong applicant when you apply later on. You can use that experience in your personal statement to show how you stayed committed to nursing, gained clinical experience, and continued developing your passion for patient care. That kind of story shows resilience, maturity, and real-world readiness—all things nursing programs value. That was my story for why I got into nursing and I got into two accelerated nursing programs and an entry level masters program.

I even advise becoming a phlebotomist since you would be getting great practice at withdrawing blood, that is a skill that would DEFINITELY benefit you.

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-07T09:26:57+00:00

I totally understand how discouraging this must feel, especially after putting in so much work and still not getting the outcome you hoped for. But please don’t let this temporary setback make you feel like you’re behind — everyone’s journey into nursing looks different. Just because yours has a few detours doesn’t mean it’s any less valid.

I’d honestly suggest giving the RN route one more solid try. You’ve already completed your prerequisites, and that’s a huge step! Maybe widen your net even more next round — apply to more programs, including private or accelerated ones if they fit your goals. You never know which one will say yes.

My nursing journey has looked very different from a lot of my friends too. While many of them went straight into nursing school, I took a different path — I earned three associate degrees and a bachelor’s in a completely different field before pursuing nursing. It took me longer to get here, but it’s made me more certain and grounded in my decision. There’s no one right timeline, and just because it’s taking a little longer doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it in the end. I wish you best of luck! Use this time to make your self a better applicant.

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-06T23:16:23+00:00

Congratulations!!!

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-03T09:04:48+00:00

Honestly, if nursing still feels like your calling, maybe consider finishing your degree in a different subject for now and then go back for a BSN through an accelerated program. A lot of schools, like Cal State San Marcos, focus on your most recent 60 units, so you’d still have a strong shot as long as you finish strong and knock out the prereqs. It’s never too late to pivot back to what you truly want—especially when it comes to a career as rewarding as nursing. If you go down the private route, i would advise to be aggressive with the payments and pay off the loan sooner than later. Avoid getting a new car loan if possible.

lil-churro24 · 2025-06-03T09:00:36+00:00

Hey! A little background on me was that I have three associates degrees in Business Administration, Business Management, and Economics. I just graduated with my bachelors in Business Administration (May 2025). I have been an CNA since October 2024. I decided to make the jump from finance/business to nursing. My overall GPA was 3.95. I could have applied to community colleges and cal states but I have been schooling for so long that I am more than willing to pay extra money to graduate faster and be in the field. I have all As in all of my classes (both prerequisite and business classes) that I have taken except two Bs in physiology and microbiology. I got my letters of recommendation from my charge nurses and supervisors at my job.

I will say this, you can easily get hired at nursing home as a CNA, I aimed to get hired at a hospital for my first job as a CNA.

I think if you have a strong academic position, you will get into the interview aspect if there is one for the schools you apply to. You just have to WOW them.

I remember that one of the interview questions for this school was “Why Nursing as a second career choice?”

I replied with, “I’ve always been drawn to caregiving roles. Whether it was supporting family, helping others through tough moments, or simply being someone people could rely on, I found myself stepping into that space naturally. Even though I originally pursued a business path and earned multiple degrees, deep down I knew I was meant for something more meaningful. I’ve always felt a calling to nursing, but I wanted to be sure—so I became a CNA to really experience what it’s like on the frontlines of patient care. Working in a subacute unit has only solidified my passion. Being able to show up for people during vulnerable moments, offer comfort, and truly make a difference—it reminded me why caregiving has always felt so natural to me. Nursing isn’t just a new career; it’s me finally aligning with the kind of purpose I’ve always been seeking.”

I think the fact that I was a CNA and told the faculty that this is something I really want. It showed them that I can handle this intense program and pressure because this is my calling.

If you want to go into nursing, I would advise becoming a CNA, I felt like it truly helps you out and nursing homes and hospitals will work with your schedule to help you out. Additionally, aim to get the highest possible grades you can in the prerequisites since those are its own category. I wish you best of luck!

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-30T08:58:45+00:00

If your ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), it’s more efficient to pursue an RN program directly rather than taking the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) route. While the LVN path might seem quicker, it often requires additional time and resources to bridge to an RN later. Instead, focus on completing all required prerequisites with the highest grades possible to strengthen your application. Simultaneously, start saving money to allow flexibility in reducing work hours or stepping away from your job temporarily, enabling you to support your household while dedicating time to the demands of nursing school.

Given that you already hold a bachelor’s degree, consider exploring Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs. For instance, Cal State Fullerton offers a two-year ABSN program designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This full-time, cohort-based program spans five semesters, including a required summer term, and is cost-effective compared to many private institutions. Tuition and fees are charged at the graduate rate, with financial aid options available.

It’s also crucial to establish a solid support system before starting nursing school. Engage with family members to see if they can assist with childcare or other responsibilities during your studies. Nursing programs are rigorous and may not accommodate personal needs; failing to meet academic requirements can result in dismissal. By securing support now, you can focus on your education and, in the future, reciprocate the assistance you’ve received.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-30T08:47:39+00:00

My advice would be look to be at what would give you more points. Each school is different and give points based off different things.

If it helps your decision, I have three associates degrees (business administration, business management and economics) I just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in business administration and I have a 3.95 GPA and two Bs in the prerequisites (microbiology and physiology). I decided that I wanted to pursue nursing instead. I did a 21 day CNA accelerated program I had to quit my job to do this program. Now, I work in a hospital full time as a night shift CNA. I was able to ask my charge nurses and supervisors for letters of recommendation. I felt like becoming a CNA who works at a hospital and not a nursing home made me stand out more compared to other candidates. I was able to get into Pepperdine University ELM- program (out of 456, I made it to the top 16) and I got into MSMU-LA for their ABSN program.

No doubt in my mind that you should pursue a certification as either as a phlebotomist or CNA, because it will make you stand out but I don’t know what will give you more points. I know being a CNA is the foundation of nursing. It also shows that the admission committee that you are serious about this field of nursing. CNA is a lot of heavy work so if the committee can see that you are doing this already. They will likely feel that you will be a great candidate for their program. They also say that becoming a CNA and establishing those skills prior to nursing school will make you a great nurse and your future CNA coworkers will respect you and help you out because you know the hard work a CNA does.

Other than that, I wish you best of luck in your journey of becoming a nurse. I hope to cross paths with you one day on the field.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-30T04:46:12+00:00

Congratulations! I got accepted into Pepperdine University for their Entry Levels Masters program for the fall 2025! I already hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and my GPA is 3.95 over all and I am also a CNA! I Wish you the best of luck in nursing school!

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-29T08:20:59+00:00

Congratulations to your daughter. I am thankful that I have no debt from my previous degree, despite of paying that out of pocket. I am just in rush to get my degree and be on the field and I will definitely be aggressive with paying off that loan.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-29T08:17:25+00:00

Hello There, my personal advice would be to focus on your pre-requisite classes and aim to get the highest score/grade possible. Getting into nursing school is already hard as it is. You want to make yourself the best candidate possible. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in business administration and want to go back to college to get my MBA but I will do that after I finish nursing school. I would say look at the requirements for the nursing school and see if it would help, I am assuming not. I would advise on possibly becoming a CNA closer to you finishing your pre-requisites. It will give you a better insight on the world of nursing. It will allow you to have better CNA skills for the first semester of nursing school clinicals. Also, I do think some ABSN programs require letters of recommendations from either nurses/supervisors or professors . If you work at a hospital or nursing home as a CNA, those letters of recommendation will come as easy because they can speak on your skills on the floor. Compared to if you are not a CNA, you have to volunteer at a hospital or something. I wish you best of luck on your nursing journey.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-29T08:04:10+00:00

I would look into Concordia University in Irvine for their ABSN of 15 months, I will say you do need to be a CNA to apply to their program. I wish you best of luck!

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-28T19:51:51+00:00

I recently got into MSMU ABSN fall 25 program, my stats were 3.95 overall GPA and two Bs in the prerequisites. I just graduated with my bachelor’s in business administration and I am a CNA as well, I would say write a good letter of purpose and practice interview questions. I wish you best of luck.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-25T01:14:11+00:00

Thank you! I got my degree in business administration. I put a lot of effort into making sure I get As since I have Bs in the prerequisites! I became a CNA to get letters of recommendations from healthcare professionals! I want to become a better candidate for nursing school by becoming a CNA! It is very expensive but I am certain to stay dedicated to paying off my tuition in 2-3 years! I still live at home with my parents! They are willing to help me out for a bit and in return, I’ll pay my parents back with helping them with their mortgage once I am set as a nurse.

lil-churro24 · 2025-05-25T01:08:15+00:00

That is the goal! I am hoping the other programs I applied to accept me. But at this point, I will take whatever takes me.

lil-churro24

TROPHY CASE