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Does it matter what college you graduated from when you apply to nursing school ?

I am a student who wants to go to UC Santa Cruz, but I don't know if I need to be taking an extra step and looking for schools already with a nursing program. I have applied to all the UC's, are other private 4-year colleges something that I should be curious for?

Also, what qualities do nursing schools look for when accepting applicants?

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Raquel’s Answer

In general, so long as you have the required prerequisite courses and entrance exams that are required, it doesn't matter what school you went to. The caveat to that is that some schools have a significant preference for in state students. It sounds like you're planning on staying in California, so this shouldn't be a problem for you, but is something to be aware of if you start looking at nursing schools out of state.
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Dan’s Answer

Hi - In light of your question, just a couple of things to consider when making a decision to attend a particular nursing school/program. When you visit the school, make sure you find out what the school’s actual passing percentage rate is of students taking the NCLEX. Also, I would encourage you to talk and ask a lot of questions of as many of their nursing students as you can, in order to get a good consensus of the quality of their program.
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Alexa’s Answer

No, it should not matter as long as you take, and pass the required classes that the nursing school requires. If you are interested in a specific program, its a good idea to reach out to the admissions office to make sure you take the required classes.
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vibinwit.’s Answer

No,
The School You Attend Won't Affect Everything
Although you'll definitely want to research and consider the things. The nursing school you attend won't impact everything in your nursing career. For example, as long as you pass NCLEX, you'll be considered a competent, licensed nurse.

vibinwit. recommends the following next steps:

Research colleges, that you will be comfortable attending
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! Carmen
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Joseph’s Answer

I would say as long as you went to an accredited school, you should be fine. As far as qualities that nursing schools look for is what kind of experience you have. I would start as a CNA and gain some experience. It's probably one of the highest demanding jobs out there. But be prepared, being a CNA is NOT an easy job. If you can emotionally tolerate crabby and demanding patients, don't mind cleaning and changing them, and enjoy working hard, you may just like this. But hey, it won't last forever. It's just a stepping stone to becoming a nurse.

Joseph recommends the following next steps:

Talk to some CNA's and nurses and ask what their job is like.
Do a lot of research about the career and make sure it sounds like something you would either enjoy or wouldn't mind doing.
Reach out to a nursing school teacher/professor with any questions.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! Carmen
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Victor’s Answer

Nope! I had a friend who started in a community college and got multiple certifications and did some local associates degree for nursing; and now he's an in charge ICU RN for a reputable hospital.
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Lorraine’s Answer

Nursing programs outline the requirements for admission on their websites. Nursing programs will list prerequisites and some may score applications based on GPAs or relevant work experience in the healthcare field. It is imperative to check the California Board of Registered Nursing website to determine which colleges, universities, and private schools are accredited. Keep your options open and apply to as many nursing programs as you are able to attend if accepted.

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Uruj’s Answer

Personally I would say no. Many people think the more expensive or the more "well known" a school is that they are guaranteed access to the graduate school of their choice and no one else has a shot. I would say that as long as you are keeping up with content, keeping your grades at a steady GPA, and also have some internship or other experience, you can be just as amazing of a candidate as someone from an Ivy league school- even better, too!
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