Bay Area College of Nursing

BACN is the school where I would definitely recommend to those who are aspiring to be a CNA or LVN. Their schedule of classes is perfectly right for those working students like me. I did took my nursing assistant program and VN program here and just recently passed the NCLEX. I would say that teachers and staff are very approachable, competent and knowledgeable considering the fact that most of them are doctors in their own field, and one thing I do loved in this school is that they will treat you not just like a student but like a family, help you all throughout your journey till you reach your goal.

They have tried as much as possible to help us students and make the program work for us.

I both trained for and took my CNA certification here and really have nothing but great things to say about the experience. I was in a bit of a time crunch to complete the whole certification process and begin working — which is what first attracted me to BACN. They offer an accelerated program with daily weekday classes (although I believe there is a longer, weekend program as well) and were extremely accommodating about getting me enrolled even though I was running around last minute and didn’t think I’d make the deadlines.
The weekday program definitely requires that you put in some long hours but it was actually really enjoyable as it allowed everyone in my cohort to form some really strong friendships. The staff was also great and managed to make what could have been a loooooong 7 hours a day surprisingly fun and laid back. Both Ronee and Rachelle are extremely efficient (respond to emails/​questions with lightening speed!) and Miss Ava was totally the best for clinicals!!!
Another plus was that everything you need is right there. The place where you do the CPR training is literally less than a block away and the certification tests are held at the school itself (which isn’t generally the case). A lot of students from outside schools had to come to BACN on the testing day — I know I felt more at ease taking the tests in a familiar room/​mock patient room with familiar staff. Oh, and also a Starbucks in walking distance to get you going in the morning. What more do you need! ;)
I would definitely recommend BACN — overall exactly what I was looking for.

I was under the instruction of one great teacher for my clinical and one atrociously impatient man for my CNA theory class. That’s all I will say on the matter.
Ronee, the manager is really on top of things and great at getting back to students, but they are obviously understaffed, as she is obviously overwhelmed with all her duties and trying to advertise/​grow enrollment. Not the cheapest CNA program out there, but you will definitely get your money’s worth for all the experience you get out of clinical. If Bay Area cleans up their act a bit and becomes more organized, i MIGHT consider looking into their LVN program. There is a lot of potential, but ‘a many loose ends to tie up.

Nice people!

This place has a really creepy vibe. When I went to take the «Admissions test» the secretary asked for my credit card WHILE i was taking the test and WALKED OFF with my credit card. I then had to stop my test to tell them that it is NOT okay to just take my credit card. After I finished the test, I made sure to ask how much they were going to charge me. Glad I asked because they «forgot» to mention there was a $ 1 fee for using a credit card. At that point I literally ran out because this place is creepy and unorganized!

Bay Area college of nursing is definitely the school you want to be in towards your Vocational Nursing needs.
The education by far exceed the expectations I wanted from a school.
I came from Unitek College from fremont (which totally sucked by the way) and the difference the teaching and wanting to be taught is exceptional when you come here to BACN.
The teachers come from a wide array of classifications of nursing. The professor who teaches you pharmacology is a doctor who is very proficient, funny, and well-​mannered in regards to the aspects he teaches you. You’ll learn a lot, and gain a lot.
Pharmacology and Med-​Surg are taught differently, and coincide together by first lecture Pharmacology, second lecture taught for Med-​Surg, all in the same day so you can remember each so they go hand in hand.
The clinical hours are on the weekends which is convinient because you learn more when Nurses have free time to teach more. Weekends are not the busy for them so you can get more work done, and more practice towards the goals you are set up to do.
The care plans are amazing. They teach you how to be attentive-​to-​detail and teach you how to chart defensively. Thanks to them, I can say that I am 100% confident in my ability to take care of my patients without worrying that I did not learn something.
The school is cheaper than other schools, Unitek is 33k, not worth it.
Be aware that classes are at night time. This is great for those that work the day shifts like me. I did my daily job during the week, and it was perfect because since the weekends are my off days, clinical days were a breeze.
The Clinical areas offer lots of practice towards the daily tasks you may face such as Would Care, medication pass via oral, g-​tube, NGT, etc.
If you have any questions you can ask your professor and they would be very attentive to help achieve your needs.
And no this is not a made up review. I am the class president of Batch 15 for this school, and it is safe to say that my class has risen above and beyond and we are all doing well towards our future Vocational Nursing endeavors.
If you have any questions towards this review or anything about the school, don’t hesitate to contact me.
And just as an FYI, they do have an NCLEX review at the end of the program which will definitely help you pass the boards.
Work hard, play hard, and most of all, success doesn’t build upon itself, it builds when you place a strong foundation, and work hard to make it whole.
Good luck everyone!