LPN adv. plcmt--is it worth it? (Long)

U.S.A. Arizona

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Is it just me or does it seem like LPNs have to jump through MANY hoops to apply for adv. plcmt? Maybe it is because I did my education out-of-state for the LPN program? I'm practically staggering toward the finish line just to put the application in...and this is not even to speak of the actual program:uhoh3:. I don't see much feedback on the boards from LPNs so I feel kind of isolated. Anyway, I just took and passed the Hesi A-2 today, and I still need to do the Hesi PN which I am sooooo freaked out about (its been about 5-6 years since LPN school). I just spoke with a nursing program advisor and there are just so many unknowns related to the waiting period and where AP students are placed. I just wonder if I've saved any time by going this route. I just feel totally stressed now.

I found out today that it will take 4-6 weeks for my transcript evaluation. I need to have credit for some of the pre-reqs that I've already taken to submit the application. I started requesting my transcripts from my college seven months ago, but apparently, because of mixing me and another student with the same name (and this other student had a financial hold on their transcripts:mad:) I spent months--I'm not kidding--sending letters and proof that there was a mistake. Unfortunately, now, I will lose credit for the pharmacology class I took online @ Rio last summer--I need that for Block 3 plcmt. So...that leaves me with two choices: (1) Wait until fall and take the class at GWC for 12 weeks or so, in person, and wait until December when it is finished to apply. Hopefully I would place in Block 3 (pending taking the Hesi PN) OR (2) Finish up this last pre-req that I'm in now--which should correspond to the time transcript eval is complete--and bypass the HESI PN and the Pharm class by applying to Block 2.

At this point, I don't want to have to do Block 2 obviously. However, I'm sooo ready to just start the program already and get it done. My thinking--and what I've been told by the PC advisor--is that I would likely be able to start in January if I put my application in now. Even if it is Block 2 at least I would be in the program and not in limbo. Is it my delirium talking now?:lol2: This is not what I originally planned but I'm soooo tired of all this pre-program junk!

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What PediRN2be said is true I applied at GCC, but I contacted the directors at the other schools as well. I only contacted 2 other schools, because the news of no openings was depressing after a while. I would be persistant and talk to the admissions advisors and the directors at each school you are interested in.

So... to clarify the advanced placement nurses are not able to view their progress like the other students on the long waiting list. We have to keep in contact with the directors of the program and/or the admission advisors for any openings. Get on the list now...and soon. Hope to hear you are in the program soon!

For those contacting different schools, check back in July. In addition to Gateway, which is where I applied and graduated the LPN program, I contacted SCC, MCC, PC, and CGCC. PC flat out said there were no Block 3 openings for Fall. I got no response from MCC or CGCC. SCC and Gateway have both said that they won't know what spots are going to be open until July. So, It seems that July is when decisions are going to be made.

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For those contacting different schools, check back in July. In addition to Gateway, which is where I applied and graduated the LPN program, I contacted SCC, MCC, PC, and CGCC. PC flat out said there were no Block 3 openings for Fall. I got no response from MCC or CGCC. SCC and Gateway have both said that they won't know what spots are going to be open until July. So, It seems that July is when decisions are going to be made.

Actually.....I just got placed this week and start the end of July. I just found out and all the schools I applied at told me by the end of June and that included Gateway. I did contact them frequently for openings though. I would say your information is different because you actually graduated from a program in this state. It seems the ones applying for advanced placement with out of state transcripts have to be persistant to get noticed. I recommend e-mailing at least once a week and asking about openings.

So happy that I am off the waiting list and am finally into the nursing program!!

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Congrats lovemymack!!!:clown:. I'm so happy to hear that you are going to start the nursing program. It gives me hope, lol. Was it GWCC that you got into? I wish you all the best and I appreciate you again for sharing your experience and advice. I will follow your advice to make frequent contact with the schools that I'm interested in. Keep us informed of your progress and feel free to pass on anything that might help others through the program.

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So, as I said in earlier post I had submitted my application to Gateway, since I graduated their program, but they were telling us very limited space for Fall and to reach out to the other colleges for openings. So, I had contacted PC, MCC, CGCC, and SCC. CGCC never replied, so pretty much wrote them off, the others told me absolutely NO spots open for Fall.

Guess what!? THis morning actually got invitations from BOTH PC AND CGCC!!! :rolleyes: I am SOOOOOO happy!!!!:lol2: I did accept the CGCC invitation. Orientation is 8/19 and class starts 8/23. So relieved to not have to worry about this anymore.

So all of you out there DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE!!!! Just keep contacting the colleges and let them know you are interested. I not only emailed the director to ask about openings, but when I got a reply back I sent back a note thanking them and telling them to keep me in mind if something does open up.

And, now there will be an opening at Phoenix for someone....:)

Good luck to all and really don't give up hope, I know how frustrating and discouraging this whole process is.

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Congrats PediRN2b!:yeah:Wow! How exciting to get invited to two schools. So glad you are going to start the program very soon and I wish you the best also in your nursing program. I hope you too will keep me advised of how you're coming along and definitely pass on tips and advice! You're on your way to actually being a PediRN!

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So ideally after doing the LPN program (for one year) and then applying into block 3, is there a long wait? And if there is not a wait would you recommend this to the other people who are looking at at least 2 years wait to even begin the program? I applied this month, so ideally I probably won't start for another 2 years or more...I just want to keep my options open. Does the LPN program at Gateway have a wait list now? Any advice of what would be the least time and furthermore the best use of my time, rather than waiting? I am feeling frustrated...

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I found out today that it will take 4-6 weeks for my transcript evaluation. I need to have credit for some of the pre-reqs that I've already taken to submit the application. I started requesting my transcripts from my college seven months ago, but apparently, because of mixing me and another student with the same name (and this other student had a financial hold on their transcripts:mad:) I spent months--I'm not kidding--sending letters and proof that there was a mistake. Unfortunately, now, I will lose credit for the pharmacology class I took online @ Rio last summer--I need that for Block 3 plcmt. So...that leaves me with two choices: (1) Wait until fall and take the class at GWC for 12 weeks or so, in person, and wait until December when it is finished to apply. Hopefully I would place in Block 3 (pending taking the Hesi PN) OR (2) Finish up this last pre-req that I'm in now--which should correspond to the time transcript eval is complete--and bypass the HESI PN and the Pharm class by applying to Block 2.

At this point, I don't want to have to do Block 2 obviously. However, I'm sooo ready to just start the program already and get it done. My thinking--and what I've been told by the PC advisor--is that I would likely be able to start in January if I put my application in now. Even if it is Block 2 at least I would be in the program and not in limbo. Is it my delirium talking now?:lol2: This is not what I originally planned but I'm soooo tired of all this pre-program junk!

Hi Prettybrowngirl,

I have heard that the whole transcript evaluation thing is a mess, especially if you are coming from out of state. I had a friend who went to NAU and it took forever, so out of state I know is worse. That stinks you have to take the pharm class over. Gateway is offering NUR187 this summer. Summer I has already started, but there is one starting for session II that begins 8/2 and ends 9/13. That way you could apply earlier? Would still be too late for Fall, but at least you can start contacting schools for Spring. I know the frustration when you just want in, and it sounds like you are jumping more hoops than normal.

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Thanks so much for the heads up PediRN. When I checked a while ago, I did not see an online class for Summer @ GW. I will definitely consider that option! That would give me a little more time to prepare for the Hesi PN as well. Good looking out.:up:

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In response to your first question, this was also my reaction the first time I saw the requirements for the school that I was interested in. It definitely struck me that it would be easier to start from scratch and not bother trying to get in with the LVN to RN route.

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So ideally after doing the LPN program (for one year) and then applying into block 3, is there a long wait? And if there is not a wait would you recommend this to the other people who are looking at at least 2 years wait to even begin the program? I applied this month, so ideally I probably won't start for another 2 years or more...I just want to keep my options open. Does the LPN program at Gateway have a wait list now? Any advice of what would be the least time and furthermore the best use of my time, rather than waiting? I am feeling frustrated...

I am wondering the same thing...

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I'm not sure about the wait if you bridge from an LPN program through Maricopa Colleges. I voiced frustrations from the perspective of one who completed an LPN program elsewhere and is now trying to get advanced placement. It never hurts to investigate every option available to you. I would contact an advisor at Gateway, if that is where you would consider doing the LPN, and get firsthand info on what the wait list is like and the prospects for advanced placement after completing the program. That way you can make the decision whether to go that route or not. Hope that helps.

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