Maricopa Colleges LPN-RN Wait?

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Specializes in Neuro ICU.

I am an LPN looking to apply to community colleges to get into block 3 in August- I heard that Rio shut down their program & Gateway closed their evening program- so Im just wondering what people have heard regarding waits to get into the advanced/block 3 program & if anyone has any suggestions on where to apply! If any of the schools might be easier to get into without waiting...?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am an LPN looking to apply to community colleges to get into block 3 in August- I heard that Rio shut down their program & Gateway closed their evening program- so Im just wondering what people have heard regarding waits to get into the advanced/block 3 program & if anyone has any suggestions on where to apply! If any of the schools might be easier to get into without waiting...?

Hi,

A friend of mine who recently turned in her application for NS was told by the advisor not to go the LPN-RN route hoping to get right into Block 3 of NS and cut down on her time on the waiting list. According to her, a big Hospital chain here in the valley(not naming any names) has let all or most of their LPN's go and a lot of them are looking to get into an RN program. The advisor also told her that there are not that many seats open each semester. I guess most students do make it through the blocks, which is a good thing. I hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi,

A friend of mine who recently turned in her application for NS was told by the advisor not to go the LPN-RN route hoping to get right into Block 3 of NS and cut down on her time on the waiting list. According to her, a big Hospital chain here in the valley(not naming any names) has let all or most of their LPN's go and a lot of them are looking to get into an RN program. The advisor also told her that there are not that many seats open each semester. I guess most students do make it through the blocks, which is a good thing. I hope this helps.

I'm starting block 1 next month, and we were told about a month ago that everyone who completed block two and wanted block three got a spot last semester. - we certainly weren't given any guarantees, but they did seem to be trying to do what they could to get people through.

I was speaking to my cna clinical instructor today and he said they had to cancel some planned cohorts because of a lack of clinical sites. He mentioned a current cohort that had been promised 50 patients, and the site allowed two other schools to send in students, so this particular group ended up with a student/patient ratio of about 1:1.

FWIW, if it were me, I'd make an appointment and talk to an advisor myself before I gave up. In any case - you certainly can knock out any pre-req's and co-req's while you're waiting for a slot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Don't believe everything that the advisers say. They are told to say this because people have learned this way to bypass the long 2 1/2 wait for the regular RN program. Plus the year I applied I was told that the likelihood of getting in would be slim because they placed their partner programs first. Well everyone who was in the line with me that day was placed in the program.

Getting into Block 3 depends simply on how many applicants there are and how many people failed block 2 and can't move on. Gateway opened two program paths for Block 3 last semester because they had a lot of LPN students and LPNs wanting to get advanced placement. Some people from my LPN group were offered spots at two locations, so they had a choice, and the majority of the others were placed in Block 3 with no wait time somewhere within the MCCDNP.

Plus it all boils down to this, "The higher your HESI score the better your chances of getting into Block 3 with no wait." they place the highest scores first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Thanks guys!

I actually have all my prereqs & coreqs done except one which I will be finishing this semester & turning in my app in June or asap... Just hopin & prayin I can get right in this August!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Education, Med/Surg, AGNP-HIV.

Yes, it is the luck of the draw. It can be a bit complicated, you should decide what school you want to go to and apply there. Speak with an advisor and see what the wait is like. Dont forget you have to take the HESI first as well. I went this route and was going for Rio, but had second thoughts and decided on Glendale, which i had to wait about 5 months, then out of nowhere they call and tell me i am starting in two days becaause some slots opened up. It really is all going to depend on how many are on the wait list at the school you apply, so speak with the advisor at the school of choice and see what they say. Then call around and to other MCC colleges and see if it is any different. Good luck. It is challanging but worth it only a few more weeks to go until graduation.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I recently applied to Block 3 two weeks before this semester started and got right in. I was told by an advisor that you can only apply to one school for advanced placement but you have to email or call the directors of the other schools to see if they have openings. That is what i did and after 4 rejection letters from other schools i was finally accepted. You should be able to get right in you just have to look for an opening and be flexible. If you are set on one school you may have to wait.

good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopedics, Neuro, Trauma.

Don't believe the hype that you can't get into block 3 right away or that the LPN to RN option isn't worth the time. Most people get into a slot in block 3 immediately and if they don't it's still only a 1 semester wait. When you really think about it all, it's silly to spend 2 years doing pre-reqs, then wait another 2 years+ on the wait list and then 2 years to actually do the program. If you go the LPN route, you don't need your pre-reqs done prior to applying. You can get your pre-reqs done while in PN school. Lastly, you can work your way as a nurse while going to school for blocks 3 and 4. More and more people are realizing that getting your PN is the backdoor into the RN program and those who are smart will seek that option and use it for all that it's worth. You can still get jobs working as a LPN mostly in long-term care, however you make more money in LTC than you would in a hospital anyway. I just graduated from MSC this October and in less than 24 hours of emailing the Director of Nursing of one of the CC's in the valley, I had an offer for block 3. I also did very well in the program and had a high Hesi PN exit score. Just do what you have to do in nursing school and the roadblocks will slowly disappear. That's the best piece of advice I could give anyone at this point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

What did you use to study for the HESI PN exit exam? Did most people in your class score 800 or higher?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a little worried. Want to jump into block 3 this fall as a transfer student from a neighboring state where I'm currently enrolled. Took the HESI A2 today, and did quite well, but worried about the HESI PN, because I didn't realize I would have to take it until Friday. No time to study, so I'm just going in with a big huge prayer that I remember everything I have learned my first year. Sigh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopedics, Neuro, Trauma.

I personally didn't study for the HESI-PN because I don't think it's one of those exams you can study for. You either know the material or not. You can't just study a year's worth of information in a week or two. Just always try to remember that your biggest issue is safety, always think airway. If your patient can't breathe who cares if his drainage is leaking out?? Just thinking the questions through is your best defense. Don't over think the scenario, just read what's there and not above and beyond.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment