Rio Salado Online Nursing School

DesertRN2, MSN, APRN · Sep 13, 2009

I am currently a GCC nursing student and had originally considered RIO for my nursing as well. After taking several classes with RIO i got A's in most courses but got a C in A&P. I decided to look into another option for the nursing program, I found some of the instructors online were not alot of help. Anyhow their are other options for nursing. MCC has weekend and Hybrid programs that allow you to work and go to school. I am in the hybrid program and go twice a week in the evenings. I also work full-time, but luckily have a flexible job, something to think about. It is tough but doable.

Banking2Nursing · Sep 13, 2009

I am currently a GCC nursing student and had originally considered RIO for my nursing as well. After taking several classes with RIO i got A's in most courses but got a C in A&P. I decided to look into another option for the nursing program, I found some of the instructors online were not alot of help. Anyhow their are other options for nursing. MCC has weekend and Hybrid programs that allow you to work and go to school. I am in the hybrid program and go twice a week in the evenings. I also work full-time, but luckily have a flexible job, something to think about. It is tough but doable.

Thank you so much for the quick reply!:redbeathe I saw that Glendale had a weekend program, I didn't see other options (on the waiting list it just says traditional, accelerated, weekend or online) Which campus are you attending? What does a typical school week (including clinicals) look like for you? Once again, thanks for the fast reply and your input, it is much appreciated!

DesertRN2, MSN, APRN · Sep 13, 2009

I am at Glendale in the hybrid program. It was put on hold for new semesters due to funding but my instructor said a few weeks ago that it looks like they will get more funding for the hybrid program. They do have a weekend program. contact the nursing admission coordinator. Although a word of warning..i dont think they give her alot of info. I had two days notice when i started and she gave me wrong days and times for class. But she would be your contact at least to enroll and get on the list.

As for schedule the hybrid works like this we went M & T 330-9p for classroom. All the the class work is done first so no clinicals until you pass your block. Now we go:

M & T 4-11pm for 7 weeks and then W & Th 4-11pm for 7 weeks for clinicals, have a small break and then start again in Jan.

As for being flexible, some days you may have to go in early for tests. All of the tests are taken in the high tech center so you have to go during their hours and still you may have class that nigth as well. Also in clinicals you have to go the day before to pick your patient and prepare your care plan ( which takes hours) so you have to be able to be flexible. Most students work at least 30-40+ hours per week. Some don't work at all (which would be nice). Just plan on no life if you work full time as well. It is grueling but doable while working even though they reccomend no work, it is not possible for all of us.

Are you already on the list?

Banking2Nursing · Sep 13, 2009

Wow, thanks for the contact person and info! Do you mean that for the first 7 weeks you go M & T, then the next 7 W & Th? Or all 4 days for 7 weeks? I am on the waiting list, but I did not see the Glendale hybrid option (maybe it will be up next semester, I will contact the administrator). Is this program a 24 mth program? Where are the clinicals? I am relieved to hear you are working and going to nursing school, definately gives me inspiration! :yeah:

DesertRN2, MSN, APRN · Sep 13, 2009

No we just go twice a week, either m&t or w&th, one group is doing M&T and another w&th then we will switch after 7 weeks. Yes also the weekend program might be something to consider. They go F & S. As for the length I am not sure i started this block (3) and will go until July 2010. So i would guess it like 28 months for the whole program. They call it part time, but it is anything but...lol. We really go like the weekenders but have 3 weeks off in between blocks and they do not. We are at John C Lincoln and Banner T-bird. But it varies by semester. Yes it is hard but possible to work and go to school but YOU can do it!