LVN to RN Unitek: DON'T GO!

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Oct 4, 2008

Thank you for posting this warning. Good luck to you.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2008

That is bad!!! thanks for the update.

Greenapple167 · Oct 15, 2008

I was considering going to Unitek College for their lvn-rn program. Now i'm very hestitant.

Unitek college says it offers an associate degree in nursing...

NickiLaughs:

Have you talked to any of the local CSUs if your classes are transferable?

I am hoping to transfer to a CSu right after an associate RN program

MysticalSeeker · Oct 16, 2008

Its a new program, is it perfect? No.

But they really are a good school. Yes they have a LOT of bad things.....A LOT. But once you graduate, and you take and pass the NCLEX, you see that the real focus is on learning and that they really did prepare you for your test.

I know how easy it is to get saddled into the gossip, but it really IS a good preparation for the NCLEX.

suzanne4, RN · Oct 17, 2008

I have actually precepted several students that were in that program and they were happy with it.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Dec 4, 2008

UPDATE:

The first two classes were much more organized than the third RN class. (oddly enough) I am in the third.

I have spoken with the two classes prior to us, the first class liked it, the second class was 50/50. Most of our class agree that this program really needs to step it up quick because we would not recommend it.

Three of the main faculty have quit or are quitting during our rotation.

I have a slightly more in-depth position of being able to evaluate the program because I was the "class president" and asked to attend the staff meetings, they were disasters every single time, most of them lacking professionalism.

Every "module" in second semester was taught by a different instructor, their information was often contradictory, I always used what the book taught me, you couldn't rely on them for information.

Our preceptorship schedule was not set up until a week after we were supposed to have started, and our graduation has been delayed a week.

If I had to do it all over again, I still, at this point, with only twenty days left, would not recommend this program.

I can tell you that many of the teachers have stated to me that "they cannot believe that the school does not secure clinical sites until the last minute, they only prepare for each class one semester at time"

I'm not sure the standard organization, but this semester resulted in three clinical site changes at the last minute, mornings to nights, weekends, etc.

If you have a job, you won't by the end of this program, because there is no set "days" that you will be attending school. The new class has already had two changes in their first semester schedule. Many of them are having to quit the part time jobs or drop out.

If you are able to tolerate a nursing program that schedule can change (i'm talking 24/7, with less than a days notice), having possible graduation delayed, changing teachers with every test, and are able to self-study d/t lack of instruction, than go for it.

I'm hoping the program will improve with time, but right now their pass rate is 68%, and they don't seem to be getting any more organized with the last class.

I'm glad that some students had a good experience, I can only speak on behalf of my current RN class, many of whom saw me writing this and agreed.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Dec 4, 2008

I have actually precepted several students that were in that program and they were happy with it.

If you're referring to the LVN program, than yes, it is actually very organized and well-ran

I'm only talking about the LVN to RN, because that is what my experience is limited to.

We are the third class, only two have graduated and done preceptorship, and as I said before, the first class was way more organized than us! Second class that had graduated was so-so. Our class has had, basically any schedule mishap that could happen, did happen. Like I said, I can only speak for the current class that is about to graduate.

I just am trying to allow people to be informed of our experience. It differs for everyone. I am one of the top students in the program, it's pretty obvious when the director will not return any students phone calls or they change their grading policy on different "whims." There is a complete lack of consistency. We had to finish an exam early one day because they needed the class room for IT students. The 100 question final was supposed to be given an hour and 40 minutes (one minute per question) We got about an hour.

I could go on, my examples are honest, i have 28 other classmates who would confirm all of this

lldonisonll · Dec 8, 2008

Hello to al!
I have no information as to the quality of the LVN program, just the LVN to RN program.
I am about to begin my 6 month of 9 months at the LVN to RN program at Unitek and I wanted to inform those considering them of their program.
#1 DISORGANIZATION
They have not planned clinicals out very well the entire program. We were supposed to take two days out of med surg starting two weeks ago to attend OB clinicals. Their teacher fell through, the clinical site fell through and as of today we just found out our new OB rotation, which will be three sundays in a row when we are already going to clinicals & lecture mon-fri. Among other things we have been told on several occaisions, "you have to be at this clinical site (an hour away) in two hours or on in two days for orientations."
They had known about it for weeks, why hadn't we?
Those are just a couple illustrations.
#2 LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM
Among the many things that have occurred this year at this program, various teachers have badmouthed other teachers to the students. Assitant Director of the program came in to give a lecture and ended up talking about her political views, people who "just came off the boat" and how healthcare should be available to all. The lecture was supposed to be on leadership, not her personal views.
#3 MAJORITY OF INSTRUCTORS ARE NOT PREPARED
Most of the teachers here come in with some handouts and so begins the long, droning lecture which most often is completely off the topic and have no relation to certain material we are supposed to cover. I honestly have spent most of the program reading my books, looking at my notes and seeking information elsewhere. I have done well, but those who are not good at self-study are struggling.
Good luck to all.

That is exactly how WestMed College San Jose is also.

mulan027 · Feb 20, 2009

WOW! Really? I was considering Unitek, is there another school in the bay area (lvn to rn). That actually sounds like Gurnick LVN program

luckystudentnurseRN · Feb 21, 2009

Im so sorry to hear this!!! Good luck and dont give up!

Im a current lvn student looking to transition next year

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 22, 2009

FYI, our class did survive. It was very frustrating for us. We kept complaining about EVERYTHING. We did graduate two weeks later than originally told. And one of my classmates actually had to finish preceptorship almost a month past our graduation because they hadn't placed him.

Even our graduation was disorganized, many of us didn't get our robes til that day. Some didn't even get a tassel at all.....

Needless to say, I still graduated and passed boards, but had I had another option, I probably wouldn't have gone there.