UCONN Mbein program vs Community College Assoc. Deg

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Apr 9, 2010

I think that this will largely be a matter of opinion since what works for some people will not work for, or appeal to, others. I applied to the Mbein program last year and while they were willing to be accommodating on some pre-requisites, they were not willing to be flexible on others, and I didn't end up pursuing those because I applied to the CC program instead. Of the course of the time that I was looking into both programs here is some feedback that I got from other students. For the Mbein program they strongly recommend that you not work during the 11 months of classes. Classes begin in January with one day of lecture (it's campus dependent which day it is, I think Storrs was Monday from 8am-4 or 6pm). Then there are 2 7-hour days of lab which becomes clinical rotations quickly. I've heard it's intense and some students said it was well-run while others said it was disorganized. I did hear some feedback from students that felt that other programs might have more hands on time during the course of their clinicals (specifically CCs program), but others felt their training was very reasonable. It's a certificate program and while they say it's the equivalent of a B.S., in reality it's not. So you don't have an ADN or BSN, just a certificate and RN. Not sure what that means in terms of jobs or future schooling, but it's another detail. For the CC program, I've heard good things. Some people think that graduating with an ADN rather than BSN is a big drawback, but I'm not sure. For me, the CC program is the best option because my job can be flexible enough that I will be able to continue working while in school. That's very important to me because I'm the sole income in our house, so I can't be without pay for a year as the Mbein program would require. I can also afford the CC program more than the UConn program, which I think is about $25,000 before books and supplies. Again, you can find people that love and hate all the nursing programs here in the state. I've read people that loved Goodwin College and others couldn't stand it. Same for the CCs, Mbein, Bridgeport Hospital, etc. I think in the end you make the best decision based on the information you have, and then make the best of it. I'm so sorry that you had transcript problems with the CC program. I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to be facing another year of waiting. Good luck with whatever you decide.

bsf1962 · Apr 9, 2010

Thank you for your reply, JBMommy. Are you currently in the CC program? If so, what is your schedule like, or are you waiting to hear? I had originally wanted to do the CC program because I thought it would be the softer, gentler way, but I'm not so sure if it is that much less work than the UConn program (per week, I mean - not that I don't want to do the work, I'm just thinking schedule-wise.)

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Apr 10, 2010

I'm waiting to hear back about acceptance for the next CC class. I've applied at the Three Rivers campus. To the best of my understanding, students that start in the fall will have lecture on Mondays from 8:30-10:30 and then 1-3pm. I find that a little inconvenient because if it were a 4-hour lecture in either the afternoon or morning I'd have more time for a shift at work. But they must have a reason for it. Then the lab/clinicals are two other days, that I believe rotate throughout the semester. The times I've heard for lab/clinical are somewhere in the 7am-3pm range. I don't really find the time commitment to be that much less than what's expected during the Mbein program, although it is across four semesters rather than one straight year. As I said, I think that all the programs can train people, and if you can learn the material you will get on the job training that may differ from your education training anyway. So, the CC program will work out with my life better than any other options I've found. Good luck figuring out what will work for you.

bsf1962 · Apr 11, 2010

Best of luck to you getting into Three Rivers.

ELFMwife · Apr 14, 2010

I am currently doing the MbEIN program at Storrs. I have about a week and a half left to go with this semester. Our schedule is Monday, class from 8:30 until 6:00. Tuesday we have simulation lab; half of us go 8am to 2pm, and the rest (myself included) go 2pm to 8pm. I have two clinical days as well. It's about 30 hours per week total, not including travel time. I am really enjoying the program, although you have to be diligent with time management. The first 6 weeks were the hardest, and then you get into a groove and adjust to the pace. I am not working, although I do help out a friend at his business on occasion. I would feel confident taking on a job for maybe 8 hours per week at this point, but definitely not during the first semester.

bsf1962 · Apr 15, 2010

ELFMwife, do you get a break between semesters?

ELFMwife · Apr 18, 2010

yes, two weeks.

katydid77 · Apr 30, 2010

This information is very helpful - thank you so much for posting.

Does anyone know what the typical schedule is for the Waterbury campus? Are clinicals usually 8 or 12 hour shifts?

Also, can I apply to the program while I am still completing prereqs or do they have to be finished?

Thanks!

ELFMwife · May 6, 2010

Yes, you can apply while you still have to finish some pre-reqs. I know of a few people who did that.

Waterbury, Stamford, and Storrs clinicals are the same as far as hours. You are required to do 21 hours of clinical per week. The first semester 6 of that is in simulation lab, with two clinical days at a site (8 hours each). This semester, which starts Monday for me, I have class on Monday, and then two 12 hour clinical days on Wednesday and Thursday (minus lunch / dinner breaks).

One of my clinical instructors told me they are going to offer the program in 2011 at the Avery Point Campus in Groton. Just a thought....