PTEC St. Pete vs. Galen Tampa Bay...Driving myself crazy!

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hi guys :)

Been lurking for awhile, but just now posting.

I am in the St. Petersburg area, and I am wanting to make a career change. I am 29, have two young kids, and I am going through a divorce right now. I work in a veterniarian's office, and I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist.

I want to make a career change and go into human medicine, as I feel that I have hit the "glass ceiling" of my veterinary medicine career.

I need to make more money to support myself and my kids, so I am thinking that I should go ahead and become an LPN and then just bridge to RN, so I can work as an LPN while becoming an RN and make twice what I am making now.

I am torn on whether to attend PTEC St. Pete or Galen. PTEC is cheaper (5,000) than Galen (17,000), but PTEC's pass rates are lower (60ish vs Galen's 90ish). I want to get a good education, but I also am POOR right now, and Galen's admin rep told me that there are several hundred dollars in upfront fees, and that books and uniforms are not included in any financial aid, so they come out of my pocket.

I am super stressing over this, so was hoping you all might have some insight into these two programs, and help me to make an informed decision.

PTEC's program doesn't start until June 9th, but Galen's is coming up on March 29th, and they are already half full according to admissions rep, so needing to "git 'er done," I guess! lol

Thanks in advance, all!

Manda :)

Can anyone at least tell me if they have attended either Galen or PTEC and how they liked it?

I am really stressing about which to attend :( I am leaning toward PTEC right now, but still not sure.

TIA!

Specializes in pandemic, public health, disasters.

I wanted to say that I'm in a similar situation. My top choices are Galen and Erwin Tech. This morning I sat down and wrote a "pros and cons" list for each program. Galen is expensive. Erwin is cheaper. But really, you need to think about the students in each program. As vo-tech schools are cheaper, they may attract students who are younger, not prepared, or have less of a prior education/strong background needed to pass the state boards. Since Galen is more expensive, I think students there are more serious about their education (since they're spending a lot of money on it). So, I don't think you should be attributing a school's passing rate solely on their quality of education provided. You need to pick the best program for you, and not be seduced by high passing rates. Since you have some medical background (pets, but hey, it's still medical), I think you already have a higher chance of passing the boards. A school gives you the tools. How you use them is up to you. You have to WANT to learn and you have to WANT to pass. Just because you choose PTEC does not mean you'll get any less of an education or be at risk of failing the boards. Good luck!

hi manda, i know it is a really difficult decision.. been there.

i start galen feb 15th - i have several reasons for choosing galen.. and funny i had it narrowed down to ptech and galen. then i spoke to students from both schools, hiring managers from different institutions and that helped me to decide on galen. yes, it is more expensive.. however and this is my opionion from my research the students from galen are a little more prepared and easily hired. the upfront fees are not all due immediately. the books can be rented/bought used from many different sites and you can find help from all different sources, you will be a single mother, right?

uniforms, yes you will need to purchase a smock from the school but the pants you can get for next to nothing... the shoes you can buy online for less than $15 (top of the line shoes too). there are the fees that are out of pocket, but i would speak to a financial advisor before i let that make your decision.. the counselors are there to guide you into classes the financial advisors can truly give you the best financial advice.. good luck!! let me know what you decide.

Thanks so much for the great advise!

I think I am going to go with PTEC for right now. The money issue really decided me...I already owe so much for college loans, with nothing to show for it, really. A bit gun shy, I guess/

Plus, I figure I can take the LPN to RN bridge course at Galen, if I decide I want to go further with it.

And good luck to you, LFalcon...I would love to hear how Galen goes for you once you start!

Manda :)

Specializes in Med Surg-Geriatrics.

I went to P-Tech end of year grade average of 96% passed the boards in 1 sitting

Its up to you to apply yourself the best school around can't pass a test for you,

Nor can any school make you a "good" nurse

Erwin is not all young folks. Trust and Believe I went to orientation last May 2009. Most of us were mid 30's. We are career changers to just starting life folks..

good luck on your decision.

Specializes in pandemic, public health, disasters.
Erwin is not all young folks. Trust and Believe I went to orientation last May 2009. Most of us were mid 30's. We are career changers to just starting life folks..

good luck on your decision.

Actually, that is really good to know. I am hoping to start Erwin's evening LPN program. I was scared because I thought I'd be the oldest person there!

WE are in the exact same boat....I have 3 kids and was laid off and am now seeking a career change. I am torn between starting Galen on the 29th of March or testing (TEAS) for PTECh and then waiting to see if I can land a sear in their nursing program. I was wondering, have you already recieved your acceptance letter from PTEC or any confirmation? I have spoken with several people and have been advised that applying/testing doesnt guarantee you a spot in the program. I just dont have a lot of time, and then the thought of them possible denying me admission in June would totally be a diappointing waste of my time.

Actually, that is really good to know. I am hoping to start Erwin's evening LPN program. I was scared because I thought I'd be the oldest person there!

No you will not be the oldest in the room. I saw alot of gray hair. (nothing is wrong with gray hair.. just an observation) ..I think, the evening classes probably have more older adults per those needing an income..

Thanks so much for the great advise!

I think I am going to go with PTEC for right now. The money issue really decided me...I already owe so much for college loans, with nothing to show for it, really. A bit gun shy, I guess/

Plus, I figure I can take the LPN to RN bridge course at Galen, if I decide I want to go further with it.

And good luck to you, LFalcon...I would love to hear how Galen goes for you once you start!

Manda :)

I have been weighing my Galen/PTech choices as well...Manda, have you started PTEC? What do you think? I live in Tampa and the trip would be long so I want to make sure its all worth it. Erwin is in Tampa but PTEC has a PCT program that I can take now and then use those credits for their nursing program when my little man starts school. So all in all, I can start my journey now and when the time comes, it will be a shorter ride to my LPN...any advice would be great!

Hey manda! Hope your decision process is going smooth...just something we have in common I noticed.....I used to work with animals too! I was a Vet Tech for 5 years then made the move to people! lol.....Good luck! Glad I switched! :)

+ Add a Comment