[as27]

Is anyone attending this school and have any input?
Or just any general information?

I was looking at this school because it is very close to where I live and they offer an Entry Level Masters.

[pmgamber]

I'm currently attending. What would you like to know?

[as27]

How intense is the first year? Were you able to keep a job during that time?

Do they really look at the applicant as a whole? I'm worried about my personal statement more than my grades right now.

Where are your clinicals held at?

Thanks in advance

[pmgamber]

Originally Posted by as27

How intense is the first year? Were you able to keep a job during that time?

Do they really look at the applicant as a whole? I'm worried about my personal statement more than my grades right now.

Where are your clinicals held at?

Thanks in advance

Well, I'm only 5 weeks into my first year, and so far it is pretty intense, but it goes in waves. Last week was really stressful, this week isn't too bad, but this next week will be awful as we are preparing for midterms. We have class all day Monday, class and lab Tuesday, lab only Wed, off Thurs, class in the am on Friday, nothing on Sat or Sun for now. Once we start clinicals in a few weeks, those will be on Saturdays.

I am not working. I do know of a few that are, but its more like serving at a restaurant one day a week. I definitely wouldn't recommend working. There is a lot of studying, study groups, tutoring, open labs, etc that need to be done. Granted we still try to do one non-school thing a week or every 2 weeks.

They do look at the whole package when assessing you. I was worried about my grades in my pre-req's (All A's and B's, though). During the interview they really get a better sense of who you are and what you're about. You need to be personable, real and articulate. Obviously.

We have clinical rotations at Pomona Valley, Arrowhead in Colton, Kaiser Fontana, Huntington Memorial in Pasadena, Arcadia Methodist, San Antonio, and I think a few more, but those are all I can remember right now.

Good luck!

[Reesiep]

I graduated from this program recently so feel free to ask any questions you might have!

The first year was very intense but went by rather quickly! I did not work at all during the pre-licensure portion of the program. A majority of students did not work. I personally would not recommend working as well. I only knew of a few students who had part time jobs, but the jobs were VERY part time, from once a week to a more per diem type work schedule.

I felt that they looked at the applicant as a whole. When I applied, the GRE was still required (which I've heard is no longer a requirement). I applied with a non-science bachelor's degree with A's and B's in all my prereqs. I felt that the interview really gave me the chance to explain why I was making the leap into nursing. Make use of the hour that you get!

I did my clinicals at San Antonio Community, Pomona Valley, Arrowhead Regional and Methodist. Other clinical sites included: St. Joseph (Orange), Huntington Memorial and CHOC. Some of these sites may not be currently available and other sites could have been added. While most clinical sites are in the Pomona area, you could possibly be traveling outside the area depending on your preferences and where you are assigned.

[as27]

Thanks so much for all the information.
I just turned in my application last week for the Fall 2009.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I have all A's in my science prereq and A's and B's in the other prereq.
I am just hoping my personal statement is what they are looking for.

This is my 1st choice of nursing schools so I am hoping and praying I get in. This is my 1st time applying so if I don't get in I'll just reapply again.

Congrats on finishing the program!! What track did you go? I am really leaning towards the FNP, but not 100% sure yet.

[Reesiep]

Thanks!! Let me tell you, I am very relieved that I'm done!

You will be fine!! I can almost guarantee you that they are looking at the applicant as a whole. My classmates were all very motivated and driven and it was interesting to see that new students coming in were equally as driven. My advice is to work hard on your personal statement and prepare well for your interview.

I started off in the FNP program and transferred to the Leadership & Management track. A majority of my classmates did the same for whatever reason. Especially when you start clinicals and then start working as an RN I think you start to get a better understanding of the path you want to take. It seems like quite a few people decided that the FNP role just wasn't for them and that other advanced practice roles were better suited for them (i.e clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwifery, acute care NP, peds NP, nurse anesthesist etc).

So don't feel like you need to make a decision now. Give yourself the time in your first year to think about it. Feel free to message me if you need any help! Good luck!