Who will be starting El Centro's program Fall 2004?

Ned the Red · May 10, 2004

Not in "the program" yet but I hope to take A&P II in the evening at Northlake. Might see you around if you're there after 5:00!

Good luck to you as a full timer from a part timer.

Cheryle · May 11, 2004

Well, I'm hoping I can get my application in to start in January. I'm still completing my English so I can't apply until that is finished.

How hard was it for you to get in?

I'm also taking A & P II this summer at Eastfield.

bionurse · May 11, 2004

The competition is pretty stiff. You want to make sure your gpa is high. The higher the gpa the better your chances are. Also, the more support courses you have taken, the better you chances will be. Don't just apply to one school/program. Apply to other schools. Look into Tarrant and Collin counties.:)

Well, I'm hoping I can get my application in to start in January. I'm still completing my English so I can't apply until that is finished.
How hard was it for you to get in?
I'm also taking A & P II this summer at Eastfield.

2005 Nurse · May 11, 2004

Pretty much you will need all A's on pre-reqs, as many support as possible and a good score on the NET now!

Good Luck.

I refuse to retake AP1 (I got a B) so I am just moving on...

Cheryle · May 11, 2004

2005 Nurse -

That's what I was worried about. I don't have all A's. I have a B in A&P I and a C in College Aglebra. I was thinking they went by your NET score and used your GPA as a tie breaker.

I'm also considering the LVN program and then going on to the LVN transition to RN program. It will take just about the same amount of time AND I can work as an LVN while getting my RN.

Does anyone know how hard it is to get accepted into the LVN program at El Centro? I will apply at other schools, but right now EC is my first choice.

Thanks,

Ned the Red · May 12, 2004

Keep in mind that I'm no expert on any of this stuff but - I've looked at what you'd take for the LVN program vs the LVN to RN program vs the straight through RN program and, from what I can tell, you'll get a better education by just going for the RN.

2005 Nurse · May 13, 2004

A year ago, I would have told you, you have NO chance of getting in at El Centro with those grades in AP and Algebra.

From what I understand now, they will be using the net as the primary rank. This could work in your advantage, If you do really well on the net. Remember though there are alot of people trying to get in there, so even though they are changing the ranking the competition will still be VERY STIFF!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · May 13, 2004

You know hwat makes me mad about El Centro, they will not accept chem in place for Algebra. Which in my opinion stands next to the devil...:angryfire

I will starting El Centro's program via Northlake's campus Fall 2004. Anyone else going to El Centro or Northlake this Fall?

KevinN · May 26, 2004

I will starting El Centro's program via Northlake's campus Fall 2004. Anyone else going to El Centro or Northlake this Fall?

Hi bionurse, I just finished my first semester at El Centro. In fact one of my instructors is now going to be Northlakes program coordinator ( Jim McCarty). He is one of the most easy going, kindest instructors you can get. I would highly recommend taking him for clinicals. His lectures are kind of boring, but for clinicals he is very helpful.

Kevin

Cheryle · May 26, 2004

Hi bionurse, I just finished my first semester at El Centro. In fact one of my instructors is now going to be Northlakes program coordinator ( Jim McCarty). He is one of the most easy going, kindest instructors you can get. I would highly recommend taking him for clinicals. His lectures are kind of boring, but for clinicals he is very helpful.
Kevin

Hi Kevin

I was just wondering if you could tell us how your first semester went? Also, how long did you have to wait to get accepted into the program.

KevinN · May 26, 2004

Hi Kevin
I was just wondering if you could tell us how your first semester went? Also, how long did you have to wait to get accepted into the program.

Hi Cheryle, I got accepted the semester after I applied. When you get accepted, all depends on your GPA in the four prerequisite classes (Algebra, A&P1, Psychology, and English). I have noticed that over the last several semesters the accepted GPA has steadily increased. So if you are still working on those prerequisites, aim for A's in all of them. I really enjoyed first semester. In the beginning it was a little overwhelming. It was very time consuming and at times became very stressful. One tip I will give you is focus on lecture tests. You will be given a blueprint that will help you focus your study, but don't rely on this alone. While you are given three chances to pass the clinical skills, your lecture tests are one chance only. You must get at least an overall lecture grade of 77.5(from 6 tests) to continue to second semester. They are tricky. I ended up with a B in the Lecture and an A in clinical and an A in 1119 (another skills class). I did my clinical at Presbyterian.(Great hospital with wonderful staff)This program is very fast pace. Time management is a must. You will become very close to your classmates in your group. So you won't be alone in your struggles. Overall it was a great experience. Over the summer we are required to learn 100+ meds for pharm test for second semester, along with a lot of reading. First semester you have to know 20 drugs for check off but you will get familiar with a lot more medications during your time at the hospital.

Good luck in the program,

Kevin