Great Barrington - Berkshire Community College

[jessica2011]

Hello All:

I live in CT, but not so far from Great Barrington, so I am exploring programs in both states.

Does somebody has any updated information on the nursing program at the Great Barrington Community College?

How do you like it, how is the competition, where are the clinicals done, do you feel it is a good school or not, anything else...

Thank you.

[berkshirebabe]

I am currently in the program at BCC, and I have learned once again that you get what you pay for. If you can afford it, pay the bucks and go to a good school.

For one, at BCC (nursing, not prereq) they teach like old school dinosaurs - where students are not treated with dignity or respect. Even worse, there is no real grievance process.

100% of the grade comes from theory (exams), and many of the questions are very poorly written. I believe the current attrition rate is 50%, and of those who make it through about 80 - 85% pass the NCLEX.

[Hibbzem17]

I was also looking into BCC, if these are real statistics that is staggering. thanks

[berkshirebabe]

I don't know how the stats compare to other schools ,other than Maria in Albany. Their website states attrition is 65%, and I think NCLEX pass rate was 85 - 90%.

From what I have witnessed at BCC it seems like about a third of the people gone have flunked out, a third quit because they realized nursing is not for them, and the rest transfered or quit due to the quality of the education, being belittled, and/or the hostility of some of the staff.

[sunnysidelane]

I go to BCC - I have had great clinicals so far.

[Grizz55]

Wow, alot of hating on BCC (Berkshire Community not Bristol). Im currently at BCC and I don't find it all that bad. The instructors for the most part are really great in the clinical areas and you do get alot of hands on. The instructors also don't seem nearly as bad as some other schools that I've heard about and want to help you succeed. The tests are tough however and kind of poorly written but pretty doable and the NCLEX from what I know is written in a similar fashion. I don't think the education is all that bad and from what I've read from other schools, it could be alot worse. There is alot of paper work but it's NURSING SCHOOL, I think you'll have a hard time at finding someone saying their program was a breeze. Also, my class hasn't lost that many people so I don't know where the drop statistics came from? I just had to represent my oppinion because I think if you can get into BCC, do it, it's not nearly that bad. Just don't expect it to be a breeze and all grand, it's NS school.

[LadyRN10]

@jessica2011

Hi Jessica,

Going to nursing school is a great adventure, but difficult. I am currently at BCC and love it, just like BGmayagi. I am in my last year and have done quite well, but it is a lot of work. If you have a positive attitude and good work ethic you should be fine. Last years class (June 2011) had an NCLEX pass rate of 93%. The class of June 2010 pass rate was 91%. The instructors expect you to know your stuff. It is a lot of at home self teaching, such as learning psychomotor skills, and studying. I think the exams are cake compaired to what I have heard from students at Maria. My clinical instructor in my second semester was awful to me and I lived through it, didn't drop out and completed the semester with a 4.0, so if I can do it, you can too. I lived in CT also and moved up to this area because the commute was less stressful, but it can be done. Good luck.