Opinions on Kaplan...

loveanesthesia · Aug 8, 2008

Maybe this is late, but that is way too much for tuition, although I really don't know anything about the program. I do know that the waiting lists at the RN program are usually not as long as they seem. You usually will move up quicker than what they tell you is the start date. I think you will regret spending 22K on the LPN, unless you have a rich uncle and money is no object. It will take you a long time to repay that on a LPN salary, and could actually slow you down to getting your RN and BSN. If you are sure you want the RN, go for that.

natrgrrl · Aug 10, 2008

By pre-reqs, do you mean Anatomy, Physiology, Algebra, Chemestry, Ethics, etc.? If you already have your pre-reqs done from somewhere other than Kaplan, you should be ok to go on to get your BSN. I know UNMC has an LPN to BSN program but there are quite a few classes you need to take before you apply.

I don't know how far you are willing to drive but if you have very good grades, you might consider Metropolitan Community College. You shouldn't have any problem getting in if you have a 4.0 in the nursing pre-req classes: Composition I, Intermediate Algebra, College Chemistry, and Human Growth and Development. The deadline for the evening and weekend program is December 1.

Also, 22K is EXTREME, but if you can pay for it and you think it is the best thing for you then jump in and do it. Good luck!

CNAinNeb · Aug 18, 2008

Kaplan lacks NLN accreditation, but it does have state accreditation (thus nothing transfers), and has a horrible pass rate. It would wind up costing you much more for your education if you get your LPN at Kaplan. If you have all you pre-reqs completed, my guess is that you are close to having enough credits for a AS in something. If you have already been rejected from UNMC, I would get an AS from a CC, then apply to Nebraska Methodist College for the ACE program, which costs 28k. Another option is the Clarkson two-year progam. Its still pricey, but a much better way to achieve your long-term goals.

Whoa, shoot! I just realized you must be in Lincoln! But seriously, just come to the Big O to become a Nurse if you don't have family obligations.

Karla.S · Jun 22, 2009

Yeah, I know this was about last year that this was posted but I haven't heard much good news about Kaplan either. WAY overpriced and their credits don't transfer to hardly anywhere. My sister-in-law was going there and spent around $9k for about three semesters or something? I don't know exact numbers you know, but it was rediculous. She quit going there because of the fact that her credit won't transfer. So what did you end up doing then?

jstylist · Jul 16, 2009

hi-

i go to kaplan in Ca and it is a rip off, but worth it so you can start working as an LVN while going for your BSN. its 30k here in CA. so far the only problem i have had with the school is the disorganisation with our schedule and communication between teachers and staff, bu that could just be my school. As far as classes transfereing, most of them will not because its an accelerated program, for instance anatomay and physiology are combined and for pre reqs you have to take each class ssperate, but i did hear that you can always "challenge" the course at another college if they wont give you credit off the bat. hopefully i was some help to you

Emilynn09 · Apr 22, 2010

hi-
i go to kaplan in Ca and it is a rip off, but worth it so you can start working as an LVN while going for your BSN. its 30k here in CA. so far the only problem i have had with the school is the disorganisation with our schedule and communication between teachers and staff, bu that could just be my school. As far as classes transfereing, most of them will not because its an accelerated program, for instance anatomay and physiology are combined and for pre reqs you have to take each class ssperate, but i did hear that you can always "challenge" the course at another college if they wont give you credit off the bat. hopefully i was some help to you

I've had a totally different experience with the Kaplan program for ADN in San Diego, CA. I've enjoyed it so far, and there is really no confusion with scheduling. Semesters are 16 weeks long, we get our schedule about 2 weeks prior and that is how it stays for the entire semester. My professors are awesome, knowledgeable in the field. I feel like I made a good decision to go here. It's pricey, yes... but, I will be an RN before many people even start other programs from being on 3 year wait lists, so when you think about it, I'll be earning money faster instead of loosing out on that salary I could be making while sitting around on a wait list. This is my take on the matter anyway.

tabbe · May 19, 2010

I attend Kaplan's LPN program. I listened to the 'bad' rep stuff but in the long run, I figure everybody takes the same test reguardless of where they went to school. It's about how YOU apply yourself more than what the school's reputation is like. Be the good apple in the bunch and you will succeed.

It is pricey but if you have the grants, you do have a spot in the class, you are not getting passed over because you don't have the 'characteristics needed' for the more exspensive private schools.

The Kaplan in Omaha is very close to getting a RN program soon. I heard it had something to do with getting the classes timetable compatable to the des moines RN program.

studentnurse1211 · May 19, 2010

im currently a student with Kaplan.. i will say the information you learn is fast paced, and i do feel like i have learned A LOT in a short amount of time, but i do not feel like areas we should have focused on longer were covered adequately, in my personal opinion.

i am not sure if i would choose Kaplan again as my school, but having no gen ed college courses it seemed faster to me. im not sure the money spent is worth the education. im keeping my fingers crossed i grad in oct 10' im hearing from friends that already graduated the same program im in that you dont really get all the things you paid for. so im a bit irritated and hoping for the best outcome for myself and fellow students. i do know that the lvn course is legit i had two friends graduate from it later last year and both have great jobs and one even is working out of state.

currently im having a extremely hard time with my current teacher who i believe takes his position way too dominantly over others, yesterday i was locked out of class with two fellow students for using the restroom!

needless to say my teacher and i exchanged words, but seriously we are all adults and he said "take 5 minutes" so myself and two others ran for the bathroom and were back in less than 3, only to confront a locked door and he refused to let us in. saying he said it was for people finishing test(which he did not, obviously none of the other students nor the three of us locked out heard him say that). im going to talk to another head teacher today and see what can be done..... :devil: i dont know about you but being a nursing student, we are taught if we withhold someones bathroom privileges thats a form of abuse, and then to be punished on top of that! not to mention we are all adults, not to mention possibilities of a UTI.... i mean who punishes students for using the restroom and says we were rude to him. HE WASNT EVEN TALKING TO THE CLASS!!! it wasnt lecture or mod review time or anything!!!..... ugh any opinions on THAT! :mad:

brittlynn · Jul 18, 2010

Hi Emilynn09,

I was interested in the San Diego Program....can you tell me more info, including your experience? Thanks...

Emilynn09 · Jul 20, 2010

Hi Emilynn09,
I was interested in the San Diego Program....can you tell me more info, including your experience? Thanks...

I enjoy it. I think the program has undergone a lot of changes since they moved from the 10 week to 16 week semesters. It's now 24 months long as opposed to the previous 15 months. I started as the 2nd class to be on the 16 week semester system, so I can't give a personal comparison, but I can tell you about my experience with the 16 week semesters.

All the instructor's are Masters prepared RNs, very knowledgeable and seem to really care about your progress in learning. Every instructor that I have encountered has been very approachable and willing to help you learn. There's tutoring available for those who need it, extra lab hours if you need them.

I like the program a lot, and feel that I am getting a very well rounded education to be honest with you. During the first semester, we start doing Kaplan test prep, and it's practicing skills to help get you ready for the NCLEX. I find this especially helpful because I am learning how to hone my test taking skills and always being challenged on my knowledge that I've learned in the past, so I don't readily forget it. Class material is challenging, there is a lot of reading, lots of care plans, lots of things you need to learn. It is doable, but it will take up most of you life, just like any other nursing program. They don't grade on a curve, you really have to earn your grade, and I like that. They also offer test remediation, so you can go sit down with someone after you take a test and they will go over WHY you missed certain questions. That doesn't necessarily improve your grade on the test, but it helps you in the future to understand why you got it wrong and corrects your thinking.

I really like Kaplan, I think it is a great school. The only downside about it is the cost, but cost aside I'm VERY satisfied and I would recommend the school to anyone. It may not be the option for everyone, but it's worth checking out and giving serious consideration to.

ms.a · Mar 4, 2011

I enjoy it. I think the program has undergone a lot of changes since they moved from the 10 week to 16 week semesters. It's now 24 months long as opposed to the previous 15 months. I started as the 2nd class to be on the 16 week semester system, so I can't give a personal comparison, but I can tell you about my experience with the 16 week semesters.
All the instructor's are Masters prepared RNs, very knowledgeable and seem to really care about your progress in learning. Every instructor that I have encountered has been very approachable and willing to help you learn. There's tutoring available for those who need it, extra lab hours if you need them.
I like the program a lot, and feel that I am getting a very well rounded education to be honest with you. During the first semester, we start doing Kaplan test prep, and it's practicing skills to help get you ready for the NCLEX. I find this especially helpful because I am learning how to hone my test taking skills and always being challenged on my knowledge that I've learned in the past, so I don't readily forget it. Class material is challenging, there is a lot of reading, lots of care plans, lots of things you need to learn. It is doable, but it will take up most of you life, just like any other nursing program. They don't grade on a curve, you really have to earn your grade, and I like that. They also offer test remediation, so you can go sit down with someone after you take a test and they will go over WHY you missed certain questions. That doesn't necessarily improve your grade on the test, but it helps you in the future to understand why you got it wrong and corrects your thinking.
I really like Kaplan, I think it is a great school. The only downside about it is the cost, but cost aside I'm VERY satisfied and I would recommend the school to anyone. It may not be the option for everyone, but it's worth checking out and giving serious consideration to.

Did you have trouble finding a job?? From what I hear and this is all hearsay, is that hospitals do not favor Kaplan students. Please comment.