Apollo RN program

No Kidding! I tried to get in touch with Apollo several times with no luck. Frusterating!

I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you. I've not heard much about Apollo's program since it's still pretty new. If you're worried about cost - why don't you just attend CSN? First semester (NV resident) in the RN program only cost $572 (unfortunately, though, all the books cost more than that)! It's only an ADN program - but I've heard really good things about it (like their success rate for passing the NCLEX is good). Just my two cents!

I currently attend the Apollo program. Since DeVry bought Apollo they have been great. The teachers are very informative. Several of the nursing instructors are working on their PhD in nursing too. The current tuition is $45000, that includes books, labs, scrubs.

The program has gained alot of popularity lately. It is an intense program, like doing AP I/II in 16 weeks with Micro. All the books are the latest edition too. I am happy that Im attending there. Our class size in only 36 people and its nice going to all the same classes as a group. You have a great support team. I am happy to answer any other questions you have, if I have the information.

I can tell you about the Vegas Campus. I just found out tuition is now $48K, which isnt bad when your income is about $55K/yr. People have said to me, "Thats so much money, just go to CSN," but I dont have a probelm getting into science classes that fill up w/in 30 min of opening, or being put on a waiting list. Just rememberthere would be no MDs, Lawyers, etc if they were scared to take out a loan. I always remind myself that my sis-in-law has $130K in student loans for her DVM, that always makes me feel better!

The Vegas Campus does have a waiting list , but they Vegas economy is so bad that it may be extremely busy b/c people want steady jobs. You have to take the NET test, I think the CPAP test, do an interview and write an essay. I only had to take the NET b/c the campus was still very new here. I noticed, when I took my entrance exam, that alot of people just didnt study and they gave you a study packet. You can also transfer credits for gen ed classes.

In our program, there are 36-40 student in a class and the program starts 3x year (April, August, December). The program is 22 months long, but with breaks it equals 2 yrs. You get 1 week off between semesters, which is actually kind of nice. You dont have a chance to forget what you previously learned. Just to give you an idea of what I had per semesters:
1st semester: Sociology, English, math, Psych
2nd semester: API/APII (8 weeks each), Microbiology, Labs
3rd semester: Nursing Fundamentals/ med-Surg I, Pharmacology, Communications, & clinicals (this is where Im at now)
4th semester: OB/PEDS, NV constitution, clinicals
5th semester: Nursing Process III, Med Surg II, Rural/community nursing, Psych, clinicals
6th semester: Nursing process IV, Med Surg III, NCLEX review, Leadership class, & preceptorship (3 12 hr shifts)

The only thing I noticed this semester is that it's very difficult to get private school loans. That will make a difference in who they take. I was denied a private loan and my fico score is 751 and my husband was denied for my co-signer and his score was 790. Luckily all I need out of pocket is $4k to cover the difference between cost of school and what the Federal loans dont cover. SO keep that in mind when looking into private school.

I went to CSN, but so many people where trying to get into the nursing program and I hate taking BS classes (college experience 101) and my teachers at Apollo are so much better than at CSN. They work with you so much to make sure you understand. I have never seen so many instructors, even thru gen ed classes, be so helpful like giving us their cell #, always have study groups, and staying late after class to help. That was really nice.

Hello Nicole 2010!

I am starting out at Apollo College in Reno. NV this semester (next week!!!)
I am beginning at semster 3 and am so excited.

Any advice?

Hmmm... since it's a new campus be prepared for changes. Staff may change around & so may the syllabus. Really, you have to own your education. Be dilligent with reading the material and in clinical, take all the opprotunities that present themseves. If something changes, don't freak out. Just go with flow.

Im currently in 5th semester and I can tell you it is the hardest semester ever! Everything else was a cake compared to this & I think it is due to the vast amount of work you have to do in a short time. I dont know if this holds true for the Reno campus, but we were told they may be adding another med-surg course in 6th semester. This change has to get approved by the BON, but I know they were trying to impliment it asap.

Good luck!

Thank you, Nicole2010!

I appreciate your input and honesty.
I just finished my first week and I am feeling pretty confident with the faculty and the program.
I know a lot can change. I think learning to "go with the flow" is applicable to ALL nursing programs and obviously as a nurse too.

Thank you again and good luck to you in all of your future endeavors!!