Anyone starting Watts School of Nursing in Jan '09

handerson88 · Mar 18, 2009

Oh thats awesome, it's good to already know someone is in there with me :).

laneymaree · Mar 30, 2009

Congrats you guys!!

I'm in my first semester at Watts now, if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them.

Good luck!!

handerson88 · Mar 31, 2009

Any advice you would like to give would be greatly appreciated.

laneymaree · Mar 31, 2009

Hmm, I would say to DEFINITELY learn your anatomy. The teacher from mt. olive wasn't good and i didn't learn anything. Now I'm playing catch-up.

Do the reading. Once you get to nursing, you can't pass without it.

In your pre-reqs, start holding yourself to the standard of making above an 80%. That way, you won't be so stressed once 1st semester starts.

Be friendly to everyone. If you dont work with them in 1st semester in group, you will later on.

If you're in a study group that is bad or doesn't work for you- get out early. And if study groups don't work for you, don't force it. Study alone. You only get so many tests to keep your grades up.

Lecture is the best thing that can happen to you. It's boring sometimes, yes. But, I missed one day of lecture and felt behind for that whole section. Use a tape recorder to help catch the things you missed. And actually pay attention in lecture. If you do, you'll do that much better on your tests.

That's all I can think of for now!

handerson88 · Jun 2, 2009

are you having to take all the pre reqs or just some of the required ones. I got out of taking the math, sociology and english but i'm taking all the required ones.

SoontoBeNurseNicky · Oct 18, 2009

If you have zero pre-reqs are you able to get all that are needed at Mt . olive? and how long would that take?

laneymaree · Oct 19, 2009

Yep. I went in with no pre-reqs. You get them all done in the semester before the actual nursing begins. And even if you have english, math, etc., you still have to take a set number of hours through mt. olive- so it's best to just get most of them done their cause then you get to meet your classmates and bond early (it really helps for clinicals/labs!)

good luck!

SoontoBeNurseNicky · Oct 19, 2009

Oh ok...How does the schedule work if you have to take all the pre-reqs? Is it very hard to take all those classes in one semester? Obviously its do-able, but that just makes me nervous. Also, was the PSB-rn difficult and what type of score do you have to get to in. Oh and, is it very competitive to get in. Im from California were it is VERY competitive and there are 2-3 year waits for nursing programs. Thanks so much!!!!

SoontoBeNurseNicky · Oct 19, 2009

Oh and Im so happy that I found a RN program that cost $24,000 before grants, scholarships etc. LVN programs in California at private schools are $30,000-$35,000 and Private Rn programs are up to $50,000. Its insane!!

bhy5621 · Oct 19, 2009

I am in need of help. I want to apply to Watts but am unsure of how this works. Once you send in oyur application, do you have a limited amount of time to take the placement test? Also, how strongly does that test weigh on your acceptance? I mean, if you do poorly on the test are you automatically denied or do they just use that test to determine prereq's? Also, any info you have on tuition? Grants and loans...are they very hard to get? or the tuition reimbursement program...is that based on a limited number of students? Will they work out any type of payment options with you or do you have to pay tuition as a lump sum?

Thanks so much!!!

laneymaree · Oct 20, 2009

soontobenursenicky- everything is totally do-able. Classes are Tues. and Thurs. nights from 6-10pm. Each class is for 5-7 weeks and then rolls over. The pre-test isn't too hard. You do need to have a good score to get in. If you don't pass the first time, or only pass one of the sections, you get an opportunity to retake it. If you don't pass the second time then you don't get another shot. After you pass the test, you get the chance to submit an essay, and then from there you find out if you got in.

But the test is required for admissions.

I'm from California too! It is pretty competitive- Watts has the best clinical reputation around here.

:)

Grants and loans are fairly easy to get. I haven't had any trouble getting Stafford Loans through the school. And you can work out payments. It's on a semester basis so it isn't like you're paying for the whole program up front.

Tuition reimbursement is for everyone. But that isn't until after you get your RN and you're working.

Hope that helps!

PS- I suggest you guys call and find out the next information session at the school. They go over a lot of this stuff there and is super helpful. Good luck!

SoontoBeNurseNicky · Oct 20, 2009

Thanks so much for the info! I just realized today that I am an out of state student, making my tuition probaly insane. So im not sure what to do. Im gonna call the school today so i can see if im able to take the enterance test in Cali, and then submit it(so I dont have to fly there to take it) My cousin lives is Raliegh and says I would love it, so Im kinda excited if I would could get in. Seems like the cost of living is way cheaper too.I bought the book off amazon that they recommend for the PSB=-rn, so Im hoping thats sufficient study material. Ive been out of school a while. Any tips on what exactly to study for or the way the test is set up? Thanks so much!!!