NCTC ADN Fall 2013

jlm311, ADN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2013

Thank you amandacam, it's good to know that it is possible. Do you have any advice as far as the Kaplan exam?

jls0459 · Jun 1, 2013

I checked the site this morning and there is a big red note that says they are still processing applications, but will be testing anyone with at least 9 priority points. It looks like I need to start studying a bit!

Khor · Jun 8, 2013

In regards to working while enrolled in the ADN program, I guess that depends on your schedule and ability to handle/manage multiple stresses at the same time. I work in a hospital on the weekends, and plan to continue working through school. I'm married with two very young kids, so its not really an option for me...That said, if you have the ability to not work, go for it. Any ADN program is going to be a ton of studying, so the more time you have, the better.

Hopefully letters will start getting sent this week for Kaplan testing.

EDIT: If you do have to work and aren't currently employed, working in a hospital setting is great. Working 12-hour shifts 2 days a week is part-time, and 3 days a week is full-time. You can work days, nights and/or weekends, which allows for flexibility in keeping your school week clear. Plus, everything you are learning in the ADN program can be applied to your work in some way or form. It's just my oppinion, but I do think it can be one of the best places to work at when enrolled in a nursing program.

jls0459 · Jun 10, 2013

Do you think it is possible to work full time while going to nursing school? My current schedule is a 7on/7off shift and I work evenings. I'm not in a position where I can stop working and I'm pretty used to getting very little sleep. The good news is that every other week, I won't have to work and can focus fully on school. I was just curious if anyone else was able to pull it off.

On a side note - the website says that letters with test dates are being mailed out today!

Khor · Jun 11, 2013

I saw the update on the letters this morning. Hoping they are holding true to what they said about testing everyone that qualified with 9 points or above. Unless my math is horribly wrong (11 pts), I should be getting a letter this week!

In regards to working 7 on and 7 off, do you have periods during your shifts that could allow you to study? I think it's definitely do-able, but it will be tough. Working 7 straight plus nursing school would stretch me pretty thin every other week. But that's just me. If I had to make it work, I'd make it work!

The only thing I'd really be wary of is doing clinicals immediately before or after a shift. Since your shifts aren't broken up, I'm thinking sleep is going to be pretty thin. But you said you are used to no sleep, so I'm sure you could make it work.

jls0459 · Jun 12, 2013

I have a lunch and a break period that I can use to study. The weekends are a bit slower as well so I can sneak in some study time then. Most everyone I work with is in school for something so we are all understanding when someone needs to get something done.

I'm keeping an eye out for my letter as well! Hopefully it gets here soon!

Trenata · Jun 12, 2013

I would love to hear what you all think about the Kaplan exam once you take it. I hope to apply to start in the Fall of 2014. I like the sound of the program esp. since some of the clinical sites are in my local area.

I am particularly curious about the math and science (A&P) portion of the Kaplan. I read on All Nurses that the math consists of decimals, fractions, proportions and 1-2 dosage calculations. However I am afraid that if that is all I study, I will get a nasty surprise on the exam. Anyway, I am heading up to NCTC next week for an information session, and hopefully will get more info about the Kaplan.

Do you all know if they give additional priority points for a previous degree? I have and AA degree already.

Good luck to you all!

jls0459 · Jun 12, 2013

I don't think they give any points outside of what is listed on the priority points page, but you can ask at the information session. I think where there will be beneficial is if you plan to do the BSN program. If you already have an AA, you will have most of the additional classes needed for your BSN completed.

I checked the mail this morning and my letter is here! I'm testing on the 25th. Good luck to the rest of you that are waiting!

Khor · Jun 12, 2013

No, unfortunately no additional points for previous degrees. Have a friend in several of the pre-requisite nursing classes who has 2 associate's degrees, but they don't count towards her priority points.

Got my letter yesterday as well. Testing on the 27th. Hopefully we'll all do very well. Good luck everyone!

And after the Kaplan, I'll post back up here as to how it was...

Trenata · Jun 12, 2013

That's a bummer - it seems like a degree would count for something! I think if I get all A's on my next 3 classes I will have 11 or 12 points - however, I thought they said on the website that the combinations listed were the most common for priority points but that there were other combinations available. I will ask next week at the info session.

Congrats on the letter and good luck on the exam! I wonder how well people score to get into the program with the Kaplan exam. I like that it only focuses on A&P - I am taking part II this fall and going to use that opportunity to really get it down for the exam!

I do plan to pathway into the BSN program at WGU...so I was glad to see that NCTC is partnering with WGU!

Did any of you take the online/hybrid Micro at NCTC or online A&P II? I was wondering how difficult it was. I went to UTA doing the accelerated program, but after 1 semester of biology, A&P I and sociology I was burned out with the accelerated classes!!! I look forward to a full semester length class at NCTC and plan to do the online classes, A&P II, Dev Psych and Micro.

Also and I am really curious to know how much of the endocrine system is covered on the Kaplan exam. If I go to NCTC for A&P II, I have to study this system on my own because my A&P I class didn't get to it yet.

Khor · Jun 13, 2013

In regards to the micro hybrid class, I took that last semester at NCTC. It's a tough class. Made a B in it, though an A is certainly attainable. Tests are hard in that class, and you have to attend lab just about every week in order to do well.

I took A&P I and II at NCTC in Gainesville as well with Prof. Crump. Got A's in both, and I definitely recommend taking his class if you can.

jlm311, ADN, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2013

I got my letter yesterday and I'm scheduled for the 25th! I was hoping for the 27th just to have that little extra time, I'm just glad my 10 pp's was good enough! Good luck to everyone who's testing!!!