Questions about NCTC ADN program in Gainsville

[Luckie16]

I know the class size for the NCTC ADN program in Gainsville is small, but I was wondering if any students in that progam browse this site and could help me with a couple of quetions? I would really like to know what the ADN program is like, how the classes/clinicals are, uniforms, etc? I know this will be disscused in orientation but I would like to know in advance if any one could help me out. I would greatly appreciate it.

[sjespers]

I know you posted this a while ago, but if you still need info about NCTC I can help you out. Let me know. :-)

[SMcKethan]

Sjespers

I'd appreciate any info you can provide:) thanks!

Sabrina

[sjespers]

Sure thing. I actually just graduated from NCTC last month!!!! NCTC is tough, but you WILL be prepared for the nclex and work when you graduate...no question. 1st semester you have 3 classes: fundamentals (theory, history, etc), skills and assessment. You also do clinicals at North Texas Medical Ctr and some nursing homes (all in Gainesville). Uniforms are all white scrubs with white lab coat. 2nd semester is the doozy. You essentially have 1 class (twice a wk for 3 hrs), but it's difficult and covers a lot. Clinicals are at a variety of hospitals depending on where you live. After 2nd semester you will do a week long psych rotation at a few different mental health facilities. 3rd semester class is a continuation of 2nd, just more involved. 4th semester class covers trauma/critical care and meets once a wk for 6 hrs. Clinicals are 12 hr shifts where you get to work one on one with a nurse preceptor. You can choose from a variety of hospitals and areas (ER, med/surg, ICU, NICU, etc). So fun!!

There is no separate pharmacology class, but you do this each semester. You also do clinical math each semester and have to pass a math exam each semester (91% or more). It is tough, but I think all nursing schools are. ;-) the classes are small (we graduated about 36 our semester), and you can really get to know your classmates and help each other out. I'm sure I'm forgetting things, so feel free to send any more questions my way! Good luck!

[SMcKethan]

Great, thank you. How competitive is it compared to say, TWU? Were there any older people in your class? I'm 26 and I know that seems older for community. Are you going into a nursing intern/externship?

[sjespers]

Lol...I'm 32...so, yes there are "older" people. I think our youngest was 19 and oldest was 50 something. Most were in their 20s or 30s. Wide variety of students! NCTC is competitive. Admission wise I think its comparable to TWU, maybe a little easier to get in. but keep in mind that NCTC accepts far fewer students. TWU gets more applicants, but accepts more. If you go to the NCTC website it gives you GPA requirements for admission. I passed nclex June 1 and start an ER nurse residency program on Monday!