Aiken Tech ADN hopefuls spring 2016

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Anyone else applying in September for the spring ADN program at Aiken tech?

I received good news today! Congratulations everyone! :)

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Did anyone get a Health Calculations info flyer for new students in their packet?

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Sorry I haven't posted much. Tried to keep my mind off of it. But I got in. Can't wait to get started and meet everyone.

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ADN students have orientation Nov. 19 albinoc. I got a health calc. Flyer in my packet.

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So, it's been about 2 months since we received our letters and even though class doesn't officially start until next week I wanted to make a point to come back and post some things I have learned for other readers who are preparing to apply for the upcoming term.

First and foremost I hope everyone had a happy and safe Holiday/ New Year!

I am sure there are readers out there reading thread after thread trying to get as much information as possible about the Nursing program at Aiken tech, you're not alone, I'm one of you! Like I said before, class hasn't officially begun but I thought it might be nice to at least post what I have learned about the program thus far.

Okay, now on to the good stuff.

First things first: You've applied to the program!!! That in itself is a huge accomplishment so pat yourself on the back! Now that your application is submitted, I am sure you are seemingly counting down the days until you get something in the mail. I know it's hard but try to distract your mind because you will likely not hear/receive anything until about 5-6 weeks after the application deadline.

Once I received an acceptance packet, it included a mandatory Orientation date that was approximately 3 weeks away from the time I received my letter. Guys, this was an all day thing 9am - 3pm (if i remember correctly). Bring something to snack on and drink because there is no lunch break (a few bathroom breaks but that's it). There is a vending machine down the hall if you choose to use it. Orientation is basically a day full of information and laying out the ground rules (listed in the Handbook) for the program. Okay, now back to the packet. There is also a list of to-do's (if you will). Health sheet, required vaccinations, TB tests (start those early bc you need 2 and they can only be scheduled as soon as 1 week from the first injection). You are also asked to create a profile on a certified background website - this is about $133 so be prepared to spend a little $$. There is also a Heath calculations class that is offered to new Nursing students for free (that is held about 2 weeks after orientation for about 3 or 4 days during that week) and a flyer for upcoming/ available CPR class dates ($25). You will be able to sign up for those at orientation.

Now onto materials: Guys, books alone (bought from the campus bookstore) is about $900. Not even kidding! So make sure you have your financial aid in order to buy from the bookstore, otherwise it is out of pocket. Don't get me wrong you can definitely find the books cheaper online or from previous students but be prepared to pay for those up front. Now, there is a list of supplies that you will also need to accumulate like: uniforms, lab coat, patches, stethoscope, pen light, bandage scissors, and non-permeable shoes. They are not required for the first day of class but will definitely be needed for clinicals (by my understanding). I can't say if they are needed for the simulations lab so please if any current or senior classmates know, feel free to clarify. :)

First semester classes are registered for you (one time only) but while we are on the topic of classes I just wanted to share a few things. The first semester you will be registered for Fundamentals, Pharmacology and Microbiology. If you are thinking of taking microbiology before being accepted into the program then please consider how it will effect your financial aid. IF you choose to take or have already taken it beforehand, you will be considered part time your first semester. Guys, don't get me wrong. I'm not telling you to not take the class but just to be mindful of how it will effect your financial aid. It made a huge difference in mine and since I am a GA resident my Pell was cut in half and I do not qualify for any other grants. Bare in mind that I have already taken all of my second semester classes too (Psychology, Speech, and i cant remember the last) so there were no other 'filler' classes I could take to be considered full-time. Now, I know it's probably not a shocker to most of you but refunds are usually not issued until a few weeks after the semester begins so if you are thinking of using financial aid as a cushion, just make sure you have something ($$) to sustain you until then. Obviously rent, car payments, insurance, childcare, bills etc don't stop once you start school, so please be mindful and prepared to avoid financial stress in the future.

I just want you guys to be as prepared as possible and to offer any info or advice that I can because I promise it was like pulling teeth trying to find information on the program.

This brings me to the last thing, class schedule.

Right now I am registered for Fundamentals and Pharmacology and my schedule looks a little something like this:

Fundamentals: Mondays and Tuesdays 9am - 11 am

Pharmacology: Tuedays 1pm - 3pm

Simulations Lab: Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am - 12pm

Those of you taking Microbiology will obviously have a fuller weekly schedule.

I really hope this helps those of you trying to figure out schedules for work, kids or other commitments!

And please, anyone who has already gone through the program or maybe has an experience or advice to share, please do!

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Just need to clarify:

Anatomy and Physiology II is the co-requisite course taken with Fundamentals and Pharmacology.

Then, depending on your entrance time your second (or third) semester will be Speech, Human Growth and Development, and a Humanities. After that Microbiology will be a co-requisite to two other nursing courses. (I mentioned Micro being the co-requisite for the first semester but I am wrong)

Please take time to look up the Curriculum under the Programs of Study link on the ATC website to get a visual breakdown of the semesters and classes taken.

The current curriculum shows the Fall semester so if I am not mistaken, the second and third semester are switched for student beginning to program in the Spring. I think this is because there are no available nursing courses to take during the summer so Spring entry students will spend their second semester taking non-nursing courses such as Speech, Human Growth and Development, and Humanities.

Just be mindful of how taking these classes ahead of time will affect your financial aid and enrollment status (Full Time/ Part Time). Please also be mindful of how A&P II (taken before you apply) will also affect your scoring matrix on the application. It may not be a bad idea to take some classes ahead but leave just enough credit hours to fill each semester and be considered full time. I understand how this could be a hassle but if you are like me and rely greatly on financial aid, this can and will effect how much you might be eligible for.

I also understand that you may need to take all the classes I mentioned above to be eligible for applying to other nursing programs in the area (that's why I took all the classes ahead). Or you feel like taking these classes ahead will help relieve some stress to allow you to focus on the nursing courses. If that's the case, go ahead and start preparing for how that might affect your financial aid too.

Remember, I am a new student just like you! Financial aid or your enrollment status may not be as important to some of you and that's okay but these are just some things I wish I had pointed out to me.

Lastly, Good luck to each and everyone of you!

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I know it has been some time, but I was hoping you could tell a little more about the other semesters as well. I have applied for the fall semester and there is not much information on their website.

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I'm new here and not really sure where this goes, but anyway. I'm still in the pre-nursing program.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to get in until Jan 2018, if I get accepted. I took a waiver on the English,

so should I be worried about not having the 7 points. I already have a bachelors degree, and made

straight A's last semester. Plan on getting A's this semester and for the 1 class I have in the fall. I also plan

on taking the TEAS soon. Should I be concerned or not?

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