Allegany College of Maryland (ACM)

Updated:   Published

Anyone successful complete lpn to RN through allegany college or in the nursing program how do you view your experience.

Has anyone taken the exam? How did you do? How was it? What did you study? We're you able to flip back and forth through the exam. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
am1313 said:

I'm currently in the 3rd semester at ACM and don't have many complaints. Regarding the application and acceptance process, it was rather speedy. A lot of paperwork, transcripts and busy work. The entrance exam is relatively easy, I scored 807, maybe could have scored higher had I studied more, but it put me into NURS 150 (second semester) I did have to take the Summer transitions course also. It really helps with understanding the flow of the program. While in the program, I personally spent 2-3 hrs a day doing coursework, studying or practice testing. It is a lot but if you stay organized, is very doable. The tests are a bit different now due to the next gen NCLEX so ALOT of SATA questions which really mess me up personally. Professors have office hours every week via zoom and are extremely helpful and responsive to questions. One of the more difficult parts was locating clinical sites. For 150, I used my second job which was a skilled facility and had to go through the process of obtaining a clinical agreement between them and the school since they weren't affiliated prior. This semester was a bit more difficult finding pediatrics and mental health. A lot of facilities are weary of students without instructors (even if you are using a preceptor that works there) my plan B was always one of the facilities from the list ACM provides, even with being close to 1/1.5 hr away, it was worth the drive rather than the headache. Community hours are a lot easier, you just observe so there's no need for affiliation contracts or anything. Starting in fall of 2022, I will HOPEFULLY be graduating the end of fall semester 2023. Hope that helps all!

Hi @am1313,

 

Thank you for this information, very thorough and helpful! I wanted to ask more about the clinical portion- as far as how much you are able to do hands-on or is it more observing your preceptor during your time in clinical?

 

As far as lecture goes, are you able to work full time job during the semester and complete assignments/exams and projects? Do you have to be present in lecture via webcam at a specific time?  Just want to give myself an idea of how would all this work LOL- being mom of 3, full-time employee, and also a nursing student again.

I just received my acceptance letter today for the Fall Semester. As much as I am so excited and grateful to have gotten accepted, I'm wondering if I will be able to do it all come the fall.

 

Thanks in advance!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
LVNCTXb3 said:

Hi @am1313,

 

Thank you for this information, very thorough and helpful! I wanted to ask more about the clinical portion- as far as how much you are able to do hands-on or is it more observing your preceptor during your time in clinical?

 

As far as lecture goes, are you able to work full time job during the semester and complete assignments/exams and projects? Do you have to be present in lecture via webcam at a specific time?  Just want to give myself an idea of how would all this work LOL- being mom of 3, full-time employee, and also a nursing student again.

I just received my acceptance letter today for the Fall Semester. As much as I am so excited and grateful to have gotten accepted, I'm wondering if I will be able to do it all come the fall.

 

Thanks in advance!

Once I saw this it made me check my email I was accepted too!! Wondering the same about the webinar as I travel to work. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
YonceA said:

Once I saw this it made me check my email I was accepted too!! Wondering the same about the webinar as I travel to work. 

Congratulations! From what I gathered from the email, looks like those are mandatory, but doesn't specify how often those will be done. I guess they will let us know more during the orientation meeting? Will you be going in the second semester or the third?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In regards to lectures, there's only 2-3 mandatory lecture/webinar where you have to be on camera (or at least voice respond if you are driving or can't get your camera to work they aren't super strict) The first is the webinar which is held th e week before classes start typically, on camera or off just make sure you participate or respond in some way, that only lasts an hour usually. The other two are clinical review and review of a simulation and questions that have to be completed.

The rest is work as you go on a weekly basis (things are due by certain dates, you respond in discussion boards. As long as you organize your time effectively, it's doable. We have to post answers to discussion questions weekly, minimum of 250 words with APA citation and then respond to 4 other classmates on 3 different days. There is one group project each semester, you work with 3 or 4 others and use Microsoft Teams and create a PowerPoint on a topic, it's annoying but not hard. There are 2 quizzes to be competed before each test and you have to score up to a level 6 which can be achieved by taking the quizzes as often as needed and submit screenshots before the test.

 

The tests are proctored online once a week usually 7 tests in all and a final through ATI.
 

I work full time, have a PRN job and have a newborn and have been trucking along. The hardest part is making time each week for clinical. I found one 8 hr clinical for 5 weeks once approved for your site is doable. I do a weekend day or if it's a school, have a family member watch my son that one day. It's up to the preceptor whether you are hands on or just watch. For me, personally at my one site , my preceptor knew I was every part a nurse as she was, she let me do EVERYTHING. I felt like I worked a whole shift. That was extreme, she also had never precepted before. Others, will just have you watch them or assist with little things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How is lpn to RN online Allegany College of Maryland going?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

I applied for the Spring 2024 semester...anyone else apply or currently in the program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I trying to get my transcripts there in time so I can apply by September the 1st. Hopefully I'll get everything taking care of. Are you applying for the lpn to RN online?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

Yes I applied for the online program. All of my transcripts were sent and I was admitted to the college last week but only found that out today because the emails went into my spam folder so be aware of that. I just have to complete the experience verification form and get my current employer to complete the reference form. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The program is tough, but going well. Set to graduate Spring 2024. Another bit of advice is, once in the program, you will have to locate your own clinical sites and I suggest getting that started ASAP. The Clinical professors have a list of approved sites that previous student already have contacted and the school has a current contract with, but these sites are not always willing to still take students. I suggest having 2 to 3 backup locations. A lot of facilities seem reluctant to have a student without an instructor on site. I'm from right outside of Philadelphia and had NO luck with any of the major health networks here. I had luck with central PA networks and had to travel up to 2 hours for clinical at times, but I did what I had to do to get the hours completed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

Thanks for the response! I received a list of the clinical sites near me today so I will make sure to work in that early.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@VCinVA have you took the HESI placement test yet?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion