Any Concorde students/grads in Tampa?

Zale66 · Jul 25, 2010

Just giving this a little bump....

Since there doesn't seem to be any Tampa Concorde students, does anyone know of any other straight RN programs in the Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg area?

I really liked Galen but you need your LPN for their bridge program. They would be my next choice as I have heard nothing but fantastic things about them and their equipment is state of the art.

Thanks for any advice or information anyone might have. Perhaps I should reconsider SPC as I have an AA from there (20 years ago!) but am concerned with not being able to get into the program after taking all the pre-reqs. Time is a huge factor for me as I am a newly single mother and need to get back on my feet as quickly as I can.

Thanks again for any advice or information :)

Zale66 · Jul 27, 2010

I am posting this for any future lurkers who may have some of the same questions I did regarding Concorde and their Tampa location RN program.

They started their first class of 30 students and will begin another class late September, early October. The facilities were not as nice as Galen's and there did appear to be an issue with staffing/instructors. Also, while the counselor was very nice, he was unable to tell me where the clinicals would be held and even mentioned having to travel up to 100 miles and stay in a hotel room with other students to finish them, which sounded very, very strange to me. It appears they do hot have a very established program here.

The program is six, 10 week courses and is very intensive.

Obviously, I'll be looking into other schools. I still would be interested in hearing from other students at the Tampa location. I doubt this is the right place for me as it is too far to drive for the hours (he said it was 8am- 6pm).

Just some FYI for others who might be looking into Concorde. Oh, and yeah, the cost is 41 K for the program.

Isiah4031 · Jul 27, 2010

Three ASN programs in the Tampa area...Pasco-Hernando Community College: Registered nursing, Hillsborough Community College: Hillsborough Community College, and St. Pete College: SPC Nursing Program. Be aware of the slightly different prereqs and when the applications are due and how soon they admit you. As for BSN, USF and UT would be prime. I have my doubts about the private-for-profit schools like Galen, Concorde, Rasmussen, and all the others. Just be careful where you go as some of the schools cost a fortune, have limited clinical seats, may not transfer to a public university, or have even been rumored to be designed to fail some. Check this site about "Approved" vs "Accredit" programs (as well as NCLEX pass rates): SearchCriteria

. Good luck!

Zale66 · Jul 27, 2010

Thank you so much for your reply and the information! For a variety of reasons I will probably heavily pursue Galen but will continue to apply at many other schools in the area. I have an AA from SPC from 1990 but the GPA isn't nearly enough to get me into the program. I'm a focused and dedicated student now and want to move forward as quickly as I can.

Thanks again, I'll be sure to check out the link you posted

NewGoalRN · Jul 27, 2010

have you considered www.brewste.edu and www.erwin.edu

These are both vo tech schools in Tampa whose cost are significantly lower han Galens.Brewster's a lotto system and their application window starts Aug 2

Erwinis no longer a lotto system but you do have to take the TEAS test

You may also consider taking your pre- reqs at a community college if u willbe pursuing your rn a Galen- I believe that they will deduct the cost of subjects that they transfer in.

I would run from Concorde.

Zale66 · Jul 28, 2010

Thank you! Yes, I ran from Concorde. It wasn't good.

I have all the pre-req's but Galen won't take them Sad part is, I did them all 20 years ago and my GPA isn't good enough for SPC right now. I don't mind the schools in Tampa, but I live in Seminole and with 2 young kids and being a single mother....Well, daycare closes at 6pm! I need to stay close to home.

I do have a few options, though, and will continue to pursue them. Thank you so much for your response! My gut instinct on Concorde was not a good one.

ILoveCats5 · Aug 12, 2010

Dear Isiah,

This is a little off topic from your original post, but I have a question to ask you. I'll be moving to south Florida this January '11 after I graduate with my LPN and I'm considering HCC or PHCC. I originally wanted to move to Tampa because I have never lived in a big city, lol, so I thought HCC would be a good choice. However PHCC is only two semesters long, vs three at HCC, and it doesn't start till August whereas HCC starts in May (I want to work as an LPN before school). So my question is, assuming you live in that area, could you give me some advice on which program is better? What are your opinions or maybe opinions that you have heard about both programs? What are the pros and cons? Etc. Thank you :)

- Olivia

...sorry I thought I was commenting on Isiah's post. Still new to this cite >.

ConcordeReview · Jul 17, 2012

I am a recent student of the Concorde RN program in Tampa FL, I wrote an article that gives my entire experience there. Please read it before even considering Concorde for their nursing program.

http://www.concordenursingtampa.com

I hope the people who run this forum allow this to post, because I am only interested in warning other people about this program.

NewGoalRN · Jul 18, 2012

Wow, that school seems to be a scam. I hope that your website is a warming to students who are so eager to get in to any nursing program that they abandon their commen sense filters.

There were many red signs and bells going off. I hope that you were eventually able to get into another program that is more ethical and professional.