Any Current MCI Students Out There?

AlwysLrning · Mar 22, 2007

I checked out MCI in Newport News for the LPN program. I also checked into Riverside Regional Medical School. Their program is much less, and was recommended by a psychologist friend of mine. I took a tour of Riverside a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed. I am looking forward to attending Riverside in September.

I don't hear much about Riverside on this board. Is it extremely competitive? What is the program like?

Celtfire · May 19, 2007

hello all! I will be graduating from the MCI PN program in Richmond next month. I know that the credits I earned will not transfer to traditional institutions because they are accelerated vocational courses. My tuition was 23,850 a year ago. I know that almost every term the tuition goes up. Hind sight is 20/20. I should have just gone to VCU and took an extra year to get my RN BSN. Now after I graduate and pass NCLEX. It will take 2 to 3 more years to get the BSN. oh well. I chose MCI because a friend of mine graduated from there a couple years before I enrolled. Make sure you check out what you are getting too. Is the RN program a certificate, diploma, Associate Degree. If it's anything less than an Associates degree it may not be worth the tuition. Me? I'm just getting a diploma....sucks....but whacha gonna do? )

thepenartist · Apr 8, 2008

I started the RN program at MCI VaBch campus Sept07. I am paying $30,000 (that is the total without grants/scholarships) for the 15 month program which will yield an Associates of Applied Science degree. With it being an accelerated course, the classes are intense, our class started out with 30 people and we have retained 23 people. The grading system is quite different. You must keep a class grade of 80 or above to pass to the next mod (module = 5 weeks).

We've had Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2; EnglishComp1, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Nursing 1, Pharmacology 1, Nursing Math, Pharmacology 2, Sociology. (Sept07 to April08) The current mod will see finals next week. We are quizzed or tested in almost every class (you read anywhere from 3-4 chapters a night to prepare for the next day's lecture. plus you review 2-3 chapters for the test the next day as well). (I spend alot of time over the weekend reading and preparing for the following week's lectures) You are expected to be in class for lecture, attendance is a big thing in this school, so is being tardy, your absence or tardiness is noted in each class. You can miss 15hrs of class per mod, or you will be dismissed from the course. You eat, sleep, dream, breathe these classes/courses. It feels like you have no social life or any other of life's obligations because you study/read/test/quiz. Your life exists 5 weeks at a time. Yes, the courses are intense.... but if you want it bad enough you will do what needs to be done to realize the goal... to become a nurse!

I have no medical background; I am coming into this intensity as a graphic artist for the past 20+ years... I am also, a military spouse stationed here for 5 years, with 1.5 years left before we leave the area and retire. The timeframe offered by the school fits well with the block of time I have left in the area.

Although MCI now has an RN to BSN program; I will more than likely look online elsewhere because of the cost and the obligations they are asking to participate. That is just a personal choice, though.

I have had some instructors that I admire, as well as some I tolerated, but overall, they wish to see you succeed. Each willing to tutor one on one, when you need help.

I really enjoy the classmates I have associated with in my class. We get together after classes to study, exchange ideas on the topics and wish each other the best. After going through my first clinicals, I can say with pride that I can depend on each person in my class should I need help with anything. - We have times when we gather to celebrate - our success or just the holidays. I have learned so much from them, as well as from the instructors - and even from the students in the classes ahead of us... they let us know (when we ask) just what to expect when our time comes to be where they are. All in all, it is scary as well as exciting to be going through these classes and gaining the experience needed to be successful.

Whatever you choose to do, do it with all your heart. It is gonna take intense desire and discipline to buckle down and read, read, read (in this school).

How badly do you want to succeed to achieve the dream? What are you willing to temporarily set aside for the 15 months (RN program) to achieve your goal that will last you a lifetime?

I hope you succeed in whatever you choose to do. :nurse:

c-stal24RN · Apr 20, 2008

With it being an accelerated course, the classes are intense, our class started out with 30 people and we have retained 23 people. The grading system is quite different. You must keep a class grade of 80 or above to pass to the next mod (module = 5 weeks).
We've had Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2; EnglishComp1, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Nursing 1, Pharmacology 1, Nursing Math, Pharmacology 2, Sociology.

Hi. I just graduated MCI's RN program in December. With you being pre-med/surg, I just want to warn you that med surg was the hardest class that any of us had to pass. Your classmates will drop like flies after med/surg. It is encouraging to see how focused and optimistic you seem...you are going to need that in the months to come. If you can make it through med/surg and acute care, you should be fine. It sounds like your classmates are very supportive and that will help as well. I made it through in the 15 months without repeating anything and passed my boards on the first try- all 11 of my original classmates did. We only had 11 out of 25 original people make it to graduation. Good luck to you and if you ever want to vent, send me a PM...I have been there man. :banghead:

NurseGuyBri · Jul 30, 2008

Just so you know, there are a **TON** of scholarships out there for this and other programs. So, yes, it costs 23,900 for the LPN program. I got $10,500 in scholarships and other assistance and I havent even started yet. So my cost is $13,400 and I'm looking for more. Dont jsut go by the cost, work for it! Research, Look for scholarships. They're easy to get and easier to find! BTW I start Aug 11th. Also, just FYI, there is an online program for LPN to RN after 3 years of experience, and it doesnt matter where you get your LPN from as long as you pass the NCLEX-PN.

sarahb9177 · Jul 31, 2008

Just so you know, there are a **TON** of scholarships out there for this and other programs. So, yes, it costs 23,900 for the LPN program. I got $10,500 in scholarships and other assistance and I havent even started yet. So my cost is $13,400 and I'm looking for more. Dont jsut go by the cost, work for it! Research, Look for scholarships. They're easy to get and easier to find! BTW I start Aug 11th. Also, just FYI, there is an online program for LPN to RN after 3 years of experience, and it doesnt matter where you get your LPN from as long as you pass the NCLEX-PN.

THANK YOU! I start the PN program at MCI on 9/15 and like you said - once all is said and done, over 1/3 of my tuition is being paid for between tuition reimbursement at work, grants and scholarships. The aid is out there if you take the time to find it! :up: And you're right...we ALL have to take the same test (LPN/RN respectively) so it doesn't matter where you get the education - I just chose to take the 14 month course vs. a couple/several years in another college...

NurseGuyBri · Aug 1, 2008

THanks, and good luck!! Im sure i will pass you in the halls... just look for the buzzed hair and the white spot (i have a patch of grey hair)

sarahb9177 · Aug 1, 2008

once all is said and done, over 1/3 of my tuition is being paid for between tuition reimbursement at work, grants and scholarships.

CORRECTION!! - Over 2/3 of my tuition is being paid...I only have loans for 1/3! :clown: