Any dirt on HCC

ZootRN · Aug 14, 2004

I've heard their Nursing program is good. I was accepted to this Fall, but probably won't come for classes and will stay with SPC. For some reason HCC's program is 5 semester long - probably, because they have A&P2, Micro and some other gen ed classes included into the program. Look like they are fixing it, since Micro and A&P2 will be prereqs for the next Fall. In my understanding, this should shorten the program down to 4 semesters.

As to school itself, my overall experience was rather negative. Most of the stuff was not friendly, not responsive, they never return calls, never respond to emails, making you feel like you are just nothing. USF and SPC are sooo much different. I talked to other students, and they have the same complains - nothing ever goes smooth at HCC, they are losing everything, they make you stand in the line for hours even if you have a simplest question, never pick up the phone, etc, etc, etc.

Anyways, hope your appeal will work out, and best of luck to you! Hope I didn't dissapoint you much. PM me, if you need any details.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 14, 2004

What's HCC? SPC? USF?

As for nursing school leaving you feeling like you are nothing, I'm beginning to think that's the case in many, many schools. It was my experience in the CC in Texas where I did my first 60%.

Finishing at Excelsior College, though, left me feeling like I had accomplished something and the communcations with the instructors and advisors were all very positive and supportive.

Can't say enough good about my experience with Excelsior! (Good luck to you both!)

athena77 · Aug 15, 2004

I've heard their Nursing program is good. I was accepted to this Fall, but probably won't come for classes and will stay with SPC. For some reason HCC's program is 5 semester long - probably, because they have A&P2, Micro and some other gen ed classes included into the program. Look like they are fixing it, since Micro and A&P2 will be prereqs for the next Fall. In my understanding, this should shorten the program down to 4 semesters.
As to school itself, my overall experience was rather negative. Most of the stuff was not friendly, not responsive, they never return calls, never respond to emails, making you feel like you are just nothing. USF and SPC are sooo much different. I talked to other students, and they have the same complains - nothing ever goes smooth at HCC, they are losing everything, they make you stand in the line for hours even if you have a simplest question, never pick up the phone, etc, etc, etc.
Anyways, hope your appeal will work out, and best of luck to you! Hope I didn't dissapoint you much. PM me, if you need any details.

Well I definitely can identify with the problems plaguing HCC, that's why I was wondering if the RN program was considered the same...if they were any good at all. I may just suck it up for the sake of finishing a program, but if the word on their program isn't good then I won't. Well only time will tell what shall happen.

Thanks

Christina_NICU · Aug 15, 2004

What's HCC? SPC? USF?

HCC = Hillsborough Community College

SPC = Saint Petersburg College

USF = University of South Florida

I've heard the same things about HCC. I sent my transcripts to them and they (the college, not the nursing program) claimed to never have recevied them, then I never heard from the Nursing program, EVER! :angryfire I know my school sent them the transcripts cause the other colleges I sent it to recived them. They are VERY disorganized it seems. Also, their NCLEX aren't that high; high 70s - low 80s. :uhoh3:

I applied to all the schools in the Tampa area early in the year and I found U. Tampa to be the most "together." Always had prompt responses and they always had all my information right. Of course, they're private, so...yeah. I just wanted to see if I'd get in :chuckle

athena77 · Aug 16, 2004

HCC = Hillsborough Community College
SPC = Saint Petersburg College
USF = University of South Florida
I've heard the same things about HCC. I sent my transcripts to them and they (the college, not the nursing program) claimed to never have recevied them, then I never heard from the Nursing program, EVER! :angryfire I know my school sent them the transcripts cause the other colleges I sent it to recived them. They are VERY disorganized it seems. Also, their NCLEX aren't that high; high 70s - low 80s.
I applied to all the schools in the Tampa area early in the year and I found U. Tampa to be the most "together." Always had prompt responses and they always had all my information right. Of course, they're private, so...yeah. I just wanted to see if I'd get in :chuckle

I was also thinking of applying to UT for next fall, but I am sure I can't manage 26K per year. But I heard that they do give away alot of scholarships and financial aid..although I don't know how true that is.

Well HCC is just scary sometimes!

LilStudent · Aug 16, 2004

I haven't attended their Nursing program, but I always had problems with my financial aid at HCC. I eventually got it. Just doesn't seem like they were able to get it to me in a timely manner. Good luck!

teegeo · Aug 17, 2004

I am in my second year at HCC and find it challenging but if you put the time in it you can succeed. I have not heard the rumor that we are being investigated but I find it hard to believe since I know of several graduates whom passed on the first try. They have also instilled a test at the end of every class called a HESI that is a NCLEX style exam worth 10% of your final grade. It predicts how well you will do on the NCLEX and is administered by a third party. Good luck in your endeavors and if you have any other questions feel free to email me.

Teena

athena77 · Aug 17, 2004

I am in my second year at HCC and find it challenging but if you put the time in it you can succeed. I have not heard the rumor that we are being investigated but I find it hard to believe since I know of several graduates whom passed on the first try. They have also instilled a test at the end of every class called a HESI that is a NCLEX style exam worth 10% of your final grade. It predicts how well you will do on the NCLEX and is administered by a third party. Good luck in your endeavors and if you have any other questions feel free to email me.
Teena

So you are in your second year in the nursing program? How do you feel about the teaching and instructors? My appeal just went thru and it looks like I will be accepted for the spring so I am seriously considering accepting. Where are you doing your clinicals?

teegeo · Aug 18, 2004

I graduate in May and am looking so forward to being done. Of course, I am planning on enrolling at USF next fall for their bridge program. Some of the teachers have been great while others not so much but, from what I hear that is normal for all programs. My sister graduated from Polk CC and have some of the same stories. I am enrolled at the Plant City campus and have done my clinicals at UCH (Fundies & ortho/nuero) & St. Joe (GI & OB), I will be at the VA and TGH this fall for psych and peds. I hope to do my leadership at Moffitt Cancer Center. I currently work there and plan on nursing there when I graduate. If you won an appeal you may end up at the Plant City campus too, usually that is where they hold open seats for things like that. Good luck and let me know who you have choices of and I may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Teena

athena77 · Aug 18, 2004

Great info. I wasn't aware that I may be attending the plant city campus. I live in the citrus park area so I wonder how far of a drive that will be. How do you like the campus over there? Well I will definitely be keeping in touch!

Thanks

ZootRN · Aug 18, 2004

I didn't want to say that, but since Teena mentioned Plant City campus, this is exactly what happened to me - I didn't know it's a common practice though. On orientation there were extra 10 or so people, who got into the program thru appeals, and we were told that Dale Mabry is full already and most likely we will be going to Plant City campus. I personally couldn't not afford it (Plant City is 50 miles away from me and their class schedule would change my whole life-style, like arranged day-care and night-time job), and I remember one girl was crying because of that - she was carpooling with somebody to get to Dale Mabry, and she had no idea, how is she going to attend Plant City. Luckily, some people didn't show up, and I got a spot at Dale Mabry, but you should be prepared to surprises.. Sorry..