Any Info on Grayson or NCTC?

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Hi,

I have been accepted into the RN program at Grayson County College in Denison, TX. I am waiting to see if I get into North Central Texas College as well. I hear good things about both school. Just in case I had to choose between, I wanted to find out from other people how they felt about these two programs.

Thanks in advance for your time!

But that included 30 transitional LVN students also. From the original group, less than 50% have graduated. I love the nursing program at Grayson. Their reputation is excellent, all major hospitals are trying to recruit you early on, so finding a job is not hard. Our NCLEX pass rate is outstanding. Sofar from May 07 graduates everyone who took the NCLEX has passed(that I know of). The school is very hard, but after you graduate you will be well prepared for yoor life as a nurse.

Thanks for getting back to me. Why do you think less than 50% graduated?

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I would definitely think twice about Grayson. Grayson does not have a good reputation outside of the Grayson County area . If you are planning to stay here then that shouldn't matter but if you ever want to make more $$$ and work in the DFW area then I would say go to a better school. The clinicals are horrible at Grayson and most of the teachers have not worked in a clinical setting in years and alot changes in healthcare in a short time.

I don't know anything about NCTC but I have heard that Collin County is pretty good and Dallas County at Brookhaven in Farmers Branch is excellent. I realize it is quite a drive but in the scheme of things it is worth it.

Good luck to you!!!!

Thanks for the advice. Which school are you attending?

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Specializes in Education, Administration, Magnet.
Thanks for getting back to me. Why do you think less than 50% graduated?

It is just a hard program. They weed out those people who don't think studying is a priority very quick. But if you put the school first and regularly study, you will be fine. I did it with a job and a family.

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I am planning on attending NCTC for the fall and have been accepted into the LVN program. From everyone I have talk to that has been through their program: they all have said it was very tough but worth it.

NCTC is said to have a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX. I know that any nursing school is not a walk in the park. I believe that school is what you make it. If you put the effort into it you will do fine but if you slack off, don't go to class, don't study that is what you will do if you get a job. So good luck with your choice, dusty

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I am planning on attending NCTC for the fall and have been accepted into the LVN program. From everyone I have talk to that has been through their program: they all have said it was very tough but worth it.

NCTC is said to have a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX. I know that any nursing school is not a walk in the park. I believe that school is what you make it. If you put the effort into it you will do fine but if you slack off, don't go to class, don't study that is what you will do if you get a job. So good luck with your choice, dusty

Thanks for your post. Good luck to you also with the LVN program.

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Just got my final lab test grade 70 of 75 !!!!!!!!!

I feel like a ROCKSTAR !!!!!!!! (its' a Gray's Anatomy thing)

I can't wait to go to Orientation !! I have everything lined up now it all just has to fall into place.. Good luck with which ever school you decide to go to. Best of luck Dusty

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Just got my final lab test grade 70 of 75 !!!!!!!!!

I feel like a ROCKSTAR !!!!!!!! (its' a Gray's Anatomy thing)

I can't wait to go to Orientation !! I have everything lined up now it all just has to fall into place.. Good luck with which ever school you decide to go to. Best of luck Dusty

Congratulations! Sounds like things are falling into place for you. Good luck to you!

Melissa

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Specializes in LTAC.
Thanks for the great information. One of the things that I like about NCTC is the class size is smaller. Do you know how many students made it all the way to the boards that started? It concerns me that Grayson accepts 100+ students and, looking at the pass rates for the NCLEX, only 70-76 people made it. Maybe there are other reasons for this.

Also, did you meet at your clinical site or did you have to go to class first in Gainsville?

Thanks again for your time.

I liked the smaller class sizes too. I know our pass rate is very high. This web site: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/nursingeducation/faq_students.html shows the pass rates for all the colleges in Texas. The pass rate for 2005 was 49/56 (86.6%).

I know the LVN program is set up a little different than the RN program. In the RN program, we had classes in Gainesville (3 or 4 days/week....I don't recall which). After our last class, we'd go to the hospital (in first semester, we were all at Gainesville Memorial) and pick our patients for the next day. NCTC focuses a lot on having a good careplan. Then we'd go from 7a-3p the following day for clinical. Picking a patient, and collecting information doesn't take as long once you get the hang of it. The instructors are great in directing you on your careplans.

The other two semesters, they divide the students up to different hospitals with each clinical instructor. They try to assign students to the hospital they are closest to. I did clinicals at Grapevine and Carrollton. Some students did clinicals at Ardmore, OK, and Lewisville. I don't recall what the other clinical sites were. In second and third semester we did have to go pick patients and write up paperwork the night before. But, as I said before, this gets easier with time and practice. I was never up all night doing clinical paperwork, like some of the "horror stories"...lol.

In fourth semester, we were assigned preceptors at the hospital we wanted to go to. Most people had picked a nurse they enjoyed working with during their previous clinical. I was able to do clinicals in my home town (Decatur). You have a set number of clinical hours to complete, and you work your preceptor's schedule. I did 1 clinicals/week at 12 hours each (a few weeks I did 2 days). I enjoyed this clinical the most because by the end of the clinical, I was taking 5-6 patients on a Med/Surg floor.....and my preceptor was there for backup. When I got out into the "real world" of nursing, I didn't have the culture shock that some new grads experience.

If you do decide on NCTC, just keep in mind, the first semester is rough. I truly believe it's some sort of "hazing" (lol) to see who's going to make it and who's not. The quitters tend to give up in the first semester. It gets easier from there. As far as the (what seems like enormous at the time) amount of paperwork, I am thankful they made me do all that. At work, I got a very nice compliment from a nursing supervisor I respect very much about the quality of my first careplan I'd completed there. I know if they hadn't made me do it the long way while I was in school, I wouldn't have the skills to critically think to do the short way we use in the hospitals.

Sorry this is so long. Anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck to you!

~T

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Wow! Thanks for all the information. I have heard nothing but good things about NCTC. It sounds like you were well prepared when you graduated.

I took the DET last week and am waiting to hear if I got in or not. They said we would hear something by the 21st but I hope it is sooner. The wait is killing me!

What makes the first semester so rough? Also, how many do you think dropped out of your class?

Thanks again for the great reply!

Melissa

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Ok, now you guys have me scared! I was also accepted at Grayson. This is where I did my pre-reqs. I didn't apply anywhere else because I had really good grades and I didn't want to have to drive from Sherman to anywhere else. Anyway, I know it is going to be a tough 2 years, but I am really ready for the challenge. I have been lurking amongst all of these message boards because I am so bored this summer without taking any classes. I am trying to prepare myself for ADN as much as possible!

:sofahider

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Ok, now you guys have me scared! I was also accepted at Grayson. This is where I did my pre-reqs. I didn't apply anywhere else because I had really good grades and I didn't want to have to drive from Sherman to anywhere else. Anyway, I know it is going to be a tough 2 years, but I am really ready for the challenge. I have been lurking amongst all of these message boards because I am so bored this summer without taking any classes. I am trying to prepare myself for ADN as much as possible!

:sofahider

I know what you mean about being scared. It seems like everyone talks about how difficult school is and nothing about the positive. It is a little unnerving!

Congrats on your acceptance! The program at Grayson seems good. The staff also seems like they actually care. I am sure we will both be fine.

Hang in there! Maybe I will see you in August.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Melimayer,

Did you decide on Grayson or NCTC? I have been accepted to Grayson, too.

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