Anyone applying to Maricopa Skill Center?

Marlene39 · Jul 3, 2009

I'm planning to apply as well. I just need to take my NET test next week. I'm also applying for the Gateway LPN Fastrack and would rather go there. I feel really torn about the money issue. I could get into MSC in September and pay $8000 for an LPN or wait until the January session at Gateway and pay less than half that. I just want to get it done, but I don't want to have to take out loans to do it.

Have you heard whether MSC has worked the kinks out that they had this past year? Apparently there was some instructor issues and a lot of frustrated students.

Did you apply already or are you just in the process? I haven't attended an informational meeting yet. I've been in a BIO 201 summer class and it just finished, so I will have time now to go.

Marlene

JessLP · Jul 3, 2009

I, too, would prefer to go to Gateway. I wrote it off because the advisor I spoke with told me it usually takes one or two semesters to get in with the lottery and I really want to get right in. I'm losing way more than a couple thousand dollars in lost wages by not being a nurse right now, so I'm willing to pay a little bit more for the skill center. Do you remember what Gateway's pre-reqs are?

I'm in the process of applying to the skill center. I'm waiting on my fingerprint clearance card. I, too, have heard of some instructor issues, but their NCLEX pass rate is very high, so they can't be too bad! I'm not sure how many kinks have been worked out, but they're so close to where I live and are starting a class in September... I just want to start! If I don't get into the skill center for September I'll reapply to the skill center and Gateway for January and go where ever accepts me.

TinkRN8 · Jul 3, 2009

Don't write off Gateway, or any other program for that matter. You just never know what can happen. I have been on the RN list since September 2008. I have been looking into every possible program from private, to LPN, to hospital to community colleges, etc. If there is a program in AZ, I have looked into it. I have applied to EVIT, Gateway LPN and Banner. I too had heard about the lottery sys for Gateway and was fully expecting to not even get into that until Spring. I applied on April 14th, the first day of the application run, and had my acceptance letter by the end of May!!!!

My advice is to not give up and get in your application to BOTH MSC and Gateway. Like I said before, you just don't know what can happen. Better to have all your bases covered than sit wondering "what if". Just my :twocents: .

Good luck!

mom-of-3 · Jul 12, 2009

Hello,

This is for chihmom8...If you don't mind sharing...What were your NET scores? mine where Math 97 and Reading 82. Thanks a bunch. :specs:

TinkRN8 · Jul 13, 2009

Hello,
This is for chihmom8...If you don't mind sharing...What were your NET scores? mine where Math 97 and Reading 82. Thanks a bunch.

No problem. Honestly, it was over a year and a half ago and I don't remember off the top of my head. My file is at home, or I would look them up. I do know they were a little lower than yours. You did very well, congrats! If you are applying to the MCCD programs, the NET score doesn't really matter, as long as you get the minimum passing. For MSC, Banner, or EVIT, they look at the NET scores a little closer. I did apply to EVIT, and they were very happy with my scores and got an interview. However, I ended up withdrawing my application as I got into Gateway, which was WAY cheaper.

2ndxstudent · Jul 14, 2009

No problem. Honestly, it was over a year and a half ago and I don't remember off the top of my head. My file is at home, or I would look them up. I do know they were a little lower than yours. You did very well, congrats! If you are applying to the MCCD programs, the NET score doesn't really matter, as long as you get the minimum passing. For MSC, Banner, or EVIT, they look at the NET scores a little closer. I did apply to EVIT, and they were very happy with my scores and got an interview. However, I ended up withdrawing my application as I got into Gateway, which was WAY cheaper.

Do you think it matters what day and time you submit your application for the LPN program? Is it like a first come first served? I am applying in the Fall. I have heard some debate on hear that it didnt matter but others said it did.

TinkRN8 · Jul 14, 2009

Do you think it matters what day and time you submit your application for the LPN program? Is it like a first come first served? I am applying in the Fall. I have heard some debate on hear that it didnt matter but others said it did.

It isn't first come first serve. They take all the applications and then it is a lottery, so it doesn't matter what day or time you turned in the application. I went the first day, and was there 1/2 hour before the turn in time started and there was a huge line. I waited an hour and a half to get in to turn in my app. I had to go back that afternoon as I was missing the vaccine doccumentation. When I went back around 4:00pm there was one person ahead of me, no line. I walked right in.

Also, just a piece of advice. You have to go see the advisor to approve your application BEFORE you can submit it on the application dates. The advisor went thru everything and pulled a bunch of stuff out and stapled together what I needed to turn in. Turns out she pulled out all of my vaccine docs, so that is why I had to go back. Go down the list of what you need to turn in and make sure you have it all with you when you turn in the application, even if the advisor had pulled it out.

xxblessthemartyrxx · Jul 30, 2009

RE chihmom8

What exactly do I need? Do you know the next application dates are for Gateway? Or where to find them? I am in same boat as all of you. I take my NET tomorrow, and I am super nervous! I don't think my scores will be as high as all of yours, but I will try. Please give me any information you all know!

Thanks!

TinkRN8 · Jul 30, 2009

RE chihmom8
What exactly do I need? Do you know the next application dates are for Gateway? Or where to find them? I am in same boat as all of you. I take my NET tomorrow, and I am super nervous! I don't think my scores will be as high as all of yours, but I will try. Please give me any information you all know!
Thanks!

From other posts it sounds like the new applications will be out in September. It also sounds like they will no longer be available online and that you have to go to the advisor to pick one up. Just call the nursing advisor at Gateway and she will be able to give you the info.

You will need to complete the application, have your CNA license, NET, DPS fingerprints and proof of vaccinations. The TB test is a 2 step.

JessLP · Aug 3, 2009

I got into MSC so I'll be starting there on September 25th. Did anyone else get in and decide to go there for September?

Marlene39 · Aug 3, 2009

I decided to wait until January and finish all the RN co-requisites this semester. This way I can just go straight into block 3 when I'm done with the LPN program. I'm hoping to get into Gateway LPN fastrack which is way cheaper. If not, the MSC is my next choice.

Best of luck with the program! Keep us updated...

Marlene