anyone going to CCAC for nursing???

mn6674 · Jul 2, 2009

I am applying to CCAC for the Spring Semester at Allegheny Campus. I would be transferring from another program and starting with the second nursing class. They said when you start at the spring semester you would graduate the following december! Does that sound right? How long is each semester? Just seems like a short period of time. Not that I want it to be any longer but I just wanted to make sure that was correct. (I don't even know what to say about the advisor I had spoken to....It was definitely an experience!)

Thanks for any advice

mochabean · Jul 2, 2009

The Spring Program is a Fast Track program. You have to take 2 courses during the summer, 102 and 201. I can't remember if the courses are 6, 10, or 12 weeks. You might want to look it up. But if you started in January 2009, you'll complete the program in December 2009. This upcoming fall semester will start August 17 and end the first or second week of December, I think. What happened with the advisor?

mn6674 · Jul 2, 2009

I didn't realize there was a fast track program. The reason I have all of these questions is bc I couldn't get any information from the advisor. He told me all about his health issues, how is wife is a nurse and hates it and doesn't understand why anyone would want to be a nurse. Then he coughed the entire time without covering his mouth!!!

I was then referred to the 7th floor bc I would be transferring into the program and not starting from the beginning. Once I got there I was told that they couldn't help me and that I would need to see someone at the north campus!!!! Just not the best experience. I just want to get this done and I feel like I'm not getting any "real" info. I did call out to the north campus and they were very helpful. I'm going to get all of my paperwork together, submit it ASAP and see what happens from there.

Thanks for your help. It seems to be easier to get info from students who have experienced it. Did you do the fast track?

sh1901 · Jul 7, 2009

I am not a fast track student but started last Spring. I'll be a 102 student this fall at Allegheny campus. I can say that I did not have even 1 instructor for 101 that I felt was out to "eat their young". As a matter of fact, my lab instructor spent a great deal of time counseling us on how to deal with those kinds of instructors (and seasoned RN's that we would be dealing with after graduation).

I'm very pleased with the coursework, it's tough sometimes, but I do feel that I am learning. What I am not pleased about is the lack of communication. For example, we did 2 clinical rotations in 101 and the exact date of the end of the first rotation was not known to anyone - even our instructors. We showed up one night and they said, "Hey it's your last night, I guess we better do evaluations". That was interesting.

I keep my nose to the grindstone, I do a lot of reading and I study with other students. I did take the pharm math course, and I actually spent a lot of time helping other students. The math itself is not hard, it's understanding how to set up the problems and such that can be difficult to grasp. The calculation tests are important, so if you feel that you can benefit from taking the class, you should do it.

I have also heard that there is a lot of difference between campuses and how they handle things. I think that the new dean is trying to change that, but like with anything, it takes time. I doubt that anyone who is in the program now, or even just entering it, will see much difference.

mochabean · Jul 7, 2009

I start next month! I'm really excited!

sh1901 · Jul 7, 2009

Congrats Mochabean!! For me it has been a tough road, but completely rewarding!

nurs_1 · Jul 9, 2009

Hi. I m about to start NUR101. How can I manage my clinical? I can't do Saturdays and there are no openings during the week. Do you think Kent is flexible? What are my options? Thanks in advance for your advice.

nurs_1 · Jul 9, 2009

Hi. I too am interested in transfering into the fast track. Would you mind getting in touch with me? I know how frustrating CCAC can be. Thank you!

nurs_1 · Aug 4, 2009

Sh1901. Hi. I ll be starting in the Fall 09. I d love to hear back from you regarding the kind nurse who adivsed how to deal with 'high maintenance' instructors. I m already having a hard time with the advisors. Like u said. They don't communicate & help as they should. Thank you!