Anyone going to Modesto Junior College?

U.S.A. California

Published

I'm just curious! I'm just starting (at the ripe 'ol age of 35, LOL!) looking into a career in nursing. I've worked in hospitals and clinics doing medical transcription for years and years, and way back when used to be a pre-physical therapy major (I've taken chemistry, anatomy, biology...don't know if they would count, as it's been several years). I would be attending MJC for pre-reqs and (fiingers crossed) the nursing program eventually and I would really love to have a student's view, how difficult it is to get into the program, any general advice, etc.

Hi everyone! I have just started my 2nd semester @ MJC. :yeah:

Sorry it has been so long since I posted, but that is what happens when in nursing school. Plus, on my summer break, I had some family drama and other personal things to deal with. But, I am back in school.

I went through the lottery, but was very lucky b/c I got in on my first try - rare, but it does happen. :wink2: My sister-in-law has her app in now for the 4th time for Spring semester. What I have heard is that usually by the 4th time you get in - altho, that is 4 semesters of wasted time.

Anywho, the program is great. I would not say that the material is diffcult, but it is and intense program and extremely demanding. You have to be good at managing your time. I have always been an A student, but I seem to get my standard 88% on the nursing exams - I am cool witht hat.

We just had 2 transfers in from Delta college. They told me that the MJC program is better (their opinion!) and more structured, but also more demanding.

I don't know if anyone is planning to work and go to school at the same time, but it can be done. I work about 15 hours per week, but have no children - just a husband (that may qualify at times as a child) and a cat.

It is doable as long as you are organized and dedicated! If I had my choice, I would not work, but it is not an option. B/c I work, I have almost zero free/play time while in school.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed - :banghead: - but I just take it one week at a time. I try not to focus too far into the future, or else I'd go bonkers.

The pre-reqs at MJC can be difficult to get into b/c so many students want/need the classes.

Regarding physiology, I hear Upton is good, but she moves quickly and expects a lot from her students. My friend had her for Anatomy and Phys now and she likes her. For Micro, I loved Dr. Anderson - he's a little quirky, but really nice and entertaining.

If I think of anyting else to add, I will. :typing

I LOVE the program and what I am learning. I am so grateful I got in when I did - I am 40 yo, so you are never too old to start again!!!

Thanks JMoney for the update and info. It was really helpful!! I have pretty made up my mind to apply @ MJC rather than Delta. I too am 40??. But I have 2 young children. I'm planning to apply in Spring 10. By Fall '10 my youngest will be in kindergarten 8-3 so that should help.

I only need physiology now, but can't take it until Fall '09. We are going to Hawaii Spring '09(all paid for) and I don't think it would be wise to miss a week of a 5unit class!! I too have read that Upton is a great Phys. instructor.

I wish you the best! Keep us newbie's informed. Are the clinicals at Memorial? Doctors?

Thanks again-F4Mom

Hi F4Mom ~ My first semester clinicals were at DMC - which I like and am familiar with. This semseter, my pediatrics rotation is at DMC and then my OB/Maternity rotation is at Emmanuel (which sucks b/c it is a 30 min drive for me and you have to be there at 6:30 am). I hear that Emmanuel has a new Labor & Delivery dept so everything is current and new, should be neat.

Clinicals are also at Memorial. So, nothing really that far away.

Thanks for your PM I haven't figured out how to reply to a PM yet :-) All I need at this point is Physio. Have read that Upton is a great instructor. I'm hoping interm. algebra is not going to be added in as a requirement!

I appreciate your help/suggestions....

Am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

Thanks again.

Your welcome. Let me know if you have any other questions. Sometimes it may take me a little time to get back to you b/c of my schedule, but I will do my best.

Thank you!!

I wish you the best!!

Thank you so much JMoney!!! It really helps those of us getting started to learn a little about what we're getting into :) All my prereqs are done and my app is in for spring semester.

A lady that was in my physiology class is an LVN in OB at Emmanuel and she always said she worked with a wonderful group of people -- hopefully you'll have a great experience there (despite the drive!)

Good Luck dvas00!! Thank you for the PM!

Who did you take physio from? Any tips, besides study hard and pay attention :-)

With all of this talk-I am ready to get started now!! Did you find that having taken anatomy 12 years ago makes the physio class more diffiicult? I'm wondering if I should take anatomy Spring '09 (no credit) as a refresher...? Am studying online.

F4Mom ~ I took anatomy longer than 12 years ago and I was fine. I don't think you need to retake it, plus getting into Anatomy @ MJC is a nightmare. I would review your old anatomy book/notes (if you still have them) or go online to reivew anatomy items. There are a lot of resources online to utilize to help you, such as: http://www.studystack.com/category-16 .

There is also this book: http://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Anatomy-Ridiculously-Simple-Medmaster/dp/0940780798/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_k2a_2_txt?pf_rd_p=304485601&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=094078002X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1NE5NTZZJT6YWFQ85M94

Good luck!

Thank you for your input. I have been reviewing online. There are some great programs out there. I will check into your suggestions too.

I've been thinking about your comment of you'll be starting your next clinical @ Emmanuel Hosp @ 6:30 am. One of the things about MJC's program ( I thought) was that they start @ 8am (atleast as listed on class start times) Is that true? This is very important for me in that we live in Tracy, my boys start school @ 8am and early am childcare will come into play. Delta begins clinicals @ 6:30am, that was part of what I liked about MJC. I plan to talk with the nursing counselor of my concerns, is time, childcare etc.

I know you are very busy and I'm happy to discuss with the MJC counselor. Just thought I'd throw it out to you since you are the "voice of experience" right now:bow:

Keep up the good work! Thought about you all today in my Nutrition class (delta requires) I WILL BE A NURSE SOON!!!!

F4Mom - classes start at 8 am (1st semester), 8 am or 1 pm 2nd semester, and 12 pm for 3rd semester. Not sure what 4th semester class times are. Clinical rotation is 1 day per week and you have to meet w/your clinical instructor @ 6:30 am for pre-clinical and then you are up on the floor at 7 am to get change of shift reports. So, it is only 1 day per week that you have to be anyplace @ 6:30 am.

Oh, one more thing...you have to be flexible while in nursing school. For the most part your schedule is set, but they will make changes from time to time - so be ready for that.

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