Applicants to Portland area schools 2011

kamaboko · May 20, 2011

I just think it's ugly.

Hmm...certainly a thoughtful and insightful assessment of its value.

jimithing112 · May 20, 2011

Hmm...certainly a thoughtful and insightful assessment of its value.

I wasn't at all referring to the value of the program or campus; that's just my personal opinion of why I don't like that campus.

ca336 · May 20, 2011

Haa! Sylvania is mildly ugly I suppose, :lol2: however MY problems with it are the at times horrendous parking, going to that side of town in general, and sorry if this sounds harsh but the students! The classes I've taken there were typically (NOT all, but many) a younger, somewhat less mature crowd, cheating at times seemed to be rampant (I was once asked by another student for my answers to a test while the teacher was in earshot), and there was overall less respect in the classroom. I don't have time for that. In my opinion a campus like Cascade has students who work, raise families etc. They are not preoccupied with pettiness, and they value their education. A lot more respect and maturity, and that's the campus I've spent most of my time at PCC. Probably a gross generalization and I'm sorry for that. Obviously the nursing program itself would probably be a little more advanced crowd, but overall I think Sylvania has a different vibe. Like I said though, I expect the students in the nursing program itself would be a great group of people. So I hope what I've said wouldn't change anybody's mind - I have no intention of bad-mouthing anything about PCC, they are a wonderful institution that has changed my life!

ca336 · May 20, 2011

Okay, this is probably my tenth post today - sorry! But I just got my CCC letter - as expected, I've been placed on the alternate list, however I was under the impression they were giving wait list numbers. Mine just says they regret to inform me they are unable to offer me a spot, and requested I not contact them to inquire about where I am on the list. Sounds a lot more somber than my MHCC alternate letter! (which I found out after responding that I am at the top of the MHCC alternate list). Anyone else not accepted get a different letter from CCC? I think I'm giving up on this one! Lots of people seem to like this program but think I'm better off moving forward with one of the other two.

kmdguy · May 20, 2011

Haa! Sylvania is mildly ugly I suppose, however MY problems with it are the at times horrendous parking, going to that side of town in general, and sorry if this sounds harsh but the students! The classes I've taken there were typically (NOT all, but many) a younger, somewhat less mature crowd, cheating at times seemed to be rampant (I was once asked by another student for my answers to a test while the teacher was in earshot), and there was overall less respect in the classroom. I don't have time for that. In my opinion a campus like Cascade has students who work, raise families etc. They are not preoccupied with pettiness, and they value their education. A lot more respect and maturity, and that's the campus I've spent most of my time at PCC. Probably a gross generalization and I'm sorry for that. Obviously the nursing program itself would probably be a little more advanced crowd, but overall I think Sylvania has a different vibe. Like I said though, I expect the students in the nursing program itself would be a great group of people. So I hope what I've said wouldn't change anybody's mind - I have no intention of bad-mouthing anything about PCC, they are a wonderful institution that has changed my life!

It is an interesting observation that I can confirm in my experience too. Most of my science classes were at Cascade and the maturity of those students were typically very high. People were serious about their classes and the learning process. But of the few classes that I have taken at Sylvania, it felt like, well to be honest, Welcome Back Kotter. In one or two classes I really felt bad for the teacher because many students created an environment which felt more like an 8th grade class... just my experience and I know that doesn't apply to all classes at Sylvania, but the ones that I took there had a much less mature classroom etiquette.

hopefull123 · May 20, 2011

Not trying to influence you either way (though, full disclosure, I didn't apply to any CC programs because I definitely wanted the BSN and didn't want to take the extra year), but don't forget to consider that extra year--during which you could be working full time. If you do an OCNE thing, you are starting work in fall 2014 with $28K of debt. If you go straight to OHSU, you can start work making $60-65K per year in fall 2013 with $51K of debt--keep living like a college student and pay it off within a year or two. The way I see it, you come out $37,000 ahead. That was my thought process in my planning. Some might say you can work during that bridge year (can you? I don't actually know), but nobody's hiring ADNs anyway. At any rate, there's certainly no call to be sad, dude. Most everyone here is taking on debt as a result of this path, a sucky means to a great end. And having a wealth of options is a GOOD thing. Just pick one and don't second-guess yourself. Congratulations!

Just to let all of those who are going to a cc and haven't decided if they will do that third year at OHSU, you will not be graduating with an ADN. You will be graduating with an AAS, associate of applied science in nursing. And regardless of what degree you graduate with, you do not become a registered nurse until passing the NCLEX and getting your license.

Further more, there are many places that DO hire RN's with an AAS. I work for legacy health systems and they will hire them with NO pay differential compared to an RN with a BSN. Although, without a foot in the door somewhere you may want to get the BSN to give you an "edge" over another hopeful employee wanting the same job as you or to give you more options where you are able to apply.

I got into PCC and will be starting this fall. I figure I will do my first to years and then make that decision when it gets here...

ValerieBPDX · May 20, 2011

Just to let all of those who are going to a cc and haven't decided if they will do that third year at OHSU, you will not be graduating with an ADN. You will be graduating with an AAS, associate of applied science in nursing.
Further more, there are many places that DO hire RN's with an AAS. I work for legacy health systems and they will hire them with NO pay differential compared to an RN with a BSN. Although, without a foot in the door somewhere you may want to get the BSN to give you an "edge" over another hopeful employee wanting the same job as you or to give you more options where you are able to apply.

Sorry, I was using the term imprecisely--I just meant a two-year degree. I genuinely doubt it matters which one you have. Re: the job market, I was only speaking to my own experience, as I know that Providence will no longer hire any new grad without a BSN starting next year and the woman who told me so indicated that was the direction all the big hospital systems were headed, if that was not their policy already. Hope no one feels misinformed by me.

ca336 · May 20, 2011

Further more, there are many places that DO hire RN's with an AAS. I work for legacy health systems and they will hire them with NO pay differential compared to an RN with a BSN. Although, without a foot in the door somewhere you may want to get the BSN to give you an "edge" over another hopeful employee wanting the same job as you or to give you more options where you are able to apply.
I just got a job at Legacy!! How do you like it? Where are you there?
To the other poster, I have heard that Providence is moving exclusively to BSN, and do expect this will become a trend with hospitals as well. However there are some nice non-hospital settings where one could find work, or work part-time during the final year after transferring to OHSU for the BSN. I don't think what you said was misinforming as far as hospitals though, it sounds it is becoming an overall trend.
Edit: I messed up the quoting format, sorry.

M.Grasshopper · May 21, 2011

Hmm...certainly a thoughtful and insightful assessment of its value.

To toss a little gas on the fire here but it is pretty ugly:eek: and this thread could use a little humor along with all the support and really useful info people are sharing. Hang in there everyone!!!

M.Grasshopper · May 21, 2011

It is an interesting observation that I can confirm in my experience too. Most of my science classes were at Cascade and the maturity of those students were typically very high. People were serious about their classes and the learning process. But of the few classes that I have taken at Sylvania, it felt like, well to be honest, Welcome Back Kotter. In one or two classes I really felt bad for the teacher because many students created an environment which felt more like an 8th grade class... just my experience and I know that doesn't apply to all classes at Sylvania, but the ones that I took there had a much less mature classroom etiquette.

Hey I think this is fair but I will add that ALL my prerequisite science courses at Sylvania were incredible - better than most of my previous university experiences. Students in the science classes were very serious and teaching caliber was very high. I have my own concerns with PCC but I have to believe that once in the nursing program it will be very rigorous. The general student population was a little "welcome back Kotter like" but the competition in the sciences was intense. With such a big cohort of really deserving overachievers I'm guessing you will find "your tribe/support group"

kamaboko · May 21, 2011

I've attended one private university, one state university, and three community colleges. All of them have their "Welcome Back Kotter" students, period. As for cheating, it happens everywhere and to think it doesn't is being incredibly naive. Given the competitiveness of the nursing programs around town, I find it very unlikely one will find a class full of 'Kotter' students with 3.9 GPA's or better. For what it's worth, a college roommate from many years ago behaved like a 'Kotter' student in class, but in reality was, and still is, very smart. He's currently a successful MD in Arizona. Don't be fooled by the cover. With respect to the attractiveness of the campuses....all of them leave little to be desired. MHCC could be a backdrop for "That 70's Show". CCC has the structural attractiveness of a vanilla milkshake. The OHSU nursing building, though attractive, is placed among a number of very unattractive buildings, along a narrow beat up back road and a nightmarish parking situation. None of these places made me say, "OMG...this is absolutely incredible looking".

ca336 · May 21, 2011

I've attended one private university, one state university, and three community colleges. All of them have their "Welcome Back Kotter" students, period. As for cheating, it happens everywhere and to think it doesn't is being incredibly naive. Given the competitiveness of the nursing programs around town, I find it very unlikely one will find a class full of 'Kotter' students with 3.9 GPA's or better. For what it's worth, a college roommate from many years ago behaved like a 'Kotter' student in class, but in reality was, and still is, very smart. He's currently a successful MD in Arizona. Don't be fooled by the cover. With respect to the attractiveness of the campuses....all of them leave little to be desired. MHCC could be a backdrop for "That 70's Show". CCC has the structural attractiveness of a vanilla milkshake. The OHSU nursing building, though attractive, is placed among a number of very unattractive buildings, along a narrow beat up back road and a nightmarish parking situation. None of these places made me say, "OMG...this is absolutely incredible looking".

I do think the ugly comment was intended with humor but I will say MHCC's program for one does not take place on the Gresham campus, rather in a newer building off Burnside. And I'm fully aware that cheating can happen anywhere, but it's more blatant and rampant in some places than others. Nothing naive about recognizing that.