LPN adv. plcmt--is it worth it? (Long)

rzyzzy · May 28, 2010

I'm a current LPN student, and the director of the LPN program @ Gateway spoke to our class today, and advanced placement came up in the conversation.

FWIW, as of now, no A/P student has had to wait more than one semester to get in, once the prereq's were done.

I believe they just don't want to make promises unless they can guarantee results, and in a case like yours, your opening into block 3 will be created by someone failing out of block 2. You can be pretty certain there will be some failures, but no one knows how many until it actually happens. As an aside, the 6-term completion rate for Gateway is 80%, and the 4-term completion rate is in the 70% range, so there are actually a pretty significant number of people who drop or fail for whatever reasons.

Believe it or not, my class had people on the waitlist offered slots the Sunday before class began - literally less than 24 hours notice. If they have room, or can find room for you, you'll get a seat.

Prettybrowngirl · May 28, 2010

Thanks for the response rzyzzy. I forgot to mention that the advisor told me that AP students can select only one school of choice, and the student is "responsible" for emailing other schools' Nursing Program Directors to say that you'd be interested in their program if there is a spot. She also mentioned that she didn't think AP students were allowed to do the accelerated program at all--but general students have this option. I guess after my conversation with her I was left feeling less than optimistic.

TinkRN8 · May 28, 2010

Thanks for the response rzyzzy. I forgot to mention that the advisor told me that AP students can select only one school of choice, and the student is "responsible" for emailing other schools' Nursing Program Directors to say that you'd be interested in their program if there is a spot. She also mentioned that she didn't think AP students were allowed to do the accelerated program at all--but general students have this option. I guess after my conversation with her I was left feeling less than optimistic.

Hi prettybrowngirl,

I am just finished the LPN program at Gateway and currently awaiting advanced placement as we speak. I wrote a pretty detailed explanation of the current situation under the "gateway lpn fast track" thread. I was pretty honest in my response.

As far as the acclerated program, yes AP students can be placed in an accelrated program. How do I know? One of my classmates was just placed in the accelerated program that started this past Monday. She got called on the Wed before to let her know a spot had opened up. So, pretty much, wherever there is an opening (unless it is a Banner cohort) they will fill those spots.

Best of luck to you!

8Irng · Jun 5, 2010

Prettybrowngirl,

I just wanted to let you know that I am in the exact situation as you. I am a LPN with six years of experience from an out of state college, and I am currently on the waiting list at three schools for advanced placement. I have spoken with the directors of nursing at all three schools with the same unsettling response as far as placement. They would love to take LPN's with experience into their programs, but the policy in Maricopa is different. As it stands LPN's who have graduated from their program get priority over the LPN's with experience. This seems backwards to me as the LPN's with no experience who graduate as RN's find it difficult to get jobs, and I have a job waiting for me upon graduation. The loss of jobs of LPN's in the valley has sent most of them back to school, and the "waiting list" looks to be longer then one semester, but I can't say for sure as they say I will not find out about fall placement till July. Have you taken the HESI-PN yet?

Thanks for posting it's nice to know I am not alone in this. :)

Prettybrowngirl · Jun 5, 2010

Prettybrowngirl,
I just wanted to let you know that I am in the exact situation as you. I am a LPN with six years of experience from an out of state college, and I am currently on the waiting list at three schools for advanced placement. I have spoken with the directors of nursing at all three schools with the same unsettling response as far as placement. They would love to take LPN's with experience into their programs, but the policy in Maricopa is different. As it stands LPN's who have graduated from their program get priority over Athe LPN's with experience. This seems backwards to me as the LPN's with no experience who graduate as RN's find it difficult to get jobs, and I have a job waiting for me upon graduation. The loss of jobs of LPN's in the valley has sent most of them back to school, and the "waiting list" looks to be longer then one semester, but I can't say for sure as they say I will not find out about fall placement till July. Have you taken the HESI-PN yet?
Thanks for posting it's nice to know I am not alone in this. :)

Wow. Your post was very insightful. I had a feeling that there was more to AP esp. for LPNs that did not go through MCCD. Doesn't make sense to me *shrugs* I have not taken the Hesi PN. Due to problems w/my school back home mixing up my records I'm racing against time because now I'm still waiting on transcript evaluation AND my pharm class credit, which for AP is only good for a year, expires @ the end of the month. I might have to just apply to Block 2. Hopefully that won't extend the wait too much. Did u take the Hesi PN? How did u prepare? Are u waiting for Block 3? How long have u been on the list? Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to get through this.

Prettybrowngirl · Jun 5, 2010

Lovemymack please disregard my questions. I just noticed that you answered these questions in my other thread. Thanks so much for your input...its very helpful to me!

8Irng · Jun 6, 2010

Happy to help. I will keep you updated on placement. Let me know when you apply and hopefully you get into block 3. Do you know what school or schools you want to try for?

Prettybrowngirl · Jun 7, 2010

I'm really interested in the accelerated program @ Gateway. I know a couple of people that finished it recently--one did the LPN-RN bridge and they spoke well of the program there. I was told by an advisor that u don't list choices for AP...but it seems like u did so which is it? I'll keep u posted and please do the same. I've gotten more info on here than from the people @ the college that are supposed to know:rolleyes:

TinkRN8 · Jun 7, 2010

I'm really interested in the accelerated program @ Gateway. I know a couple of people that finished it recently--one did the LPN-RN bridge and they spoke well of the program there. I was told by an advisor that u don't list choices for AP...but it seems like u did so which is it? I'll keep u posted and please do the same. I've gotten more info on here than from the people @ the college that are supposed to know:rolleyes:

You can't list choices for AP like the regular RN waiting list. You apply to the college of 1st choice and then your name is placed in a database for the other colleges to access. If any of the other colleges have an opening they go to the data base for selection. However, my instructor told our class that if we wanted to be considered by other colleges we needed to contact each college nursing director individually. I did that, I emailed PC, SCC, MCC, and CGCC. So far, none have openings for Fall, but I told them to keep me in mind if something comes up.

Prettybrowngirl · Jun 8, 2010

You can't list choices for AP like the regular RN waiting list. You apply to the college of 1st choice and then your name is placed in a database for the other colleges to access. If any of the other colleges have an opening they go to the data base for selection. However, my instructor told our class that if we wanted to be considered by other colleges we needed to contact each college nursing director individually. I did that, I emailed PC, SCC, MCC, and CGCC. So far, none have openings for Fall, but I told them to keep me in mind if something comes up.

Thanks for clarifying that PediRN2b. The advisor @ PC said that for AP the wait should not be more than 2 semesters.

8Irng · Jun 8, 2010

What PediRN2be said is true I applied at GCC, but I contacted the directors at the other schools as well. I only contacted 2 other schools, because the news of no openings was depressing after a while. I would be persistant and talk to the admissions advisors and the directors at each school you are interested in.

So... to clarify the advanced placement nurses are not able to view their progress like the other students on the long waiting list. We have to keep in contact with the directors of the program and/or the admission advisors for any openings. Get on the list now...and soon. Hope to hear you are in the program soon!