Athens Tech ADN program

Atlanta Kellie · Sep 23, 2005

Hi Amy,

I am new to the boards so just finding your thread. I recently was accepted into the ATC ADN program. I start the 28th of September. I have all my core done, but there are only five course that are required to be completed by the spring of each new accepting year. Math (college algebra), A&P I, A&P II, Medical Microbiology, and English. You are required to take the NLN, and part of the selection is based on your score. The other part is your GPA. They had over 400 applicants this year, and there were 52 seats. It is competitive, but it is supposed to be a very good program, and most of ATC students pass the boards on the first attempt. I hope this helps some.

I'm looking for opinions on the program at Athens Tech. I have been in contact with them, and it is very affordable, plus I can start my pre-nursing courses there this fall. I missed the application deadline for all the other schools, and will have to wait until spring to start anywhere else. I can't seem to get much first hand info on this school, however, and am just wondering if it is a good program, how hard it is to get into, etc.
Thanks,
Amy

Aimfred · Sep 26, 2005

Thanks for your reply. Congratulations on getting into the nursing program. I am starting my pre-reqs. at Athens Tech this week. It's going to take me a while to get them all done, as I have to take Developmental Pre-Algebra (amazing what you can forget in almost twenty years since high school Algebra!) before I can take the College Algebra, and I believe that will also hold me up on being able to take the A&P as well. I found it a little frustrating trying to register for classes because the nursing advisor did not have a clue about the pre-reqs for any of the classes! After I saw her, I had to go wait and see another advisor about the developmental math I need to take, and I'm still not sure about the A&P requirements, because I didn't have time to go see a science teacher and find out for sure. This quarter I am taking English & Psychology.

Anyway, next quarter I think I am transfering to Gwinnett Tech to work on my pre-reqs. there, because it is closer to my work and home. I just need to make sure everything will transfer. Where did you do your pre-reqs, and did you apply to any other nursing schools?

Good luck to you, and I can't wait to hear how you like the program!

Amy

Hi Amy,
I am new to the boards so just finding your thread. I recently was accepted into the ATC ADN program. I start the 28th of September. I have all my core done, but there are only five course that are required to be completed by the spring of each new accepting year. Math (college algebra), A&P I, A&P II, Medical Microbiology, and English. You are required to take the NLN, and part of the selection is based on your score. The other part is your GPA. They had over 400 applicants this year, and there were 52 seats. It is competitive, but it is supposed to be a very good program, and most of ATC students pass the boards on the first attempt. I hope this helps some.

Atlanta Kellie · Oct 4, 2005

Hi Amy,

Sorry, it has been a bit since I've had a chance to get back to this forum. Classes started on the 28th and lots to read right away.

I took most of my pre-reqs at Gwinnett Tech. I then transfered over to Athens Tech for my Math (191), both A&Ps and Med Micro. The reason I left Gwinnett to finish up was because Gwinnett would not allow me to take any of the A&P's or Med Micro without taking the math first. To stay on track I needed to get started on those as well, so I transfered.

I am currently in the Athens Tech nursing program, but I am one of the 12 students at the Gwinnett campus. We are in the 200 building everyday but Tuesday.

I found that you really need to ask around to find out most of the information you need. Talking to other pre-nursing students, and talking to people who are already in the nursing program. If you can ever get ahold of him, Mr. Reid, the admissions director at Athens Tech, is really helpful. He is the one who will be notifying you if you make it in. Good man to know. :) I also heard that we are supposed to be the last Athens class to attend the Gwinnett campus. Apparently Gwinnett is trying to get everything in order for their own RN program. Possibly as early as this next year. That would be great for you too as you say you live closer to Gwinnett. I live in Bethlehem, and I'm sure I don't have to explain the 316 traffic to you! It can be a mess.

My son is at Athens taking all of his pre-reqs for the same nursing program. He takes the NLN on January 13th. Are you planning on taking the NLN this year?

Best of luck to you, and if you have any other questions, let me know. I check the forums when I can. Take care Amy!

oh, BTW, I had to take the developmental math too, and I got an A in algebra. Just a matter of refreshing, or as in my case, learning new stuff. (It wasn't required when I was in high school!) You will be fine.

Thanks for your reply. Congratulations on getting into the nursing program. I am starting my pre-reqs. at Athens Tech this week. It's going to take me a while to get them all done, as I have to take Developmental Pre-Algebra (amazing what you can forget in almost twenty years since high school Algebra!) before I can take the College Algebra, and I believe that will also hold me up on being able to take the A&P as well. I found it a little frustrating trying to register for classes because the nursing advisor did not have a clue about the pre-reqs for any of the classes! After I saw her, I had to go wait and see another advisor about the developmental math I need to take, and I'm still not sure about the A&P requirements, because I didn't have time to go see a science teacher and find out for sure. This quarter I am taking English & Psychology.
Anyway, next quarter I think I am transfering to Gwinnett Tech to work on my pre-reqs. there, because it is closer to my work and home. I just need to make sure everything will transfer. Where did you do your pre-reqs, and did you apply to any other nursing schools?
Good luck to you, and I can't wait to hear how you like the program!
Amy

Aimfred · Oct 5, 2005

Funny that you are at the Gwinnett Campus. I just found out about the satellite program last week from someone in the admissions office at ATC. But when I was talking to someone at Gwinnett, and mentioned that program, they told me they didn't know anything about such a program! Good to know that it does exist, and that the lady who told me about it was not wrong. I would love it if Gwinnett Tech started an RN program! I wonder who I could talk to to find out about that? It would be good to know what there pre-reqs would be, so I could make sure to be taking the right stuff!

The only problem I have discovered about transfering to Gwinnett Tech is that with my Asset score from ATC, they would require me to take 5(yes, FIVE!) developmental math classes! The lady in the testing center suggested that I study and then re-test in Algebra with the Compass test. Since it is not timed, she thinks I will do much better. So that is my plan.

I'm not planning on taking the NLN this year, since I won't be applying to the nursing program for a whole year. I wanted to take my classes slow and try to get better grades, since I am also working full time.

Thanks for answering my questions!

Atlanta Kellie · Oct 5, 2005

No problem...I'm sure the nursing instructor would know something about it. Ms. ***** aslo works with the RN program at Gwinnett, but she in the reserves and won't be back until early November. She is a great source of info. I would be surprised if the pre-reqs were much different than Athens program. Keep doing what your doing. Best of luck!

Funny that you are at the Gwinnett Campus. I just found out about the satellite program last week from someone in the admissions office at ATC. But when I was talking to someone at Gwinnett, and mentioned that program, they told me they didn't know anything about such a program! Good to know that it does exist, and that the lady who told me about it was not wrong. I would love it if Gwinnett Tech started an RN program! I wonder who I could talk to to find out about that? It would be good to know what there pre-reqs would be, so I could make sure to be taking the right stuff!
The only problem I have discovered about transfering to Gwinnett Tech is that with my Asset score from ATC, they would require me to take 5(yes, FIVE!) developmental math classes! The lady in the testing center suggested that I study and then re-test in Algebra with the Compass test. Since it is not timed, she thinks I will do much better. So that is my plan.
I'm not planning on taking the NLN this year, since I won't be applying to the nursing program for a whole year. I wanted to take my classes slow and try to get better grades, since I am also working full time.
Thanks for answering my questions!

****INSTRUCTORS NAMES EDITED FROM POST*****

KellyC · Dec 14, 2005

Hello. How are you all doing?

I am new to this board. I also go to ATC and I just took my NLN exam last Dec. 2nd. PHEW! Glad this qtr is over. I have 2 more pre-reqs left, Med-mic and A&P2.

AtlantaKellie I read on your post that there were only 52 seats available? WOW. Pretty competitive.

I got my NLN score back and my COmposite Percentile Score under AD is 77% I am kinda disaapointed at myself cuz I really wanted to do better than that. But my GPA is pretty good. I have 3.77 Currently. WHat do you think are my chances of getting in the ADN program for fall 2006? I've already submmitted my application and they said they make admission decisions around April. What a long wait. OH well.

Thanks.

Best wishes.

Kelly

Atlanta Kellie · Dec 14, 2005

Hi Kelly,

I really don't know what your chances are...I had two friends that didn't make it last year. They had 71 and 73 on the NLN, and the GPAs were 3.0 and 3.2. Neither made the alternate list. (They both re-applied for 2006) I think it's good that your GPA is higher...Keep that up and remember that they only base your GPA on the 5 required classes. (A&P, A&PII, Med Micro, College Algebra, and English) Keep that GPA up as high as you can. Some people make high 80's and low 90's on the NLN, but they don't get in due to a low GPA. You could beat them out of a spot with that GPA. You still have two tough courses left. If it's possible to take them one at a time and try for the A, that would really help.

Yes, only 52 seats. Don't know about next year though. I am in the last class to attend the Gwinnett campus, so I don't know if there will be more seats available or less. I would speak with Mr. ****** in admissions. He is the person who notifies the RN applicants about placement. He is a good man to know, and he is very helpful. He kept me together towards the end.

I really wish you luck. I know just how you feel. Let me know how it goes,

***Name edited from post******

KellyC · Dec 14, 2005

Thanks for the response. I'll try and locate ************

I just finished mat 191, AP I and human growth and Phys. and I received As in all 3 classes so maybe that could also up my GPA. :)

I know it will be difficult to take Med Mic and AP2 at the same time also because they both have labs and you know that lab is like a whole other class. But they need all the 5 core classes by April 1st of 2006 and I really want to be able to start nursing classes the same year. WOW this is so stressful. Having a full time job does not help :uhoh3: well, it helps pay the bills :chuckle that's it. :)

OH, how was your first nursing course :) ? I saw the schedule - 6:30 am til 3:30 PM? was it really that long?

Thanks again.

Atlanta Kellie · Dec 19, 2005

Our first class was okay. I got a B, which was a bit disappointing, but I'll live :) You don't recieve a grade for any clinicals, math or labs. That is all pass or fail thing. Your letter grade for the class is based on your test grades only. We had five tests not including the comprehensive final.

As far as our hours, we were there on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm...sometimes 2pm. We were there for a Friday maybe once or twice. This next class will require a bit more time clinically. We will have shifts from 7a-7p, but I believe just once or twice a week. Class instruction is only one day a week (I think). I'm sure there will be a lab day as well, but I don't know what all is involved yet.

Wow, I don't evny you your load for winter. A&P II was tough, as was medical micro. I couldn't imagine taking both. I know people that have though and they made it through. Do you know who your instructors yet for those classes?

Good job on the grades! Your math and A&P will go towards your GPA that will be looked at.

Keep it up and let me know! Have a great holiday!

KellyC · Dec 19, 2005

Hi.

Wow, sounds like your sched was pretty hectic. DO you work too? Do you recommend working while going to nursing school? I imagine it's going to be hard because of the long hours you put in school, especially the clinicals.

oh, I called the school friday and asked about next year's (2007) nursing program. She said there will be 50 seats also here at ATC campus open but they are making changes, not sure which areas. That's why I am going to attend the nursing info session on Jan 9th. She told me that last year nobody got in with NLN score below 85. She also said that some people with 90s and high 80s did not get in because of low GPA. WOW I am really worried now because I did not make a very high score on my NLN. I am just counting on my GPA now. SHe also said it depends on the competition next year. I really hope I get in.

I have the same teacher for AP2. He's good, so I am ok with that. Not sure how my Med Mic teacher is going to be like. His name is Dr. *****. Sounds familiar? oh, you're in Gwinnett campus.

Good luck on your next term. Sounds busier than the first :)

Happy holidays.

***Instructor's name edited from post******

Atlanta Kellie · Dec 20, 2005

I had Dr.Pyle for Med Micro. I started out at Gwinnett, then transferred to Athens tech. At ATC I took both A&P's, math, and med micro. Dr. ****** is a really hard teacher, but he's very good. You will be studying a lot. From what I understand, there isn't a comprehensive final anymore. Good thing!

No, I don't work. I've been really fortunate. My husband has been very supportive regarding my education. Things are tight because I don't work, and he never complains. There are quite a few people who have to work, and they seem to be doing okay. I"m sure it's harder on them. I just feel like I busted my butt to get in, and the last thing I want to do is get the boot because I don't study as much as I need to. It would be much harder if I had to work while going to school. I plan to work this summer though. I'm hoping I can get on at Grady.

This program is really competitive. What makes it even harder are all the people who transfer in to try and get in. I think you have a chance though. Keep your grades up. There were some people that got NLN scores in the 90's and didn't get in this last time. They had poor GPAs. I know you feel worried. I remember feeling the same way. I know for a fact that some people got in with an NLN score lower than 85, so don't take everything you hear as the gospel truth. They did have strong GPAs though. That's why I keep saying 'keep your grades up'.

Keep me informed!

***Instructor's name edited from post*****