Austin Community College - Once accepted, what is it like?

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I am a pre-nursing student looking to apply to the Austin Community College ADN program in the next year or so. I've completed the online orientation but I still feel like I don't have an understanding of what the program is like after being accepted. I wondered if some students who are currently in the program or nurses who have graduated could provide some insight.

Just some of the questions I have -

What is a typical semester schedule like for an ACC nursing student? (Days, Nights, Weekends? Hrs per week?)

How are schedules assigned and how much advance notice do you receive?

If the option exists, is it wise to take the Distance Learning option for lectures?

Comments on "what you wish someone had told you" before entering the ACC program?

I'm also wondering about pre-reqs and any advice there. Anyone take Pharm and Micro at the same time?

Thanks! :wink2:

GG

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Hello! I am graduating from the ADN program in May and I've really enjoyed it. I remember how it felt to not know quite what to expect, so I will try to answer your questions:

Typical schedule truly varies by level (semester). I am in the online program (distance learning), which really helps cut down on driving time and class time if you're the kind of student who learns best independently.

First semester be prepared to spend approx. 16 hrs/week at clinical (over two days) and at least one day a week on campus for learning labs (you'll learn all skills except IV stuff during level 1). More days if you're on-site, so you may be going in five days a week. Generally no weekends, but there is an occasional fri/sat clinical and you don't always get your first clinical choice (site plus days and times).

Second semester we had a lot of labs for IV skills during the first two weeks, then it was just two days of clinical (8 hrs/day) plus the exam days. LOTS OF CLINICAL HOMEWORK during this semester, it is rough!

Third semester is a little nicer, since this is when you'll have your maternity rotations and they are generally 12 hrs/day, but just one day a week.

Fourth semester is fantastic. One clinical day a week (this varies by instructor, I got lucky!) plus optional class on Tuesday morning. No labs. So much easier!

There are hour requirements for each clinical, usually right under 200 hours/semester. So your clinical days will be distributed to make sure you get in the 192 hours or whatever the requirement is.

I think we knew about two weeks ahead of the semester start what our clinical schedule would be. I don't have kids, but many students do and childcare can be tricky to arrange on such short notice, so be prepared for whimsical, frustrating scheduling issues!

I LOVE the online program, I would 100% do it all over again. I've been able to work 20-30 hours a week and maintain good grades because I can schedule my study time around my work schedule.

What I wish someone had told me? Work as a CA or PCT before you start nursing school, it can be a great way to feel out nursing and discover if it's a good fit for you. I start working as a CA after my second semester and it's helped tremendously with school!

Best of luck to you - enjoy the ride! It goes fast.

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Thanks for the info hookem...I have applied for the Fall semester and I am waiting for May 1 to see if I got in. How do they notify you and let you make your choice for online or Eastview or CEC? I mean, I know they send emails but do you have to respond within a certain timeframe?

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Hookem,

Is there an email address I can contact you at? I'd love to talk to you a little bit more about the online program. I am planning to apply this summer and start the program in Spring 2010.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Please remember not to post email addresses on the forums as per terms of service. They will be removed it posted. Please use the pm system which is available to use once you have 15 or more posts

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Ahh okay, thanks. I looked all over for a way to PM, but I couldn't find it! I guess that's why... I don't have 15 posts yet.

Thanks!

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I am a graduate from CU Boulder, I have my bachelors degree, and i have decided to go back to school for my RN, and I really like the sound of ACC's program. As someone who doesnt have a strong background in Sciences, but have taken my basic courses, how hard would you say it was to get into the program?

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I am currently still working on getting all my pre and co classes completed so that I can apply for the nursing program. I hope to apply Dec 15th 2011. In the meantime I am taking the fast track to get my CNA. My question is will this help once I am accepted into the RN program?

Best of luck to everyone.

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I am currently still working on getting all my pre and co classes completed so that I can apply for the nursing program. I hope to apply Dec 15th 2011. In the meantime I am taking the fast track to get my CNA. My question is will this help once I am accepted into the RN program?

Best of luck to everyone.

Hi, I'm assuming you have completed the fast track CNA program...how do you like it? Was the program fast or ok? Did you go days/nights/weekend to complete the CNA course? How much was it? Did you get accepted to the RN program or are you still doing your pre stuff?

Sorry so many questions but i'm looking to do the same things

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