Azusa Pacific University or community college

Hello!

I can really only address your first question... I took Chemistry and Anatomy/Physiology I this past spring (along with Psychology) and did well in all them. I'm currently taking Anatomy/Physiology II and Microbiology (along with Sociology and Ethics) this semester, and even though it's a lot of work, I'm doing well in all of my classes. I'm also a stay at home mom with a VERY active 1 year old and two year old. So I would definitely say it's doable, especially if you can study while you're at work.

I was really interested in APU's program as well, but I keep hearing that they're full until 2012... time is of the essence for me, so I need something a little faster. Good luck to you! =)

I'm applying to anywhere and everywhere within an hour and a half of where I live. Pretty much all of the community colleges, as well as any schools that have second bachelors programs or entry levels masters program (Cal State San Marcos, United States University, Western Governors, to name a few). I'm hoping that if I send a bunch out, hopefully I'll get in somewhere. It's so competitive out there!

I would like to give some advice to those who are considering APU for the BSN program. I was accepted by the program and did go to the orientation. I quit before I began because I did not like the staff, the instructors or the support staff at this university. There is no flexibility whatsoever in your hours, your schedule or even how you buy the books and supplies. You really cannot work at all even part-time. You are taking six hard core classes at once with 12 hours clinical a week. You also have to write research papers in a very specific format from the first semester on.

Before orientation, they explained very little about what we needed to do for the medical clearances, uniforms, books, etc. Many times I asked questions, such as "Did you receive my medical clearances so I can go forward in the program," they would not answer even a basic and necessary question like that. I did not buy their on-line e-books like all the rest of the students and asked if I could buy the e-book version only. The secretary there said "No" and just coldly walked away from me. I heard from others that it was very difficult academically, yet the instructors were not very helpful and supportive. They would tell you it is your responsibility to learn, etc. so don't blame the instructors if you have a hard time. Even if they test you over chapters not assigned you had to be, "Prepared for anything." I heard you could not be even a few minutes late on clinicals even if you had a long drive and were stuck in traffic due to an accident. They took off points. If you don't maintain a 3.0 you are basically out of the program. And a 3.0 is actually an 85% according to their handbook so it is greater than a B. And who knows how they grade or the types of test questions they have. I asked the director what this means about your GPA and she skated around the question ended up saying that, "academic department knows most about how they calculate the GPA and what it all means." I want to know if I get a 80% in this program, which is a B in any other place in the world, do you count this as less than 3.0 so I fail the program!!!

Have you seen the NCLEX? These questions are very difficult and easy to miss (check all that apply, etc). I have the equivalents of two masters in a physical science and have been teaching for over 10 years and I was worried about surviving this program due to the unorganized and arbitrary nature of instruction. If a clinical instructor takes a dislike to you, it seems that you will have problems as well. They seemed to take a dislike to me already before I began since I asked lots of questions that they either couldn't answer or did not want to bother to answer. This is my livelihood, my future, my life here and I need to be sure I am not wasting my money. They don't care because they keep the $1000 deposit if you quit. You are another number and tuition check. They did not even bother to acknowledge the why of my leaving or offer to talk to me about it either. Very shabby treatment! Luckily I was also accepted for an RN/ADN at the community college. So far, I feel that I am treated with so much more respect, the program is so much more organized and these people actually seem to know what they are doing. The ones at APU really didn't care about their jobs and cared much less about the students unless they took a special liking to them of course. I felt I was out before I even had a chance to be in, much like high school social groups. Who needs it? Not me. I will spend more time on the ADN then BSN, but I will become a competent nurse who did not rush through a BSN program being treated like an inconvenience.

I hoped I have helped you possibly dodge a bullet. When I quit the program, I was very sure I did!!!!

1. It really depends on what type of student you are. I graduated with an MS with a 3.9 gpa. I like to think of myself as a strong student but when it comes to those science pre-reqs I can't take more than one at a time if I want to be successful. It is like trying to drink from a fire hose. It is a lot of information to take on to begin with and then to try and double that AND balance your life outside of school is very challenging. I personally would not recommend this for your sanity's sake

2. When I went in for my interview (EENAP not BSN) they strongly recommended that you not work. I think I could get away with working one night a week (I bartend) and pocketing decent $ but my interviewer said this would still be a stretch. My husband is almost through with his ADN program and he hasn't worked at all and quite frankly he can't. Nursing school is tough you can only stretch yourself so thin.

3. At APU you are not able to pick and choose times for your nursing classes. You go along with what is offered to your cohort. I was also told there was almost no flexibility in your preceptorship because you work your preceptor's shift. But if you are placed with someone who works days instead of nights (or vice versa) I suppose that offers some flexibility with the rest of your hours.

4. I have not attended but have been applying and interviewing there for about a year. It is tough cookies to get in to, but I have met grads and other nurses who regard the university very highly and so far my experience with the application process has been great. Everyone is super friendly albeit tough to get a hold of via email.

Good luck!

5. Is it recommended that I wait to get into a community college and complete the ASN, then go back to school for my BSN...which may take YEARS?

i only read the 1st message which is the OP's thread... i was in the same EXACT boat.... just finish your pre reqs keep working save $$ and start once you get in.... i waited a year to get in.... and earned my BA the previous year ..... so it was a good time for me to relax...... ADN program is waaaaay cheaper and you get the same license... so its up to you to check with those schools the NCLEX passing rates and former students feeedabck

Hey guys, I am also new in this Forum. I would like to apply for Elm program in APU in San Diego area. I will finish my pre-req until January. Does any one know when is the deadline for applying to this program? Is it just once a year and I missed already the deadline? Should I wait until July? If any one can help me please helpppp