Published Aug 19, 2011
evabloomy
21 Posts
Hi there, this question is basically for Dallas nurses or nursing students & its concerning the ADN program. I,ve been looking into the ADN program via DCCD (community colleges) & i noticed that only El-centro & Brookhavens offers the program but most importantly El-centro is 24mths / 71 credit hr while Brookhavens is 16mths / 72 credit hrs!!
Naturally i,m paying attention to BH cos of the shorter time period but i have a few questions for those of u that have crossed this path;
1. Since they r both community colleges, why is the difference in time period?
2.Is it possible to try for both of them at the same time just to double my chances ?
3. i intend to start the prereqs.......does it matter where i take them irrespective of which of the schools i end up in?
Thiz r the few questions i have.......for now. I intend to go for their respective information session but any info from this forum will be highly appreciated.
Much :redpinkhe.
Preemie 2 RN, ASN, RN
323 Posts
1. I would assume the time period is different because El Centro only has nursing courses during the fall and spring? Brookhaven has the nursing program fall and spring AND the summer so there is no summer break. I am only guessing that this is why El Centro's is longer though (I am a Brookhaven student and know only about their program).
2. You could definitely apply to both El Cento and Brookhaven for their nursing programs. Just know that El Centro's pre-requisite requirements and Brookhaven's pre-reqs are different. ALSO if you are applying at Brookhaven you have to take the HESI test at Brookhaven. I am not sure about El Centro.
3. You can take the pre-reqs at any DCCCD college you wish. You can even take them at other colleges or universities outside of DCCCD but there is a chance that they might not transfer if you take them outside of DCCCD.
I hope I helped. I know I can't fully answer your questions because I am not a student at El Centro. Good luck though and I wish you the best :)
Nurse SMS, MSN, RN
6,843 Posts
Yes, the difference is because Brookhaven does not take summers off and El Centro does.
Not only should you apply for both of those, you should consider the other area community colleges as well. Entry for all local ADN programs is severely competitive. The wider you cast your net the more likely you are to get accepted somewhere. As mentioned above, entrance requirements differ from school to school and you will want to make sure you understand the requirements for each program and meet them.
Good luck.
@ Briterz & RN2BDFW.........i appreciate ur responses. Thanx a bunch!
Briterz......i noticed the different requirements in my research on the 2 schools especially on the prereqs & HESI tests but i intend to start with the prereqs which they have in common which are SCIT, BIOL, ENGL, & PSYC in one of the schools & go from there.
A question plzzz...are u able to keep a F/T or P/T job as a nursing student cos i work f/t as a CNA & p/t in a restaurant ( saving for school). i intend to keep d CNA job as either a f/t or p/t job. Is it possible??
RN2BDFW......thanx for ur insightful advice to cast my net wider. can u recommend other schools .....within the metroplex so ican look into their requirements.
Much Luv.
I cannot personally say that it is 'do-able' to work while in nursing school because 1. I do not work and 2. I am not in the actual nursing program yet :) I am finishing up my last semester of pre/co-reqs for Brookhaven's program.
I have read on here from other nursing students that working while in the program can be done if you are organized and stick to a schedule. I plan on getting a patient care tech type job at a hospital here soon where I want to work at least part time. I hope I can get the job and continue to work through nursing school :)
Thanx Briterz....... i hope i can still work when i get to that stage meanwhile i wish u the best of luck in all your endeavours.
BTW do u know when the next class for the prereqs such as SCIT, BIOL, ENGL, PSYCH is starting cos i live very close to BH so i want to take them there.
Fall semester classes start next Monday, the 29th. You can still try to register for these classes but I'm sure most of them are full already. You can always check the schedule on econnect to see :)
I live right by BH too :) Other than their financial aid department, I LOVE the school, classes and instructors!
Really??? Too bad i can,t make it but i,ll check econnect & see to arrange everything so my schedule will not be messed up.
Thanx for taking out the time to reply me.
Other area programs include Grayson, Collin, Tarrant County College. There are also the four year programs, such as Baylor and UTA.
Working during nursing school is fine for some people (who are disciplined and resigned to being exhausted for the time it takes to finish school) and not as well for others. It is a decision only you can make. All nursing programs in this area do assume you are a full time student and expect a high degree of flexibility and accountability.