Can anyone tell me anything about the Galveston College ADN Program? Good or Bad?

goingCOASTAL · Jul 22, 2011

I would highly recommend getting your BSN. The nursing "shortage" is turning into a "graduate glut" - a lot of Houston area hospitals are no longer hiring new grads, and when they do, they're focusing on BSN students. I've heard the same thing about UTMB - if the drive is not too far, you could also consider UTHSC in the Medical Center. The choice would be yours, but I wouldn't pay too much attention to "who people would rather work with" - I can tell you that the trend among those that HIRE nurses are 1) experienced first, and lacking that, 2) BSN only (for new grads). There were a LOT of new grads in 2010 - BSN and ADN alike that could NOT find jobs in the Houston market. Some of them had to work in nursing homes until they could find something, and with the NASA layoffs in the next few months, the "trickle down" effect here in Houston could make it even worse. Please, please, please ... ignore the rhetoric about ADN-vs-BSN ... your best opportunity for WORK in the next few years will be with your BSN.

3xmom · Jul 22, 2011

As I said in my post, I do plan on getting my BSN and at this point it will take me 3 months longer going this route versus the straight BSN. I have been accepted into Galveston College ADN program and at this point am still waiting for acceptance/denial into the Spring 2012 classes at UTMB. I think it is in my best interests to at least get started.

carrie380 · Aug 2, 2011

Congrats on ur acceptance!!! I have been thinking about applying to Galveston & COM as well. I'll pretty much go anywhere I'm accepted! Lol if you don't mind me asking, what was ur hesi? Good luck to you in the coming semester!

Carrie

3xmom · Aug 2, 2011

Congrats on ur acceptance!!! I have been thinking about applying to Galveston & COM as well. I'll pretty much go anywhere I'm accepted! Lol if you don't mind me asking, what was ur hesi? Good luck to you in the coming semester!
Carrie

Thanks and GC does not require the HESI they use the TEAS instead. My score on that was if I remember correctly without pulling it out, an 87, My science and reading portinon were in the high 90's and my math was in the low 70's. When are you considering applying?

carrie380 · Aug 2, 2011

Hi 3xmom,

I am starting hcc this fall semester to retake my sciences which are too old. I am hoping to be done by spring, maybe summer depending on finances & my current workload. I am not so great at even basic math, so the thought of a standardized test is equivalent to a shot in the eyeball for me lol. Too say I'm scared is an understatement. Good luck at school and please let us know how ur program is going, I am interested to know what it's like on the inside. Best of luck!

Carrie

Pre-nursing student @HCC

3xmom · Aug 2, 2011

Hi 3xmom,
I am starting hcc this fall semester to retake my sciences which are too old. I am hoping to be done by spring, maybe summer depending on finances & my current workload. I am not so great at even basic math, so the thought of a standardized test is equivalent to a shot in the eyeball for me lol. Too say I'm scared is an understatement. Good luck at school and please let us know how ur program is going, I am interested to know what it's like on the inside. Best of luck!
Carrie
Pre-nursing student @HCC

Carrie, one of the things that really made GC stand out for me is the cost, it seems to be much cheaper then any other place around so I'm not sure what your situation is or where you live but it's a bit of food for thought. I'm a good 30 miles away from Galveston so the cost of gas hurts me but in the long run i'm still saving a considerable amount of money. My sister is a nurse up in Michigan and she told me the best route is the one I am taking, RN first then BSN(most likely for me on-line) just because of the cost savings that are involved. The TEAS really wasn't to bad and when it comes to math I fully agree with your analogy!

carrie380 · Aug 2, 2011

Cost is definetly a factor for me as well. I plan on taking the same route u are taking so it's good to hear that your sister reccomends it. I live off I-10 & kirkwood, near the Katy area so Galveston is a drive but I'd definetly be willing to do it too! I guess it really comes down to how badly you want to achieve something. :)

3xmom · Aug 2, 2011

Cost is definetly a factor for me as well. I plan on taking the same route u are taking so it's good to hear that your sister reccomends it. I live off I-10 & kirkwood, near the Katy area so Galveston is a drive but I'd definetly be willing to do it too! I guess it really comes down to how badly you want to achieve something. :)

yeah, she tells me about a guy that works with her that took his BSN program at U of M and has $80,000 in student loans compared to her $15,000 for the community college followed by BSN route, he wants to go for his MSN but can't afford it now--speaking of my sister she is in the Hospital being induced right now for her first baby. Oh how I wish I could be there, she is 14 years younger then me and this is one of those times I should really be with her :crying2:

carrie380 · Aug 2, 2011

Congrats on becoming an aunt! It's the best! Student loans suck so my husband & I are trying to pay cash, I'll let ya know how that works out lol. We don't make a ton at all but we are budgeting & cutting corners every which way. It will be very tight, but I think we can do it.

3xmom · Aug 2, 2011

Congrats on becoming an aunt! It's the best! Student loans suck so my husband & I are trying to pay cash, I'll let ya know how that works out lol. We don't make a ton at all but we are budgeting & cutting corners every which way. It will be very tight, but I think we can do it.

GC has been wonderful about helping me find grants and scholarships to help out, they have even surprised me a couple of times with checks that i had no idea were coming, never anything huge but a few checks between 350-700 that are always a nice surprise! Thre FA dept is small and personable with great people that work there.