Again another post looking for those who have gone to Cardinal Stritch. I'm trying to figure out the best option for to become an RN. I already have a Master's & Bachelor's in Business so pretty much any program I go into I'll have most of my General Ed's done. (Just finishing up A&P2 and microbiology.)
Stritch's program sounds pretty good because I'd only have to go part time for the first 3 semesters which would leave me time to work. I'm just a little worried about their tuition costs. Do loans cover all of their tuition fees? I'm just concerned about my financial situation if there is going to be alot of immediate out of pocket costs. Any information you could offer would be great!
how is the curriculum set up at stritch? are there scores you must maintain? for example at NWTC we had to pass all tests with an 80% average to be successful. im a transfer student and i wasnt offered a seat at MATC in fall. so now im looking at other options in the area. so what is the nursing program like at cardinal? what if any are the expectations in the classroom and at clinicals? thanks so much! just trying to weigh out my options on the ADN programs in this county! thank you!!! =)
The cut off for passing is 85%, so it is pretty rigorous. The entire grading scale is high: A= 96+, A- = 93-95, B+ = 90-92, etc. You cannot score below a B- and pass (B- is 85%). If you don't have an 85% on the lecture portion of the courses, you fail and have to repeat. If you fail the clinical portion of any class (clinicals are pass/fail), then you fail the entire class and have to re-take it. It's tough, but I have to say that I liked having the high standards. Many people do end up retaking a class or two during the program, though.
I'm scheduled to take the NLN for this school Sept 24th. I bought the NLN guide with the CD as well as some Cliff notes books for math with practice questions on a CD. The basic math and pre-algebra Practice pack is really helpful with decimals, percentages, fractions, integers, and algebraic expressions. My weakest area is math so Im really trying to bone up on it before the test. Ive been practicing doing at least 2 tests everyday and its working. Here are some links:
I have heard that the science portion is the hardest part of the test since it covers so many areas, so I have been trying to make flashcards of the science section of the NLN book using FlashcardExchange. But from what people say, the book really doesnt cover everything that the tests quizzes you on, so I hope I know enough for a 70. Ive also been using flashcard exchange to study SAT words since to vocab section is pretty small in the NLN guide. There are flashcards with 5000 words which should be enough to get a good grade. For anyone who wants to use the site, here ya go:
I actually started the ADN program this semester (Fall 2011). So far I am liking it! My raw score was 119 and percentile was 81%. The physics part of the test messed up my score because I have never taken a physics class. I'm not good at taking standardized tests, but I am good at Math and I think that helped my score. I took most of my science classes at MATC, but got accepted to the ADN program before I could finish Pathophys. at MATC Stritch has this policy of once enrolled into the program, ALL classes must be taken at Stritch. Otherwise, you jeopardize your enrollment.
Thanks for the info! I got accepted to start this January and am very excited. I had a few questions:
1. What is the Nursing 101 course like you take first semester? Hows that going?
2. What kind of supplies list do they give, we havent gotten one yet but Id like to have some idea of what I will need to get.
3. How are you liking your instructors?
I also finished most of my pre-reqs at MATC so the only things Ill be taking next semester are the Nursing 101 course and Interpersonal communications.
Thanks for the info! I got accepted to start this January and am very excited. I had a few questions:
1. What is the Nursing 101 course like you take first semester? Hows that going?
2. What kind of supplies list do they give, we havent gotten one yet but Id like to have some idea of what I will need to get.
3. How are you liking your instructors?
I also finished most of my pre-reqs at MATC so the only things Ill be taking next semester are the Nursing 101 course and Interpersonal communications.
1. NRS 101 according to my fellow classmates and friends that took it say it's a 'joke' class. The class gets you familiar with the school and its resources.
From syllabus: Introduction to NRS program. Provide nursing students w/ skills to complete the nursing program successfully. Introduced to nursing process, contemporary nursing practice, and health care. Nursing as a profession and the ethical/legal implications are discussed.
2. Supplies will be purchased by the student and those won't be used until 2nd semester. Stethoscope, blood pressure cuff w/ dual head (diaphragm and bell), and a penlight. Items purchased at bookstore are name tag and patch. Stritch wears Maroon colored Scrubs to clinicals.
3. So far, I like my professors. NRS 101 professor is wonderful. She is very laid back and knows her stuff. Religion 235 professor is very intelligent and gets the class involved with discussions.
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Stritch and the Gen. Ed. teachers are good as well. You will always have atleast 1 professor that you don't like, but most are good and strive to make it a learning environment.
Awesome, my favorite color is Maroon, nice to hear we wont be subjected to white clinical scrubs, LOL. It sounds like you have enjoyed your time at Stritch. I got a good vibe from the school when I have been there, and I hear graduates of the nursing program seem to get into pediatric positions easily so it was another reason for me to pick it. Since most of my pre-reqs are done my course load will be lighter so I am hoping that helps me since nursing school is tough as hell.
I just wished I could have taken Pathophysiology at MATC. I will be taking it in the summer because I heard that the professor makes sure the students are learning the material. I took REL 235 this semester instead of the 5th semester.
Now I have to find the maroon colored scrubs that are comfy. I love Grey's Anatomy scrub uniform, but I don't think they have the color. (boooo)
So we can get the uniform from wherever we want just as long as its Maroon? Thats pretty nice!Why dont you want to take Patho at Cardinal Stritch?
Correct, we can get the uniforms anywhere. Oh, I meant I will be taking Patho in the summer at Stritch because I heard that the summer professor is better than the actual school semester professor. Since Patho. is used throughout the nursing program, I want to get a better understanding of it by a Professor that is willing to teach it better. It just sucks for me because I have to pay out of pocket
Awwwww bummer. I thought Financial Aid covered summer session as long as you have some left over to cover it? Is that not true? And whats the name of that professor? Wanna know for when it comes time for me to take that class. I didnt know we could take classes during the summer either. Good information to know.
I no longer have financial aid (grants) because of my Bachelor's degree. Therefore, I can only take out loans. Financial aid(FA) covers summer and fall together. If summer classes were taken, the Fall FA will be affected if aid was used for summer classes. In order to have FA for the summer, you need at least 6 credits (part-time). I am only taking Patho in the summer (3 credits). I was told the teacher could be Stutte.
Stritch has this policy of once enrolled into the program, ALL classes must be taken at Stritch. Otherwise, you jeopardize your enrollment.
amandabell
31 Posts
how is the curriculum set up at stritch? are there scores you must maintain? for example at NWTC we had to pass all tests with an 80% average to be successful. im a transfer student and i wasnt offered a seat at MATC in fall. so now im looking at other options in the area. so what is the nursing program like at cardinal? what if any are the expectations in the classroom and at clinicals? thanks so much! just trying to weigh out my options on the ADN programs in this county! thank you!!! =)