CCAC Nursing Program?

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Published

Hi, I'm hoping to eventually enter the nursing program, but I'm curious about a something. Someone had told me before entering, it's best to get all of your co-reqs done for the program, so that only the nursing courses are left. Is this a good idea? If so, you can take all the classes (other than the Nursing courses) without being in the program, right?

One more thing... are the PAX exams hard? Any tips to study for them?:uhoh3:

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Specializes in oncology/hematology, med-surg, FNP.

http://www.ccac.edu/files/PDF_Document/39b534369a6e41549ceccb3b786e1bf9.pdf

here is the progression of nursing classes. It shows what is a pre-req and what is a co-req.

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Unless you are in a hurry to finish, I recommend finishing as many co-req's as you can. It can only help you!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.

Yeah, I want to finish as soon as possible, I was looking into the 18 month program they have at Boyce campus. I transferred to CT from TX to a private college a few months ago under the impression that I would get it done in 2 years, but they require you to take a certain amount of credits there before you start the program and it will end up taking me 3 years... the same as TX. Even though I have already done 2 years part time at a CC in TX. So now I'm looking into CCAC and if not I'll go back to TX because it is way too expensive here in CT!!

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Specializes in ICU, Step-down, CCU.

I recently completed the Fast Track program at Boyce, sure it can be done in 17 months. A few things should be mentioned. Being a Fast Track program it is a "set program", thus if you have a bunch of unfinished co-req's your choices are very limited to get them done and stay on track.

Wash out rate is about 40% from start to graduation. It is very competitive, my class had 30% with previous college (most had BA/BS, a handful MA/MS). Entry into the Fast Track I would guess is 3.3 GPA or better and no less than AP1, AP2 completed and hopefully a few co-req's as well.

If you are not competitive for Fast track, get into a traditional and transfer in. The transfer is not dependent on GPA or what you have or have not completed.

All in all... fast track is fast... your longest break will be over xmas vacation which is maybe 3 weeks, otherwise the average break between semesters is 10 days.

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If you are trying to have a fast program also look into St. Margaret. That is where I am. It's a 19 months diploma program. There are 8 pre/co reqs though it is recomended to have all them done prior to starting. They admit a class every June and February, so the next start date is next Feb. Cost is more then CCAC, but if getting to being an RN a little faster is your top priority, It might work. There are less Pre/co reqs to get through, and the nursing program itself finishes a little faster.

Pre/co reqs

English 101

Psych 101

Sociology 101

Human growth and develoment/lifespan psych

Nutrition

A&P1

A&P2

Micro

English, psych and A&P 1 have to be done prior to applying, though they like to see one other science, and may ask to see more prior to making a decision if your grades are iffy.

Would also need to take the psb test at the school one of the days they have it, get 2 reference letters, and write a short essay.

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Anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor going around that CCAC is going to drop the PAX requirement? Apparently some people think that being able to score at an average level (50th percentile) on the PAX is too stringent a requirement, which is a shame.

And on the subject of Boyce...there are a good at least eight or so people in the evening 102 program who failed out of that program and transferred to Allegheny.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.

Actually I have heard that about the pax scores. And you're right, it is a shame. I read on the application packet that if you fail the pax, to apply anyways. Apparently they aren't getting enough applicants and are lowering their standards. Not sure how true that is, but if it is I will without a doubt get in from studying and making a good score.

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Heck, they might as well just eliminate the drug calc test too...and while we're at it, the NCLEX too. The fact is, they are already short on clinical instructors. I guess I'm preaching to the choir. Sigh...

Thanks for the info

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The PAX was not that hard! If you can't pass it the program is going to be very difficult. They're just going to accept all these people who can't get through the first semester. It's funny that at our orientation they made this big deal about the huge waiting list to get in. I guess that was a bit of an overstatement.

(Also, it was good to see you the other day, Jason!)

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Specializes in oncology/hematology, med-surg, FNP.

They are, indeed, dropping the PAX. They said it discriminated against International students and it was very difficult. No choice has been made as to what test is taking its place. My instructor has been keeping us up to date on the progress. So no word yet on what test will take its place.

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You're right, Amy. And the point about the test being "hard" is beside the point, because you are not scored based on the percentage of questions you get correct; you are scored based on HOW YOU DO IN COMPARISON TO EVERYONE ELSE. That's what a percenTILE means rather than a percentage. So, presumably if it is "hard," it is harder on average for everyone, and as a consequence, everyone's average number correct is lower. CCAC requires/required a 50th percentile (not a 50 percent), which is the very definition of average. That is not "good"-- it is AVERAGE. I think you should be at least average to be a nurse. Dear God. lmao. I won't go into specifics on here, but I've seen things happen already at clinical where literally patients' lives were at stake, and skilled nursing made a big difference in the nick of time.

"Discriminated against international students" is just code for political correctness run amok. I'm curious to see what they substitute it with (if anything); apparently being able to read at an 11th grade level is discriminatory.

And you're right about everyone talking about how hard the program is to get into. I remember on this forum before I applied, people said that like only 1/4 got accepted, etc. Now they act like they're practically searching for applicants.

Okay.That's all I'm going to say about this. lmao.

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Specializes in oncology/hematology, med-surg, FNP.

I do know people that applied but didnt get in despite the fact that they supposedly didnt have enough applicants. There were many that didnt make the cut. My instructor said they were not going to lower the bar for students - it makes it look bad later on when they drop out or worse yet FAIL the NCLEX if they make it through the program.

I did really well on the PAX. I thought it was a strange test -the English part was odd - I just picked the best answer because on many I didnt see a "right" answer. I am curious to see what they put in its place.

I find the program to be rigorous and fast moving. That is fine with me. I am taking A and P II this semester as well. That is a challenge with the work load and a life (home business and four kids) - but it is fine.

There were 40 students to start in my day program. We have lost I think six thus far. I dont know that any failed out - several made a decision nursing wasnt for them before they go too far into it.

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