Chamberlain College of Nursing- Phoenix

Ready2Help · Nov 14, 2008

Hi Ready2help,
I wanted to send you a PM but i see you only have 9 posts thus far. I'm curious as to how Chamberlain has been for you so far ? Are you currently taking nursing classes ? Please share your experience with us. Is it organized, are classes large, how are the professors ? Thanks :nuke:

Hey!

So far it's going well. I have my first tests next week so we'll see how I feel then.:nuke: Most of the classes are about 20 or so. I think with the professors things have been going really well. They have done a lot of readjusting for the actual staff (ie. advisors, coordinators) but I think that most people think that's a good thing! It's definitely making the organization thing work better!

I'm currently only taking one actual nursing course because I still had a couple of prereq's that didn't transfer. It's pretty much the overview of nursing (not very difficult) with tests, short papers and two group presentations. Here are some things that I've learned...

**If you haven't taken both Chemistry and Microbiology by the time you start the program you WILL have to take the combination class. It's a lot of information to learn and he told us that from day one. My professor is trying to get all the chem out of the way in the first 5 or so weeks.

**If you haven't taken a college readiness class in another institution you WILL have to take the CCN100 (doesn't matter if you already have a degree). It is a fluff class and you do a group presentation and a couple of small papers.

**If you are planning on taking an Algebra class, don't expect to sit through lectures. You come in to the class and do homework, take pretests and tests. It's eight weeks, but I'm hoping to have it finished in 4-5 because it's completely self-paced.

**Classes are spread sporadically throughout the day/week. I have 10 hours on Monday (four of those are the Algebra..but I never stay the whole time), 2 on Tuesday, 1 on Wednesday and 2 on Friday. I hear that this is pretty common for BSN programs. It's actually worked for me this semester and I've said a lot of money on childcare because I have a friend that watches my youngest for a couple of hours one day and my husband is home two of the other days.

I have to say that the past three weeks have flown by! I will start clinicals in March and am very much looking forward to the hands on experience!

Let me know if you have any questions. So far, my experience has been a good one. I'm sure that there are those who may not have the same expereience (I'm pretty chill...it takes a lot to get me flustered) because there are always two sides to every story. I hope that this helps you out!

AZMOMO2 · Nov 14, 2008

Thanks for the info I went there when during my search and did the tour and even submitted an application but changed my mind on starting their due to distance. Of course I want to convert my RN to a BSN through them in the future... if I don't go there before that. Guess it all depends on how long to wait for the other programs I am looking into.

Shar81 · Nov 14, 2008

Yes, thanks so much for the information especially the tips on the classes. I'm waiting to hear from them to see which of my classes will transfer in. The class size seems small, but i guess that's because its relatively new. You schedule does look sporadic, now i'm worried if it will be difficult for me work if i do get in. I wonder if you automatically become a CNA after the first couple nursing classes. Did you have any problems with financial aid ? I know some of the programs in AZ take a while before they can distribute aid. Good luck in the program, will you be part of the first graduating class, when is your projected graduation date ?

Ready2Help · Nov 15, 2008

Yes, thanks so much for the information especially the tips on the classes. I'm waiting to hear from them to see which of my classes will transfer in. The class size seems small, but i guess that's because its relatively new. You schedule does look sporadic, now i'm worried if it will be difficult for me work if i do get in. I wonder if you automatically become a CNA after the first couple nursing classes. Did you have any problems with financial aid ? I know some of the programs in AZ take a while before they can distribute aid. Good luck in the program, will you be part of the first graduating class, when is your projected graduation date ?

I asked several months ago about whether or not you could be certified as a CNA and they'd told me no. The way it was explained is that the clinicals for a community college and for the BSN program are different. I'd ask for clarification on that since it really didn't make much sense to me.

There are others that do work...quite a bit actually. Some go in earlier or some employers are letting them leave for their classes. I guess it depends on the flexibility of your employer. Fortunately I'm not having to work...just taking out LOTS of loans.

Financial aid for me was good. I got both the stafford (sub and unsub) and also a personal loan from Chase. They both dispersed quickly. Chamberlain has a "credit card" (used loosely, really just an account that your tuition and books can be placed on until you get your disbursments. They don't charge interest until after the first month. We worked on getting my loan secured during the summer...so the earlier the better!

I'm starting clinicals in March and hoping to graduate either March or July of 2011. I think it will be the second or third class.

Flowergodess_99 · Dec 16, 2008

I just went to Chamberlain college in Phoenix today. I'm interested in their BSN program. I'm hoping to get it done in 2 years and 4 months. Did anyone take their A2 test that your suppose to take on-campus? Was it multiple choice? I really wanted to start in Spring09 or Fall09 latest. Do you guys think its too late for spring if I apply sometime this week??

Ready2Help · Dec 16, 2008

I just went to Chamberlain college in Phoenix today. I'm interested in their BSN program. I'm hoping to get it done in 2 years and 4 months. Did anyone take their A2 test that your suppose to take on-campus? Was it multiple choice? I really wanted to start in Spring09 or Fall09 latest. Do you guys think its too late for spring if I apply sometime this week??

It is absolutely NOT to late to apply and start in March. I think most of the people that applied and got in this October actually applied after the July deadline.

I'm not sure what the A2 test is though? Wondering if it is something new that they are implementing.

Good luck!

AZMOMO2 · Dec 17, 2008

A2 is the HESI entrance test that some of the colleges are moving to instead of the NET.

I took the HESI-A2 to apply to CAC and I found it easier than the NET was.

Flowergodess_99 · Jan 4, 2009

My greatest concern at the moment is my overall gpa it's under a 3.0 but I think I can do good on their A2 exam.....still worried though. I know I still have classes to take that they will take towards my gpa like Interpersonal Communication, Philosophy, Sociology, etc. Which are all classes I know I can excel in easily, but I really want to start in march....it's really stressing me out. Do you think I really have a chance of getting in with my overall being so low? I don't have another degree either, but I am working on becoming a cna soon.

student-to-be · Mar 17, 2009

Would anyone mind telling me what their GPA was upon acceptance into Chamberlains Phoenix school? I was told by an advisor today that the average is around 3.3 but found that hard to believe since nursing schools are so competitive!

Also, for current students, what is the age range like??

THANKS! :)

Ready2Help · Mar 18, 2009

I had a 3.4 with my BS Psychology degree.

Like I said before there are people from all walks of life, some with another degree, some not, younger, older, those working in the field (CNA or MA) and some (like me) who have absolutely no experience...it's a wide spectrum.

All you can do is apply and find out. It never hurts!

CaviMama · Apr 20, 2009

Hi all!

Everyone's posts are extremely helpful! I live in CO and have applied for the Summer 2009 start date. What are some of the clinical sites they offer? i.e. any hospitals or mostly subacute care facilities? Also, does anyone know the NCLEX pass rates for the past few years?

I just took the A2 exam and passed! It has a lot of subject areas to cover and I wish I had studied more.. basic bio, chem, a&p, math, reading, and medical terminology are covered (for anyone who is curious):)

How bout any decent areas around campus for a girl with a small dog to live??

thanks!!

sassiebaz · Apr 21, 2009

Hi all!
Everyone's posts are extremely helpful! I live in CO and have applied for the Summer 2009 start date. What are some of the clinical sites they offer? i.e. any hospitals or mostly subacute care facilities? Also, does anyone know the NCLEX pass rates for the past few years?
I just took the A2 exam and passed! It has a lot of subject areas to cover and I wish I had studied more.. basic bio, chem, a&p, math, reading, and medical terminology are covered (for anyone who is curious):)
How bout any decent areas around campus for a girl with a small dog to live??
thanks!!

Not sure you'd want to live right by the campus. No offense to anyone that does. Just not the best area. Not the worst either! I'd go North, primarily North of Union Hills and either E. or W. of the I17. If you need any referrals I can stear you in the right direction. Most places will take a small dog with a deposit of course!