Confused on what LPN school to attend. Help.

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So I am utterly confused on what school to attend, who is accredited, who isnt, what school is good, and so on.

I wanted to go to Lincoln Tech but I heard so many negative things about this school, then I decided to go to Dover but again I heard some scary things that have really made me unsure about where to go. I know there are so many schools to choose from but I need to know legitimate schools in Passaic/Bergen county area, a school that will be worth me going to. Does anyone have any advice or incite on any schools? Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Sara I am interested in applying for Middlesex County Vo-Tech can you tell me a little about the admission process and if there was a waiting list?

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Hi Sara I am interested in applying for Middlesex County Vo-Tech can you tell me a little about the admission process and if there was a waiting list?

Hi Jenny,

Sure thing! There was no waiting list to get in. All you have to do is visit their website for instructions on how to apply. You have to send in a non refundable money order for $50 to process your request, along with some documentation (driver's license, copy of HS transcripts or GED scores, etc.). They will then contact you with a date to come in and take an admissions test, which is general reading, vocabulary, and math- not difficult but you may want to brush up on things like dividing/multiplying fractions. They will actually give you examples of what to study for in the test notice correspondence.

Once you take the test, you will be notified in about a month if you passed, if so, you will have to get your physical, immunizations, background check etc. Then you attend orientation, get your book list, meet the instructors, and get info on uniform fitting.

They start classes in fall and spring, and they have day (15 months) and evening classes (20 months, 5:30-10 pm, which I'm in). The tuition is incredibly more affordable than some of the other places I researched.

I'm all ready to go, class starts a week from tomorrow... so excited and nervous and bouncing off the walls :lol2:

Here is the link, feel free to ask me any questions, and best of luck whichever path you choose! :yeah:

http://www.mcvts.net/mcvts-adult-education.aspx?id=1161

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Oh, and I forgot to mention in the novel above lol, that just even though there is no waiting list, there are a lot of people that apply. For fall 2010, they had about 380 apply and take the test, and they selected the highest 70 scores evenly for the day and evening program. So when I start, there will be about 35 people in each class, and the instructor says about 10 people end up dropping from each class.... I've been told it's very intense and strict, but they only want the best to go through and graduate. In 2008 their NCLEX pass rate was 100%, and last year, 96%, so they do not play around! :eek:

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Thank you so much Sara for the quick reply, your response was very informative. I guess I better start brushing up on my basic math skills. :) Wow 380 people that is quite a list, please keep me posted on how you like the class and best of luck to you!!!

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Hi Everyone,

I graduated from Middlesex Cty Vo-Tech's day program this June (2010) and passed my NCLEX on the first try. The program is very good (and stressful), but I did learn a lot. And it is true - you will lose students during your first semester. I lost a little more than half of my starting class.

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Thanks Jag, I've been looking for someone that has gone through the program already with no luck.

How were clinicals, and where did you go for them?

How homework intensive is the course, and how often are tests? Any advice you can give would be so very much appreciated :)

I finally unwrapped ALL of my first semester books and started reading, I almost fell over... I'm a fast learner, but it seems like so much information that I have no idea how my brain is going to retain it all lol....

Jenny, I'll keep you updated once I start, feel free to PM me!

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I did my clinicals at Alameda in Perth Amboy, Raritan Bay (Old Bridge & Perth Amboy), Robert Wood (New Brunswick & Rahway), Summit Oaks Hosp, JFK Hartwyck and St. Peters. The experiences were very good overall, but it also depends on when the opportunities present themself.

There is no homework, HOWEVER you have quizzes just about everyday. Depending on how well you retain the info and understand it, you may or may not need to study. Passing grade is 75 and quizzes represent 60% of your total grade, but try to maintain a quiz average of 85 or higher.

Most of my classmates and I studied are a***s off every night to maintain a high quiz average. As I've told everyone I've spoken to (friends, family, etc) I have NEVER studied as much or as hard as I did in college as I did in nursing school. I've never been one to study, but for nsg school you simply have to. There were many times when I was tired and felt overwhelmed, but I pushed myself to do it and I did.

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Jag, not sure if you're still around on this thread, but I can't figure out how to send a PM lol.

One question, it seems that Middlesex County Votech doesn't have any tuition aid. I'm looking into WIA... sorry if this is personal, but did you get any loans, grants or tuition assistance? I already paid my first payment, and as appealing as it sounds to pay every 2 months and graduate with no debt, I would want to take advantage of any assistance that I can as money is tight.

Thanks again in advance!

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O wow about Hohokus I graduated in 07 I know things have change cause the entrance was done on paper and it was fairly easy, the teacher was nice well some of them were and then you had the stern ones but he i did what I had to do and didnt get on their bad side cause at the end u will get screwed if you was a back talker, we had some students who was one point from passing a test or the final so hey its a must study intense one year course but you get a good study habit n good study buddy youll do fine...

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Hi Sara,

Please let me know if you found out anything regarding the WIA, I did notice on the labor board website that Middlesex County Vo-Tech was affiliated with the program. Any insight you have would really help as I am in the same boat. Also how long was the math portion of the entrance exam and what was the major topics that were covered?

Thanks again for all your help!!

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Hi Jenny,

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten any further info about WIA yet. They asked me to come in for an info session in Perth Amboy, held once at week at 9 am, which I'm having trouble with since I work. Going to have to take a half day at work soon; I definitely could use some tuition help lol. Once I go, I'll let you know....

The entrance exam is fairly easy, study your fractions- multiplying, dividing, etc., and same with decimals and Roman numerals. I think there were only 2 sections, the rest were reading comprehension.

I'm only into my 4th day of classes (alternating nursing fundamentals and A&P), and it is A LOT of info. We have quizzes EVERY DAY, which account for 40% of your total grade. Already had a fund. quiz today, and have an A&P tomorrow.

If you have any other questions, let me know, I'll help as much as I can :)

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I took the entrance exam for The Center for Allied health and Nursing Education in Hackensack yesterday and :yeah:Passed :yeah: soo excited will be going back in 2 week for my interview :uhoh3: and meet with the financial aid office :uhoh3:. Also I took the Pre-entrance exam at Hohokus Hackensack 2 weeks ago and passed and taken the Teas in 2 weeks. With all that said The Center is my first choice :redbeathe everything goes well I will be starting November 8th, my back up is Hohokus starting in January if financials dont fall into place like I hope.

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