Dallas area Nursing Programs/Schools

lalajenn · Nov 1, 2005

Which school are you talking about? I will be starting El Centro in January and although I heard many horror stories about the program, I have heard from past graduates that they teach you a lot and you learn a lot and always tell me don't expect nursing school to be easy. You didn't mention which school you are talking about. Good luck!! I also have 3 kids and have been a stay at home mom.

DreamBelieveSucceed · Nov 1, 2005

Hi Lalajenn!

Thanks for your response. I actually have also posted in another forum that I think you have been involved in (DCCCD 06). I'm new and haven't quite got this site figured out - so I posted this question in both forums (this one and the DCCCD 06 one). The information I "heard" was about El Centro. But at the same time, I have had another friend go through El Centro several years ago and loved it. Granted, I know how hard it is going to be - or at least I think I know :)

I am excited for you for starting in January!!! How did you get in? Maybe that is the wrong way to ask that question - sorry! I am wondering if there are any special tips on getting accepted! Right now I have a 4.0 and have taken all pre-reqs and support classes except A&P II, Micro and my elective (Spanish). I am currently in A&P I, and have an 'A' and will accept nothing less from myself! Next semester I am planning to take A&P II and Spanish and Micro in Fall 06.

How old are your kids? Have you been taking a full college load?

Thanks for your input!!:)

lalajenn · Nov 2, 2005

HI! You sound very enthusiastic and that will help you go far! :) I have a 10 year old, 6 year old, and a 3 year old. This semester I am just taking 3 classes and only 1 is in a classroom. One is a telecourse and another one is online. They are towards my BSN. Thanks! The DCCCD uses GPA so the higher your GPA is the more likely you will get in and make sure you have a lot of the prereq's finished. The lowest GPA they accepted for Spring 06 was a 4.0. Good luck to you!!! Just stay focus!! I have been going to school since 1996 and stopped quite a few times along the way. I use to go full-time but this semester I am only taking 11 credit hours so almost full-time. I saw in the other thread that you live in Rowlett. I am also in Rowlett. :)

Hi Lalajenn!
Thanks for your response. I actually have also posted in another forum that I think you have been involved in (DCCCD 06). I'm new and haven't quite got this site figured out - so I posted this question in both forums (this one and the DCCCD 06 one). The information I "heard" was about El Centro. But at the same time, I have had another friend go through El Centro several years ago and loved it. Granted, I know how hard it is going to be - or at least I think I know :)
I am excited for you for starting in January!!! How did you get in? Maybe that is the wrong way to ask that question - sorry! I am wondering if there are any special tips on getting accepted! Right now I have a 4.0 and have taken all pre-reqs and support classes except A&P II, Micro and my elective (Spanish). I am currently in A&P I, and have an 'A' and will accept nothing less from myself! Next semester I am planning to take A&P II and Spanish and Micro in Fall 06.
How old are your kids? Have you been taking a full college load?
Thanks for your input!!:)

DreamBelieveSucceed · Nov 2, 2005

It is definitely a small world!! We are probably neighbors and we meet (well kind of anyway!) on a nursing forum!!! I have also been taking on-line classes. My A&P is the first class I have taken on campus. Now that I am finally taking the "fun stuff" I can hardly wait for Nursing School. Have you finished all the support classes?

I admire you for taking so many hours!! How have you handled such a full school load, the kids, the house, etc., etc.? I have only taken up to 6 hours at one time. I am in for a real shocker when I get into the Nursing Program.

lalajenn · Nov 2, 2005

Are you going to Eastfield? I get a lot of things done when the kids are in bed. Good thing I am a night owl! Also when my husband is home, he helps out. My kids are pretty good when I have to do schoolwork and also I don't get to watch much tv either. Also the one that is all online, it was self-pace and I have already finished that class. I have finished all of the support courses. One thing is I have to retake Micro though since I took it back in 98 and they want me to retake it. Someone was telling me to fight that though and I think I will cause I really don't want to have to spend the money to retake it. Good luck to you again!! :) I think my family is in for the shocker since I will be gone quite a bit and studying A LOT more with nursing school.

chrisrn2007 · Nov 2, 2005

Hi! I live in Rowlett too! I am finishing pre-reqs at Eastfield and waiting for a letter from TWU. I was going to try El Centro, but I decided that I would go ahead and try TWU. It was only going to take 1 more semester.

I have 3 boys, 15, 9, and a 3 yr old. I am worried about all the studying required for nursing school.

As far as hearing horror stories about schools, all of them have some. When I was looking, I looked at drop out rates and the percentage that passed the NCLEX. Of course cost is a huge consideration. El Centro has several good things going for it: cost, good pass rate, and if you ride the train to school it is pretty convenient (built in study time & free commute).

Good luck to both of you!

Christine

lalajenn · Nov 2, 2005

Hi Christine! I am also going to Eastfield. I am hoping to be able to go to TWU for my BSN. What classes did you take for the woman's studies and multicultural studies credit? I think there was one more too that they said to contact an advisor on but can't remember. I am really close to my BSN. My mom thinks I should have waited 1 more semester and applied for it. Good luck to you!! When are you suppose to be getting your acceptance letter from TWU?

Hi! I live in Rowlett too! I am finishing pre-reqs at Eastfield and waiting for a letter from TWU. I was going to try El Centro, but I decided that I would go ahead and try TWU. It was only going to take 1 more semester.
I have 3 boys, 15, 9, and a 3 yr old. I am worried about all the studying required for nursing school.
As far as hearing horror stories about schools, all of them have some. When I was looking, I looked at drop out rates and the percentage that passed the NCLEX. Of course cost is a huge consideration. El Centro has several good things going for it: cost, good pass rate, and if you ride the train to school it is pretty convenient (built in study time & free commute).
Good luck to both of you!
Christine

chrisrn2007 · Nov 2, 2005

Hi LalaJenn,

I got my letter today!!!! I am so excited!!! I did not expect it to come yet.

I haven't taken the multicultural or women's studies yet. They offer them in the summer, and allow to you start the program without them. At least for this application period. I tried to take a multicultural this fall at the Dallas campus, but they cancelled the class because of low enrollment in the course.

What classes are you taking at Eastfield. I am there on Tu & Th mornings, taking Govt, Hist, and Soci.

lalajenn · Nov 3, 2005

Whoo hooo congrats on getting the letter!!

I am taking classes on Mon-Wed-Fri so the days you are there, I'm not! lol

Hi LalaJenn,
I got my letter today!!!! I am so excited!!! I did not expect it to come yet.
I haven't taken the multicultural or women's studies yet. They offer them in the summer, and allow to you start the program without them. At least for this application period. I tried to take a multicultural this fall at the Dallas campus, but they cancelled the class because of low enrollment in the course.
What classes are you taking at Eastfield. I am there on Tu & Th mornings, taking Govt, Hist, and Soci.

DreamBelieveSucceed · Nov 3, 2005

Hi Christine and Jenn,

My name is Leette - now try and pronounce that!! Congrats to you both on your acceptances!! I'll be there with you guys in about a year! I have been debating for the last few weeks about whether or not to just go ahead to TWU instead of DCCCD!?!? I just despise having to take the Govt,

History and other English classes. I'm anxious to just get to the good part - especially now that I am finally taking A&P. Christine, what made you decide on TWU and not DCCCD? It's pretty cool having you guys in the area. Now I can chat with ya'll to see how things are going and get a feel of things before I get in!

chrisrn2007 · Nov 3, 2005

Hi Leete!!! (Lee - ette)

I know you!!

When I am communicating incorrespondence, I sign my name as Christine, but in person with my friends, I go by Chris!!!!

After I responded to you the first time, I wondered if it could be you! How cool!

I decided on a BSN because no one in my family has graduated from college. By doing the BSN, I also had one more semester home with my youngest before the craziness of nursing school. My A&P teacher made me a little nervous about the stress of an associate degree program and my lifestyle. I still want to be involved with my kids. She talked about a drop rate of 60% because of the strenuous course load. TWU has about a 20% drop rate. I still think both programs are good, and this fall, I was wishing I had gone ahead to El Centro because all the history and government and Statistics were a bit of a beating. I am definately ready to move into the classes that interest me!