ECPI/MCI RN Program (Questions)

FutureMSN-FNP · May 17, 2016

Hello!

I will be starting the RN program at ECPI/MCI in Newport News, VA on August 22, 2016. I was wondering if any current or former ECPI/MCI RN students could fill me in on the structure and scheduling of the classes. I have a previous Bachelor's degree and have already taken all of the non-Nursing courses (SOC, HUM, HLT, COM, ENG, & all the BIOs) and just need to take the core curriculum (NUR classes). In a nutshell, I just need to take the 47 credits of NUR classes (out of 75 total credits).

I know that each semester consists of 3 5week sessions, but was wondering how many credits or classes are taken in each 5 week session. I have heard that we don't get our schedules until around a week before each session begins, but if someone could give me a general idea of how many classes I should expect to be taking per session I would greatly appreciate it. My main objective is to figure out how long the program will take specifically for me.

They say the program "requires a minimum of 5 semesters or 18 months of instruction," but that includes all of the classes I have already taken. My financial adviser said it should take me around 16 months and that I will have some semesters off in between because the program is set up in blocks (and some of the blocks supposedly include only arts and sciences that have already transferred in).

To be a little more clear, here are my specific questions:

1. Are there a set number of credits to be taken during each 5 week session?

2. Are there a set number of classes to be taken during each 5 week session?

3. Are the arts and sciences classes taken in blocks before the core curriculum (NUR), i.e. are all of the NUR classes taken in blocks after the non-Nursing classes are completed or are some of the non-Nursing classes (BIO, COM, SOC, etc.) mixed in with the Nursing (NUR) classes in each block?

4. Did you have to turn in an essay and 3 letters of recommendation before starting classes? I took the TEAS, did the application and profile, my classes were transferred, I met with financial aid, and Admissions told me I start on August 22, even though I never received an official acceptance letter..any insight on this?

5. Is there anyone else who had all of the non-Nursing classes totally completed (before starting at ECPI/MCI) that could share some insight with me?

6. Is there anyone else who has a previous Bachelor's degree that could share some insight with me as well?

I really want to finish ASAP so I can take the NCLEX and start ODU's RN to BSN program (I'm already in ODU, and have a plan with my advisers I just need my RN at this point) so I can finish that and start applying to MSN-FNP programs (VCU would be great since you can go straight in after finishing a BSN).

Thank you for your help!!!!!!