Fast-Track nursing degree (am I making a mistake?)

Pokerhauntus · Nov 26, 2015

Am I making a mistake or should I do the HOAE test again and try to get into a regular program?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2015

I completed a 12-month fast-track LVN program in 2005. Although it wasn't ideal due to the pricey tuition, it served as the springboard that got me to where I am today.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Nov 27, 2015

There aren't many LPN programs that are much longer than 12-18 months so I would say the one your looking into is pretty average. Mine was about 12 months exactly. It was manageable and I honestly find the pre-reqs for my bridge program more difficult than actual LPN school. The perk of most LPN programs is that you do not have to take things like english, child development, etc that bog down your schedule. The con is that you will have to take those if you bridge to RN. In total, it will will have taken me three years part time to finish my pre-reqs for my bridge clinicals, 2 had I not had push it back due to outside issues.

I am glad I did my LPN first, I had a child young and being an LPN allowed me to provide for him. I also find my pre req classes much easier because I have been exposed to it. But it is usually financially cheaper to go straight for your associates if that's what you were looking for originally.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 27, 2015

Are you in Canada where programs are usually 2yrs. Because that not accelerated for a US based PN program

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 27, 2015

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Canadian Nursing programs forum.

Good luck.

anxiouspn · Nov 29, 2015

I am about to finish the 3rd semester of the Mohawk 16 month program. Honestly it's really difficult to plow straight through but it's completely doable. And it's great if you are someone who tends to forget material and study strategies over the summer (raises hand). I am not sure about how Sheridan works but at Mohawk you get a break approximately every 7 weeks. I am just a single person but if you are a mother you should be fine as long as your family is understanding and you also have a supportive group of friends in the program. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

Pokerhauntus · Dec 5, 2015

Sorry forgot to mention, I am in Canada :)

Pokerhauntus · Dec 5, 2015

Hey Lesley,

I'd like to look over some subjects before I enter the program to try an prepare myself. Is there any subject you recommend?

anxiouspn · Dec 5, 2015

If you have any experience in anatomy and physiology it might be worth it to review but the 1st semester is very basic. I didn't review my old stuff but I did great anyway.

In first semester we had to do a test to determine our level of reading/writing/comprehension and you'd either have to take a "communications" course online or in class. I didn't have to take it but I think it's similar to an English class.

Like i said I go to Mohawk so I'm not sure what courses are required at Sheridan, but in 2nd semester we take Psychology and 3rd we take Sociology. If you have any past courses in those subjects, first of all you should try to get exempted from taking those courses altogether. If you don't get an exemption then your old notes may be of use. But it's very basic stuff. Again...I didn't review old notes, got 90+.

Other than that it's all new. You learn about the CNO and the nursing process through different diseases/conditions. Starting in 2nd sem you will be doing pathophysiology and pharmacology. If you want you can have a look at the CNO website and review the "Standards and Learning" section. If you want to be a keener look for the med/surg textbook that your college uses. But honestly I doubt anything will make sense until you're actually learning and applying it.

What you can do ahead of time is maybe find people here or on facebook who are starting at the same time as you, so you'll have friends and a study group during the program. You need this - I'm a loner type but even I cannot get through it alone. and also get your study strategies and study technique down pat. :geek: