Future PR nursing student

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  1. which nursing school is better, La Interamericana or Umet? bilingual programs

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      Interamericana
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      UMet

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I am currently strongly considering attending nursing school in Puerto Rico, I reside in the US at this point and I was wondering if anyone has advice about two schools: La Interamericana (Bayamon bilingual night classes) and UMET (bilingual/english)?

Advice on both the ASN and BSN program would be greatly appreciated.

I had questions about the accreditation of UMET nursing program, I have heard that it is not accredited???

Here is a little back ground:

I have completed 2 Math, 2 English, Humanities, Art, Anatomy+lab, Physiology+lab, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Diet and Nutrition, Communications (speech), Sociology and Chemistry. I currently hold a 3.46 GPA, and I have applied to nursing school in the US twice, with no luck.

I am currently on an alternate list for a fall 2016 ASN program in the US (strict 2 year program), but I do not believe it looks promising. The alternate list is composed of 30 people, and no one knows where they stand or how they are chosen. Apparently you can be notified as late as the day before classes begin. this has frustrated me beyond belief and led me to consider other options such as la interamericana and umet for nursing schools. I am fluent enough in Spanish to get around and I know the metropolitan area decently well. I am currently looking up apartments and am considering getting roommates, does anyone have advise for finding roommates in Puerto Rico? Or is anyone attending this Fall semester and are looking for housing?

Lastly, does anyone have experience with graduating from one of these programs and finding jobs in the US?

Any addition information would be greatly appreciated!

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Hi! did you start the program? I am coming from NY and I need help!

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Yes, I started this August, and what do you need help with?

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I know the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus is accredited and you won't have any problem sitting for the nclex. You can find housing (walking-distance) in "urbanizacion metropolitana". Many students rent studios and apartments there. You also have a supermarket very near and bus stops.

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Thank you

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Specializes in Psych.

Congratulations on the move and on starting nursing schoo. I have decided to attend a BSN program in Puerto Rico, I am coming to visit Jan 15-18. I'll be checking out both UMET and Inter. Which program do you end up going into and why? I have done so much research but I am hoping you can also offer advice on the application and transition processes. And honestly, what do you think? How has it been? Appreciate any feedback you can give.

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I went to la inter, I had a few friends that graduated from there. I will caution you on the financial aspects of going to PR. One, your fiancée aid will most likely get to you by the end of the semester. Two, you will need a car. I caution you on buying used cars, most people lie about the car's condition. The nursing school is extremely unorganized and you kind of have to figure things out by yourself most of the time. If you are economically sound, and have lots of support, I'd say go for it!

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Specializes in Psych.

Ill be coming to visit Jan 15-21, just booked my flight and hotel. Ill be coming with transcripts in hand and hopefully can finalize admission and tour the campus. I am hoping to prepare for the financial responsibility by saving up for the next 6-10 months and keeping my credit straight in case I need a personal loan. Thanks for tha car warning too. It might be worth it for me to just ship my car out there, would cost me less in the end. My biggest concern is housing, both cost and actually finding it.

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So that sounds like a great idea. The nursing school is not what you think it would be like. But I have heard good things about it. I unfortunately am strongly considering leaving the university and finishing up my health science degree then just applying to a ABSN program. I really did try to stick it out in Puerto Rico, but sadly uncertainties with the car and expenses that came with it has left me very discouraged. And depending on the make, model and year of a car - the prices change. To send mine it would have been around 4-5k, for the shipping and taxes and inspection etc. Again if you are stable financially and have support, do it. Apartments, well decent ines go from about 400 and up, the decent ones usually don't include lights and water. There are a few apartments around the school you can get info about. Also, financial aid disbursement takes a while. I received my check in finals week. If you have anymore questions, please let me know.

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Hey nurse2bPearl14 everyone's experience is different. I started the nursing program here at Inter in November and so far it's been a positive experience. I found an apartment with roommates not to far from the school and I'm paying about 300 after all utilities. As for financial aid it dies take a while to come but as long as you save and come here with a decent amount of money you'll be fine. As for a car, I wouldn't ship it because it's wayyyy too expensive. Students usually sell their cars at the end of trimesters when they're graduating. There's a Facebook group for the schools nursing students that's very helpful. You will find a car that way. Don't be discouraged. Just adjust your expectations and prepare to work hard to accompany your goals !

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Specializes in Psych.

Oh man, im so sorry to hear about your experience. This is all great information, really appreciate you sharing. This helps me out a lot. I have many things to consider. I really wish you the best in whatever decision you make. At least you can say you tried it out, no regreta.

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Specializes in Psych.
Hey nurse2bPearl14 everyone's experience is different. I started the nursing program here at Inter in November and so far it's been a positive experience. I found an apartment with roommates not to far from the school and I'm paying about 300 after all utilities. As for financial aid it dies take a while to come but as long as you save and come here with a decent amount of money you'll be fine. As for a car, I wouldn't ship it because it's wayyyy too expensive. Students usually sell their cars at the end of trimesters when they're graduating. There's a Facebook group for the schools nursing students that's very helpful. You will find a car that way. Don't be discouraged. Just adjust your expectations and prepare to work hard to accompany your goals !

Thanks for your advice. I'm glad you are enjoying it so far. Ok, so I'm definitely not shipping my car over. Thanks to both of you for that information. As Far as housing is concerened, how did you find it? Craigslist? the School? Im assuming I'll find a lot of great information on the facebook page, so ill go seek that out too. Im excited to come visit and hope that I can finalize everything while I am there. Any siggestions on what I should bring or prepare for, for my visit in January? I appreciate your encouragement. I am very passionate about becoming a nurse, so I'll do whatever I have to, sacrifices and all.

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