Galen Tampa LPN-RN program?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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I am currently thinking of applying to Galen in St Pete's LPN-RN program. I was curious if anyone out there attended or is attending right now. I know it is expensive, but I already have almost all of my gen ed's so the cost is nearly cut in half. I am also looking at SPC, but I probably couldn't start there until Jan 2011 and would not be finished until May 2012. If I started Galen in August, I would be done Nov 2011. That's 6 extra months where I could potentially be working as an RN. Plus, since I have the pre reqs completed, I would only have to attend classes on the days when the actual nursing courses and clinical days are, which is another good thing. Also, I am planning on going for my MSN after RN school. I wan't to bypass BSN if I can (already have a BA) I know UT in Tampa has such a program and so does USF, but I think UT is the only school that would accept Galen's credits. Am I correct?

Specializes in LTC, SSU, LTACH.

How hard is it to get into Galen if you are already an LPN?

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

I don't think it's that hard really, you just have to have your licence and CPR card and pass the PAX. You also have to be willing to pay the costs, which can be reduced if you transfer credits in.

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Specializes in LTC, SSU, LTACH.

How hard is the PAX. I have some college credits but I took them ten years ago so I'm a little rusty on math. Thanks for the info.

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

I didn't find the PAX too difficult, but I know they do have a practice booklet if you wanted to do some practice before the real thing. Check and see if any credits transfer, it definitely saves on costs and time.

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Specializes in LTC, SSU, LTACH.

Thanks!

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Hi everyone : )

I'm hoping this thread is still being read since I am not having much luck with the thread I started about Galen...

Anyone who is going or has attended, can you give me any information on the Tampa campus? I would be moving from NH which my family and I are completely ready to do, but do you LOVE the program? Was it worth jumping into and not waiting for a typical community college program? What was your first quarter like as far as class schedule?

Thank you : )

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

Yes, I still read this thread because I get emails when someone posts ; )

Are you referring to the LPN-RN program? If so I can answer your questions, but I did not attend their LPN program, I know from my fellow classmates who did do their LPN at Galen that it is a very challenging yet doable program.

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Thank you so much for responding!!!

They now offer a straight RN program and I will be doing that. I have some pre-reqs such as Composition, Intro. to Psych., and Intro. to Lit. I will need to do everything else. I have a family of 5 and I would not be working. My husband doesn't work as he has a genetic eye disease that has recently prevented him from doing so, which means I will have a ton of support. Are the teachers approachable? From reading other posts I know it is a tough program, but this must mean students are well prepared? How often are clinicals? And one more thing-do you have any good recommendations on apartments in the area that are really family friendly? I would like to be within 10 minutes of school. Thanks in advance! I hope once we get down there I will make friends quickly with fellow students as we will know no one! LOL! (Did you find it easy to connect with other students?)

Sorry for the novel! :)

Kelli

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

wow, really? i didn't know they now offered such a program, but that's good news. anyway, i think you will be very glad that you are transferring in credits. i transferred in basically all the gen eds and it made the program more economical and easier to manage timewise. as far as making friends, i am sure you will have no issue, when you are with these people 4-5 days a week, you will definitely form bonds and help each other out. sorry i have no input as far as housing as i live 45 minutes away but i'm sure you can find something nice in the area for a decent amount.

i have found most of the teachers very approachable, but it is a very challenging program, and we've lost many along the way. i've been lucky enough to survive and will be heading into my last quarter very soon. clinicals started in q3 for us and are about 1 day a week, but i think they get more intense in q5 with precepting etc. if you are coming in with no lpn background then i am sure they will be more frequent initially. good luck! when do you plan on starting? have you visited the school?

jessica

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Hello! Yes I received an e-mail a couple weeks ago that they now offer the RN by itself. I'm glad to hear you like the program. I haven't visited the school, in fact I've never been to Florida, LOL! I am looking forward to it though. So tired of long cold winters! How do you like living in FL? I am on a web site called City-Data and some people seem to hate living there. Also, could you tell me what precepting means? I've heard it a lot on this forum, but I'm not sure what it is. How are the job prospects down there?

Good luck with your last qtr!

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

I've been on city-data and yes, there's a lot of self loathing going on there. I have lived in FL for most of my 26 years and honestly can't see myself living elsewhere, I love the beaches, sunshine, low taxes and even still love Disney. Precepting is what we do at the very end of our RN program, it basically means shadowing a nurse on a floor during her shift and learning what it's really like to be a nurse. I am looking forward to being done and precepting next quarter. As far as job prospects, that can be tricky. Florida is like a lot of places with budget cuts that have considerably cut down on new grad internship programs for RN's. Most of my class works as LPN's in some capacity so many will just stay where they're at but there will be many looking for a job once we graduate. I think you basically have to be open minded when it comes to looking for a job and be willing to work in settings that are perhaps outside your comfort zone. If it is at all possible in the latter half of your program to work somewhere as a PCT/CNA even just PRN that would be very helpful getting your foot in the door someplace. I currently work part time as an LPN in a Psychiatric hospital, working nights, which is something I never thought I'd do. Lucky for me, my company is one of the largest employers in the area w 10 hospitals so I will hopefully have more options when I finish my RN. Good Luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

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Hey Jess84. I am currently in the LPN to RN program at Galen, I am in the first quarter. Do you have any advice for the future? And do are you planning to move forward with a bsn or msn? Sorry if this has already been asked, but I am curious. I've heard that no school will take Galens credits, so I am curious about other options as far as a BSN or MSN. Thanks!

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