Gateway LPN Fast Track

Future L&D RN · May 27, 2009

So I was just wondering if anyone may know when our schedule will show up like on our my.maricopa wed site. I am using financial aid, and I know I won't be awarded until I have a class schedule.

TinkRN8 · May 27, 2009

So I was just wondering if anyone may know when our schedule will show up like on our my.maricopa wed site. I am using financial aid, and I know I won't be awarded until I have a class schedule.

I had emailed the coordinator last week asking about registration. We won't have any of that info until orientation. Seeing as how orientation is 1 day before class starts, I would email or call to find out what you need to do to make sure you get the money in time. She was really nice and responded to my email within an hour.

I did get a preliminary class schedule with my acceptance letter, did you get one? However, it is not up on the website yet.

Future L&D RN · May 27, 2009

I had emailed the coordinator last week asking about registration. We won't have any of that info until orientation. Seeing as how orientation is 1 day before class starts, I would email or call to find out what you need to do to make sure you get the money in time. She was really nice and responded to my email within an hour.
I did get a preliminary class schedule with my acceptance letter, did you get one? However, it is not up on the website yet.

I emailed asking about the schedule. Hopefully it all works out. Yeah, I received a schedule with my acceptance letter. I’m in the “afternoon” program.

I spoke with one of my co-workers who just finished in December. I asked her about how heavy the course load is. I have been debating if I should quit my job while in the program. Each person I speak with gives mixed advice.

TinkRN8 · May 27, 2009

I emailed asking about the schedule. Hopefully it all works out. Yeah, I received a schedule with my acceptance letter. I’m in the “afternoon” program.
I spoke with one of my co-workers who just finished in December. I asked her about how heavy the course load is. I have been debating if I should quit my job while in the program. Each person I speak with gives mixed advice.

I too am in the afternoon program! I also have to work full-time....well, it won't be full time i guess come August. Luckily, I work for my dad so i have some flexibility there. If the schedule stays the same, it doesn't look too bad. But, I may be changing my mind once things start....LOL!

Future L&D RN · May 27, 2009

i think i'm going to work and see how the first exam goes. if i continue to do well on exams then i'll keep my job, but if not i'm quitting. haha!

Ks Mom · Jul 9, 2009

When was the actual October deadline last year? I'm trying to get my CNA cert in time to apply for the Jan class. I plan to do it at RSAA (comments welcomed) but the class finishes October 2 and I'm not sure if that will give me enough time to take the test and actually become certified. Help! :idea:

TinkRN8 · Jul 9, 2009

When was the actual October deadline last year? I'm trying to get my CNA cert in time to apply for the Jan class. I plan to do it at RSAA (comments welcomed) but the class finishes October 2 and I'm not sure if that will give me enough time to take the test and actually become certified. Help!

I am not sure about the deadline for October. If I remember correctly, it was mid to late October. For Fall it was late April. You should be finished in time. State Boards are usually a week after the last day of class. The results are online within a day or two. I went thru RSAA's evening course in January, finishing FEbruary 20. LOVED IT!!!! Had a wonderful experience and learned a lot. Did things I never thought I would or would be able to do. You will have a very good experience. Everyone at RSAA was so helpful and willing to help. Good luck!

Ks Mom · Jul 10, 2009

Thanks. I have heard great things about RSAA so far, so I'm excited. I've come across another question. Gateway requires a fingerprint card. But from what I understand AZBN requires that you fill out and send certification application once CNA course is completed and then they will send you the fingerprinting card that you then have to get done and send in which should take another 3-4 weeks. Has anyone here applied for Gateway LPN with just the fingerprinting application completed (not the actual card received yet?) I really think I'm cutting it too close to the deadline. I'd like to figure it out if I'm going to miss it beforehand so that I can just sign-up for a saturday Fall CNA class at CAC and wait to apply for Fall '10 LPN.

2ndxstudent · Jul 10, 2009

Thanks. I have heard great things about RSAA so far, so I'm excited. I've come across another question. Gateway requires a fingerprint card. But from what I understand AZBN requires that you fill out and send certification application once CNA course is completed and then they will send you the fingerprinting card that you then have to get done and send in which should take another 3-4 weeks. Has anyone here applied for Gateway LPN with just the fingerprinting application completed (not the actual card received yet?) I really think I'm cutting it too close to the deadline. I'd like to figure it out if I'm going to miss it beforehand so that I can just sign-up for a saturday Fall CNA class at CAC and wait to apply for Fall '10 LPN.

Send in your DPS fingerprint clearance card now. The one that is done for your CNA has nothing to do with the DPS card you need for Gateway. It takes a while to get this through DPS and with budget cuts it will probably take them longer to process.

I think you have time and this is totally doable. The exam for the CNA class is really close to when you finish the class. I did it through RSAA also. I am in the same spot you are and need to figure out when the Fall deadline will be.

Good luck!

Marlene39 · Jul 10, 2009

As far as I can tell the fingerprint clearance card that RSAA has you do is the same DPS card that you can use for all healthcare jobs. It doesn't say RSAA on it anywhere and it is sent directly to you. I've done these before and it is the same exact form. I haven't gotten mine back yet since they smudged my fingerprints. Also, RSAA doesn't pay for this for you, it's like $65 and you have to send payment in with your application.

Did they tell you at Gateway that you need a different type of card?

TinkRN8 · Jul 10, 2009

Actually, the DPS card that you need to apply for any of the MCC colleges and the fingerprinting you do for the CNA license are 2 different things. You have to do both and are 2 separate application processes.

Definately do the DPS one now as it took quite a while for me to get mine, and I had to go in twice to have the prints taken, as the first set sent in they were not happy with. So if you don't have your DPS card, apply now. Once they are cleared you get an actual laminate card in the mail.

You will have to do a whole separate sent of fingerprints for the CNA license, that RSAA will take during the course. The cost is included in the course fee. These fingerprints are run through the state not DPS, so you will fill out a completely separate application directly to the AZBN. You send it in with your application packet the day of state boards. RSAA will give you the completed packet and all you have to do is stick a stamp on it and mail it.

AZNB will not accept the DPS card and visa versa, you do have to do both.

Marlene39 · Jul 10, 2009

This is so weird. I am taking the RSAA class in August. I told them I needed the fingerprint clearance card done before that and they gave it to me and did my prints for free. I filled out the form, got a money order for $65 and sent it to AZ DPS myself. They said they don't cover the cost of the card, they just do the fingerprinting for you (that usually costs about $10).

I don't know what the AZNB card is then. Is it also a fingerprint clearance card? Gateway just said they need a healthcare worker fingerprint clearance card with the application. I wonder if they mean the AZBN card or the DPS card. Just one more thing about the nursing school application process that is really unclear.

Thanks for your help!!