Greater Lowell Tech. LPN Program

Nursing Students School Programs

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Is there anyone who is applying or had already applied to the LPN program at the Voke for 2014??

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi so I don't see an option to send a personal message? But I guess just in general, the difficulty of the program, what the hardest parts/classes were? How much studying did you need to do per day? Anything else important you can think of that is good to know? Thank you :-D

You won't see the PM option until you have 15 quality posts on the site.

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Also, When is the NCLEX? How often is it offered? Thank you :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Also, When is the NCLEX? How often is it offered? Thank you :)

The NCLEX is offered 6-7 days per week nearly every day of the year depending on the test center. Many centers are open 7:30am to 9:00pm. Only certain Pearson Vue test centers can offer the NCLEX. For example in my area there are 3 NCLEX Pearson Vue test centers in my state but over 20 in my county offering other credentialialing, certification and proctored exams just not NCLEX

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Hi so I don't see an option to send a personal message? But I guess just in general, the difficulty of the program, what the hardest parts/classes were? How much studying did you need to do per day? Anything else important you can think of that is good to know? Thank you :-D

So, I need 15 posts to be able to PM. Hopefully I can make that happen soon.

First, Congrats to being accepted! That is a huge hurdle, they are VERY selective about who gets in and there are always many, many applicants. Great Job!

Before I get into all the info, have you taken any nursing courses lately such as A&P, Microbiology, Pharmacology? I didn't but it will change the way I present info about the school, if that makes sense. Also, are you a CNA/MA/PCA? It's fine if not, I just want to be sure I am thorough. I can say that regardless....It is a tough program. It's not impossible, but it does take a lot of work/effort. Especially if you have a family/job and obligations.

I'm excited to answer your questions!!!

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Hi, no I didn't take any pre-reqs, sadly. I am not a CNA but I do work in a group home proving direct care so some similar job responsibilities. I can also give medications.

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Oh Wow! You have some great experience that will help you. Don't worry about the pre-req's---I didn't have any either. Are you in the day or evening program? Last year, around this time, I was trying to work as much as possible, trying to enjoy a little bit of summer, and deep cleaning/organizing my house (closets, basement, attic, storage). The last thing I wanted to do was clean/organize after a long week of school/clinical/studying/working.

It is true that there is a lot of studying. I personally studied 1-2 hours per day, some studied more, some studied less. It also depends on the grades you want to earn. Some students are happy with 77's or 80's.

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Thanks for the info, I will be going evenings. Which classes were hardest, especially in the first term? The school offered a med term class this summer but I was away one of the weeks and couldn't go. I bought the book and went through it on my own. I think it will help. I have also been cleaning/purging stuff in my house lol. And setting up a study desk/area.

1-2hrs of studying a day seems reasonable. I was told in the interview 3 hours a day. Is there "homework" or is it more studying the material, reviewing what went on in class?

So are you looking for job now? Where have you been applying?

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I did the day schedule. I know 3 hours was mentioned, I'm not going to say that I never studied more than 1-2 hours but that was the average. I never went to the "pre" classes either. I live over an hour away from school so I had a hard enough time just making it there!! Especially in winter.

In term 2, there is a LOT of clinical paperwork that is handed in on the last day of clinical that week (at least for day schedules). You are in clinical 3 days per week versus 1 day a week in term 1. There is a lot more expected of you in Term 2.

As far as difficulty of classes.....

A&P and the Pharm classes seemed to give students the most trouble. It has the most info to learn in a short amount of time.

if you are a flashcard learner (I am), I would say stock up on as many as you can!!!!

My other big piece of advice is DON'T miss class. Especially clinicals----you will be making them up at the end of the year (after classes stop but before graduation) but trust me......You won't want to...Ask me how I know???? ;)

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Oops...forgot to answer the other question....Yes, I am working. At a home care company as a Care Mgr. I love it!!! I had worked for the company for a bit before school started as a CNA.

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Thank you so much for answering all my questions!! God willing, I will be doing the same a year from now for new students! :)

I already stocked up on the flash cards. I am a flash card learner too so that is good to know.

Congratulations on the job too. I heard its hard to land that first job. Have you talked to many of your former classmates? How has it been for them passing the NCLEX/trying to find a job? Do most graduates pass the NCLEX on the first try?

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You can do it!!!! It will be tough at times, but it's not impossible. The instructors are very willing to help, so that's great too. There isn't a lot of time to practice skills in "practice" lab---but you get out of it what you put into it. Most of your skills learned will be hands on at Lowell General or Saints. Mostly med surg, some Ortho patients.

I still talk to several of the girls from my class on a regular basis. It seems as though about half of our class has taken the NCLEX so far and everyone has passed! Several of us are working. Everyone is working on getting jobs. Some students that were CNA's previously were offered jobs at their employer as nurses.

They have someone on staff that helps with job placement if needed. She's great! And very helpful. I didn't need her help, but she has sent out several job openings via emails to us since we graduated. And, I believe she does some teaching in the night program at times.

It's great that you want to help soon to be students after you graduate! I wish I had access to someone to answer my questions before I started. It wasn't easy!

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One more question I thought of....of the 40 admitted how many didn't make it through? And do you know why? Was it mainly the AP and Pharm class like you said? Did anyone fail clinicals?

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