GTC 2011?

sk8inghunny · Feb 18, 2011

I am thrilled to hear this!!! GTC is definitely a program I am interested in. There is one more school N GA, but I have been hearing quite a few negative things about it. So I'm a bit worried.

At GTC is it a 3 day a week program? Or 5?

I am glad to hear how great the instructors are!!!

I'd love to hear anything about the program you'd love to share... as I dream about entering in 2012. :)

blueharlequin · Feb 19, 2011

From what I've seen during registration, the classes are at least listed as being 5 days a week. I've heard a few people talk about it as well. I got my letter (finally) and our first meeting is Monday. I have to agree about the pre-nursing work I've done. The professors are extremely supportive. They won't sugar coat anything or go easy on grading, but they are fair. The sciences for the pre-nursing coursework is definitely not easy, and the professors will tell you it's a LOT of work (every class they give the "5 hours of work a day outside of class" speech...and it's the truth). They make a good point, however, because the nursing program is fast, intense, crams a lot into 18 months, and demanding. I don't think I've ever heard any of the professors say this, but I imagine this is not only prep, but also to make students think that if the amount of work/dedication these science classes take is too much, the nursing program will also be too much. Not everyone will realize that, of course, but I think it's a good way of thinking about it. But also note that be able to do the work and having the dedication is different than having the grades. There are also plenty of people who are very smart, have experience in the medical field, give more than 5 hours a day of work, but just don't have the grades that coincide (and these people would also make excellent nurses). There are a lot of variables that go into something like this and there's a program for everyone. It seems like most of the A.S. Nursing programs are fast and competitive like this. I'd love to be able to do a B.S., but like a lot of people, that's too expensive for now and takes longer than I'd like to spend right now.

But after that tangent, lol. The main point I wanted to make was that GTC is great. I have a BA already from a private 4 year college, but that place can eat it compared to GTC. It has a very positive atmosphere, the professors are fantastic, and I've learned (and continue to learn) so much. It's a great school.

sk8inghunny · Feb 19, 2011

What a terrific recommendation olivia.tieman and CONGRATS on getting accepted!!! That's wonderful!!! I'm currently in A&P 1 split session (just 8 weeks) and I start A&P 2 in about 10 days - another 8 week class. It's tough, but I love it. My professor likes the split sessions because she feels it'll prepare you a little for the insanity of nursing school. :)

I would also love to get my bachelor's right away, but need to work sooner than later. I'd love to take the time and work on some more pre-req's, but financially we just can't do it.

Anyway, thanks for your high praise of GTC. It was # 2 on my list, but my # 1 school is a little iffy right now.

blueharlequin · Feb 20, 2011

Oh, I'm not accepted (yet, hopefully). The letter was just the invite to the first meeting of the process. We get invited to a meeting based on GPA, in which we find out when our testing is scheduled. If you meet the test score qualifications (and more precisely, from what I understand, they choose the top 60 from those who tested well), you're invited to an interview. Then they choose the 40 based on grades, testing, interview, and prior medical experience (plays a small role). Seems like there might be something else in there that plays a bit of a role, but can't remember what now.

Are you taking A&P at GTC? I know the professors were concerned with summer science classes, since it will be a 5 week quarter due to the change from quarters to semesters, but I haven't heard anything about split sessions. What is your #1 school?

sk8inghunny · Feb 20, 2011

I'm in Gainesville now, not Gwinnett. We're on a semester system, each class is 4 months but split sessions are 2 months. You do the same amount of work in half the time basically. I have an A in lab and lecture right now, and our finals are this week.

My # 1 school was North GA, but I've been hearing a lot of negative things about it from students, and my A&P professor. I'm not really sure what to think at this point.

I would love to go to MCG, that might be my # 1 school if I weren't seeking an associate's first.

Have you applied at other schools?

blueharlequin · Feb 20, 2011

I was thinking about applying to North Ga as well as GTC...was planning on applying to NGa and Perimeter as backups, but I've heard bad things about Perimeter's RN program and I didn't feel safe in that area of town when I visited. Hadn't heard anything bad about NGa, though. But either way, I ended up just not applying anywhere else. A lot has gone on the past 5-6 months and I just decided if I didn't make it at GTC, I'd apply for the next closest/soonest starting program I could find. Not that I'm confident about my chances at GTC (because it's really just up in the air). I'm really crossing my fingers, because I really want to stay at GTC from having such a good experience thus far, but time/test scores/interviews/my competition will be the deciding factor. *shrugs*

shameka · Feb 22, 2011

hey ladies. I went to the meeting today and this program does sound great. Another hopeful on board. Time to study for this test. Would love to hear any new info. Lets keep each other posted.

blueharlequin · Feb 22, 2011

I was at the 3PM meeting (as was I think all 250 people invited). I actually feel more nervous now than before. Not only seeing the amount of people, but the fact I don't know the majority of them (and thus have no idea what I'm up against...not to sound competitive, because if they are a better candidate, then they should get the spot...but I just don't know what my chances are AT ALL and that scares me). Also this stuff with the background check including work history. I don't have any criminal record, so that's not a big deal. I also have a BA already, which shows I am capable of commitment. But since graduating with that BA, the economy plunged and I had a hard time finding a job and also jumped around a bit (the only jobs I could seem to get were retail, and once a few different places cut hours back to 10 a week, I couldn't afford NOT to find a new job). A few others were also through temp agencies. I'm just really worried about getting part way through the program and having to stop because of my work history not being the best. Part of the reason I decided to go back to school was to get into a field that would allow me more job stability as well as something I enjoy (my BA is in German and Religion, which isn't applicable to much of anything, unlike nursing, which is has a very clear cut application and doesn't require explanation of application when being interviewed for a job). I'm worried I'm missing my chance of achieving a more stable employment because of being unlucky with the economy in past employment. My parents have said I shouldn't worry about this, but I really am.

sk8inghunny · Feb 22, 2011

just really worried about getting part way through the program and having to stop because of my work history not being the best.I'm worried I'm missing my chance of achieving a more stable employment because of being unlucky with the economy in past employment. My parents have said I shouldn't worry about this, but I really am.

I'm curious what you mean by this "part way through the program"....will they accept you then do a work history and THEN kick you out? If they were planning to base anything on work history (which to me is ridiculous) then I would think they would do that before you get accepted.

shameka · Feb 23, 2011

I was in the 6pm group

I wouldnt be worried too much about that. as she said with the economy and from when we were teens of course we jumped from job to job. If this is a problem you will know up front before you go to clinicals and since she said we start clinicales the first semester they have to let us know if our employment records is an issue or not. stay positive just start studying because that exam will make the big difference good luck!:)

I registered for my test today and by 8:30 it was about 50 ppl there. im taking mine on saturday the 19th

mommybear9 · Feb 25, 2011

Alright you guys.... from a current member of the Class of 2012, please take this advice... "BREATHE!!!" ha ha ha I cannot even tell you how many times in the first quarter Mrs. G. told us that we all need to "relax" and to "breathe". First suggestion, don't pay attention to all of the others that are working to get into the program. What is comes down to, 100%, is you. So... use the study guide for the test and prepare. Start now. Don't wait until you get your test date. Get comfortable with what it will look like, what to expect, etc.... The more you feel prepared, the more relaxed you should be. We kind of joke in our class right now. We have SO many things to do that as we complete them we will say, "Reading done - check, paper written - check, etc... etc.. " So.. for you guys, "Prereqs met - check, invited to the meeting - check, prepare to take the test.... and BREATHE". You have accomplished so much already. Congratulations! Don't think about anything except for the test right now. You have been preparing for it for quite a while now. The prep work is just to get yourself into the mindset of the testing and what to expect. Our class has been where you all are right now, so we all understand the anxiety that you are feeling. We are really excited to meet you all once you are part of our program. It's going to be a crazy ride, but it is SO worth. We are already praying for you guys!

Okay... I've got a test coming up, then finals, than Kaplan. Back to the reading, reading, reading, reading.............

Talk to you soon.

Take care!

shameka · Feb 26, 2011

thanks so much! so much going on its just hard to buckle down and study.

any tips on what to expect from the entrance test?? specifically science area