Is MCI worth it or is it a scam? In VA if that helps

CryssieGRN2019, LPN · Feb 22, 2009

Hello, I feel like I have to comment as I am currently a student at MCI VA Beach. No disrespect to your friends, but I find it funny that 9 times out of 10, the people who are spreading these horror stories about the school have not attended classes there or received the information from a credible source.

Anyway, the things that were told to you by your friends should not be taken for truth. I am an LPN student, who was previously looking into the RN(ADN) program, but realized that without having ever worked in the medical field that it may pose a problem for me to not have the foundation that I am currently receiving. While I would have loved to have finished with my RN right away, I am happy about the route that I took.

MCI VB's BSN program was just recently started within the last 6 months or so, and is under review for NLN Accreditation. Correct me if im wrong, but from what you said, you dont yet have your ADN. The BSN program at MCI is actually only open to current RN's holding a license whether it be a diploma(i believe) or ADN. The ADN program at MCI was around $40,000 the last time I heard. This is higher than the majority of other schools, but this includes all incidental fees (i.e., books, uniforms, badges, parking fees, pays for half of your NCLEX cost, free practice reviews throughout school, etc) For example, with Sentara's Diploma RN program, it is $14000 on the surface, but that doesnt include books, uniforms, parking fees, lab fees, etc... Also, the MCI program is a program you can get into almost immediately, and it is 15months long and you receive a degree. Sentara is 22months long. TCC is not convenient schedule wise, and you might be on the waiting list for 2years after taking your prerequisites.

A far as MCI students not getting jobs, that is absolutely ridiculous. The vast majority of students have a job 1 to 2 months before graduating the program. The area hospitals/medical facilities have told us on numerous occasions how interested in MCI students they are for future employment.

Really, youre going to have to survey what means most to you. If you cant afford to stop working, you probably dont want to do a TCC program because of the stretched out schedules. Their web page says that your clinicals could be in the day or the night and their program is only days. I work full time, so does my husband, and we have a 2 year old. So I needed a program with some more structured times for classes/clinicals. Classes for evening students at MCI are 5:30 - 10:30 M-Th and some saturday/sunday classes or clinicals.

I know this is long, but I just wanted to clear up the rumors that you have been exposed to. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

ngillilan1 · Feb 22, 2009

Actually, the program at Sentara does include books, uniform, and NCLEX fees. But thanks for all of the advice, I greatly appreciated everything! Yes, 40k is just a smidge too much for an associates degree. Actually, it is rediculous! Good luck at MCI! I WILL keep looking.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

I always say listen to your heart (gut if you will) and not your enemies.

No education is ever a waste. It might not be applied just yet but it has a use.

God gave you a brain and that old thumpin' gizzard for a use........SO USE 'em!!!!!!

2bnurseforce1 · Feb 22, 2009

Im in the program at TCC and im still able to work, at least 37 hours a week. Its all about how you schedule your hours and how your boss works with you. Even if you go to MCI and you do the night and weekend classes you still have to work during the day so when does that leave time for study?

NachoMomma · Feb 22, 2009

I'm in the RN program at MCI right now. Everything you've said were my apprehensions, too.

First of all, it is expensive. It's a for profit school. However, all books and uniforms are included. And you'll graduate a lot sooner than if you were to go to a traditional program, so you'll be earning money that much sooner.

They are approved by the VA Board of Nursing. They are accredited by SACS (This is the regional accreditidation that most schools have- ODU, NSU, TCC, etc). The ADN program is in candidacy status for accredition with NLNAC. The BSN program just had their review for full accreditidation in January and results should be soon.

The BSN program is a bridge program- not a "from scratch" program. They do have an ADN program that is 15 months (for days - night/weekends are 18 months) and then the BSN is another 9-12 months.

MCI VB has a 96% placement rate for RN grads.

There are only three prereqs- computer, algebra, and chemistry. If you haven't had them, they offer them free before you start and your grades help determine you're spot.

They next class starts in May, so you'll have to contact them soon if you want to be considered for that class. They also have classes in August and then in Janurary.

It's very accelerated- classes are only 5 weeks long. You have to make above an 80 to move on. Not everyone makes it, so you have to be committed and willing. Some people think "Oh, it's MCI - it's easy" - it's not.

I know it's a lot of money, but being a military wife with a move in our future, I needed to be able to graduate before moving again. I was at ODU and knew I wouldn't be able to complete their program in time. So, paying more money was worth it than waiting until moving to start nursing school. Just have to prioritize what's more important. :)

Good luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 22, 2009

How many people start the program but don't finish on time? I've always wondered about that. Does anyone know?

NachoMomma · Feb 22, 2009

I think it varies. I was talking to a student in the BSN program and she said that in her ADN program they started with 25 and 21 made it to the end. However, the class that just graduated in January started with 30 and only 9 made it on time. The day classes seem to have higher rates of on time graduation than the night classes. The night students usually work full time - but the ones that make it really have their stuff together!

Because the classes are only 5 weeks long, there's a very strict absence policy. You can only miss 20% of classes - if you only meet twice a week, then you can only miss two classes. If you get sick or hurt (or if it's your child), then it's easy to miss the time. Also you have to have above a an 80 to move on. We started in January and we've lost one already. If you do drop out, you do have the chance of getting back into the program in about three or four months when the next class comes through. However, there has to be a spot open for you and if more than one of you is trying to get in, it's based on GPA.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 22, 2009

However, the class that just graduated in January started with 30 and only 9 made it on time. .

Wow! That's a lot.

blackhundred · May 30, 2009

I graduated in April. I'm employed. I liked the school. No program is gold. This one is as good as the student. Check the VA board of Nursing pass rates. MCI pricey? Hampton U students pay what we did total for one year, with 1/2 the pass rate. It's more about you than the program.