ISU Fast-track program?

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I'm looking at applying to Idaho State's Boise-based fast-track program. I know it's a relatively recent one, but was hoping there might be a few people out there who have gone through it or know someone who has. Thoughts? Advice?

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I'm looking at applying to Idaho State's Boise-based fast-track program. I know it's a relatively recent one, but was hoping there might be a few people out there who have gone through it or know someone who has. Thoughts? Advice?

Is this the LPN to RN fast-track you're talking about?

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I don't know how stable the fasttrack program is now, but over the last few years they have had a terrible time retaining faculty, and have had a lot of turnover in administration there too. Honestly? it doesn't go much faster than just having your prereqs evaluated by any other program. They do try to be a bit more flexible about some of the courses you've taken, but that's all.

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I would steer clear of the college of technology at ISU. Lots of turnover. Can you imagine constantly readjusting to the expectations of new faculty? It doesn't help with the stress you already have as a student. I got my LPN there, thinking that I would do the fast track LPN-RN. But after experiencing the LPN program, I don't want to give the college another dime, or another minute of my time. This is coming at quite a price to me, as I don't have many other options for an RN program unless I move or spend another 4 years doing the BSN program.

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AMEN!! I quit their program, which might have been stupid, as I was already accepted into their program, but it was horrible how they would come back at you and tell you that the class that you took and that was required last summer is no longer needed, but you do need to take these three other classes. And so on and so on. I refuse to give this university another penny. They are evil!!

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The posts on this thread are an excellent example of why allnurses is such a useful site. First person experiences of this nature, potentially preventing people from making bad decisions from which they may not be able to recover financial-wise, can readily be found here. Almost all people from out of state who have these questions, would not have much, if any, access to this info otherwise. Thanks for responding to the OPs questions in a responsible manner. You may have helped others with their important decisions!

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Specializes in CNS, PMHNP, EMS, ER, Instructor.

I am not sure, and the original post is pretty old, but there may be two programs being talked about here.

There is the ISU Boise, Bachleor of Science, Nursing Fast Track, Program and there is the ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program.

As I understand it, the Nursing Fast Track Program is for someone who has a BS in another discipline, and it is a 4 semester program in Boise. There is a website, but allot of the links do not work, so I don't know much about it.

The ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program (which I went through) is only 3 years old, and it is a 3 semester program in Pocatello (mostly on-line). It is for existing LPNs, and you have to have several prereqs prior to getting accepted. It is a Associates Degree program.

Although I agree that the ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program had some significant growing pains, and there was certainly allot of difficulty figuring out what classes you got credit for (and which you didn't, and which you got credit for, but only today, and it might change tomorrow) and there was some staff turnover (there were only three staff members - two started the program and are still there, but the third position keeps changing), and it was difficult, still all of us passed the NCLEX.

I do agree that ISU does seem to find a way to get every penny out of you (we had to pay $20 extra for our diplomas, and they look like they are a plain piece of paper printed on a inkjet printer with someone punching a seal on it).

It really all depends on how desperate you are, how much money you have, and how much sacrifice you can make without going crazy!

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I am not sure, and the original post is pretty old, but there may be two programs being talked about here.

There is the ISU Boise, Bachleor of Science, Nursing Fast Track, Program and there is the ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program.

As I understand it, the Nursing Fast Track Program is for someone who has a BS in another discipline, and it is a 4 semester program in Boise. There is a website, but allot of the links do not work, so I don't know much about it.

The ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program (which I went through) is only 3 years old, and it is a 3 semester program in Pocatello (mostly on-line). It is for existing LPNs, and you have to have several prereqs prior to getting accepted. It is a Associates Degree program.

Although I agree that the ISU College of Technology LPN to RN Program had some significant growing pains, and there was certainly allot of difficulty figuring out what classes you got credit for (and which you didn't, and which you got credit for, but only today, and it might change tomorrow) and there was some staff turnover (there were only three staff members - two started the program and are still there, but the third position keeps changing), and it was difficult, still all of us passed the NCLEX.

I do agree that ISU does seem to find a way to get every penny out of you (we had to pay $20 extra for our diplomas, and they look like they are a plain piece of paper printed on a inkjet printer with someone punching a seal on it).

It really all depends on how desperate you are, how much money you have, and how much sacrifice you can make without going crazy!

It shouldn't have to be that way. Wouldn't it be nice if school was actually conducive to learning? I've learned a thing or two about nursing, but it seems like what I've mostly learned with my education so far is how to deal with megalomaniacs and BS.

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College of Southern Idaho has a very good program...The ADN is 4 semesters, while the LPN is 3 semesters and you transition into the 3 rd semester of ADN after your LPN. As long as on prerequisites are finished, it is a short waiting list. The transition course you will get in quicker to ADN. Hope this is helpful!!! They are expanding and should be :yeah:operating at a new building in 2010. As of now they accept 70 ADN students in Aug and Jan. 30 LPN students in Aug and Jan. The instructors are great!!

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Specializes in LTC.

I wish I had been on this site several years ago to learn first hand about the programming mentioned above. I can confirm what has been posted regarding the LPN program.

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all you need to know about isu's fast track bsn program in boise: http://www.isu.edu/boisectr/p_bs_nursing.shtml.

i'm currently attending this program and i love allnurses.com. this program has awesome staff and great students. students are all obtaining a second degree so they know how to study and have unique backgrounds (which adds to my experience). i feel like i could study with any one of them and be prepared for some of those difficult tests.

i am at the half way point right now and i remember being in the same shoes, "where will i go", "does this program have what i need", or "how quickly will it get me out the door and on the hospital floor." i think it is best for second degree students and defiantly quicker (thereby cheaper) than bridging rn to lpn. obviously, i'm a fan of the program, but anyone who has been to college knows there are always bending; thankfully, it is only 4 semesters of bending. expect loans, do what needs to be done, and get that degree!

anyways, there is a new building next year so that means everything will be shiny. the class last year had an admission ratio in the range of 20/60 and this year was much more favorable 20/30. i felt good about the quality of my team though. it seems like we have a lot of time in the hospitals and the lecture is driven toward practice...although it doesn't skimp either on the fluffy nursing theory (i got to meet jean watson!). i love how there are opportunities to give back to the community; many are involved in other ways but during the break, some students will volunteer running a health screening clinic. talking with other nursing students, it seems like they don't have the same opportunity to connect in clinical or with their professor; class size is small and the idea is to drive as much information into our brains as possible in a short amount of time.

this program seems like one of the best kept secrets in the area. cheap tuition like isu but uses the same great hospitals as bsu. most students have families and are stressed between obligations there and with school work. talk to anyone of them and i bet they will tell you it is the right direction. also, make a point to 'interview' professor goodwin or professor quiroz; the faculty is warm and supportive.

i will answer what i can but you really should get online, educate yourself, and come and check out everything before you make a decision. boise is amazing too and having moved here for the program, i loved exploring the 'big city' with many who have been here for some time. good luck!

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The ISU Fast Track program is a 4 semester program that Starts in January and ends in May of the following year. It is for students who already have a Bachelors degree in something, but there are some required prereqs. It is full time/accellerated and is not for the weak of heart. The nurses that come out of this program with a BSN are some of the most highly recruited in the treasure valley. I work at one of the local hospitals, and I have heard nothing but positive remarks about the program from preceptors as well as students. If you already have a degree and want to be a nurse, I would highly recommend this program.

Follow the link below for the first semester schedule.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddp6wrcw_45c2q6pdd5

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