Lamar State LVN to RN Program

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have been looking into online programs because I like the fact that I can take as many classes as I feel comfortable with & still work. It is difficult though because there aren't many options in Texas & I have ruled out most of them.

- EC: I don't feel comfortable with the 3 day CPNE.

- ISU: I don't like that they refer you to TCN. I tried to inquire more about ISU now TCN won't stop calling me.

- WGU: I really like them but I have to live 50 miles from a clinical site, I don't. The only clinical sites are in Houston & Dallas.

That leaves Lamar State & Allegeny College.

- Lamar State: I could enroll today if they had start dates, but they don't. I know someone who is enrolled (almost done) & she likes it.

- Allegeny College: I have never heard of anyone using this college. It seems like they have a bunch of hoops to jump through just to start the process.

So since there aren't many options I am leaning toward Lamar State. I would like some current or graduates of Lamar State to give me some input on what the classes & clinicals were like.

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My husband just finished Lamar. They are having issues with NCLEX scores so they may not be taking any new students. Lamar has a lot of problems. I have had to listen to my husband complain about this program for the past 15 months. They are changing the format and extending many of the classes. Therefore, you won't finish in 15 months anymore. If you can I would suggest looking for another program. Regarding, Allegeny College are they an approved BON school? I googled the name and nothing comes up.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
My husband just finished Lamar. They are having issues with NCLEX scores so they may not be taking any new students. Lamar has a lot of problems. I have had to listen to my husband complain about this program for the past 15 months. They are changing the format and extending many of the classes. Therefore you won't finish in 15 months anymore. If you can I would suggest looking for another program. Regarding, Allegeny College are they an approved BON school? I googled the name and nothing comes up.[/quote']

I know they had problem with NCLEX scores but that's not the school's fault. What problems did he have? I don't mind how long it takes, I want to be able to work & go to school. I don't know much about Allegeny.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I know they had problem with NCLEX scores but that's not the school's fault.

Actually, schools are held directly responsible for NCLEX scores and pass rates, so they are essentially at fault if they cannot adequately prepare students for the NCLEX. Looks like their pass rates for 2012 were about 67%: http://www.bon.texas.gov/nursingeducation/edudocs/statusreport.pdf

That's why they're not accepting any new students.

Here's the Allegany info, for anyone else: http://www.allegany.edu/x1265.xml

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Well I didn't study for my NCLEX the first time, not my school's fault.

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Lamar State, the last I heard is not taking new students because I believe the program was put on probation by the BON. I hope that changes soon, because that is one of my best options for my job and etc. Lamar State College, Orange, still has their nursing program, but does not offer it online. I too have looked at Allgany and it seems good, but it does seem very hard to get into...almost like they try to scare you away from the beginning!!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Yeah I have talked to the nursing department at Lamar State & they just keep saying to watch the website.

Allegheny makes me nervous, there are soo many hoops to jump though.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I got an email update from Lamar State, here is what it said:

Good Morning,

You are receiving this letter because you’ve requested information about Lamar State College Port Arthur’s online nursing program. The program has been rewriting its policies and procedures this past year and we’ve awaited a chance to meet with the Board of Nursing to see if the new policies were sufficient for the program to be reopened.

In our meeting with the Board this month we were told that the Board will consider allowing the program to admit a traditional, on-campus class but they will not consider allowing us to admit any new students for any further online training at this time. The college will focus its efforts on admitting a local class (pending Board approval) and will approach the board to discuss resuming online classes again late in 2014.

I am sorry that this will affect your plans to join our college. I hope you great success with the alternative program you choose.

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Specializes in Hospice/Palliative Nursing.

They will not be continuing the online program. The program is structured and you wouldn't be able to do take classes at your leisure anyway. Their program director unexpectedly passed away last year and the program has gone down hill since. I've been through the program and it is TOUGH!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
They will not be continuing the online program. The program is structured and you wouldn't be able to do take classes at your leisure anyway. Their program director unexpectedly passed away last year and the program has gone down hill since. I've been through the program and it is TOUGH!

Well I hope they can get their act together & bring back the online program. Not everyone can afford/has the time for a full time program.

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Specializes in NICU( RN), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

ItsValarie- are you still looking at other schools to attend?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
ItsValarie- are you still looking at other schools to attend?

Not at this time. I was going to apply to a community college in my town but I found out I'm pregnant a month before the test. Classes start 1 month after the baby is born. So I'll just wait until the baby is in school too.

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