I am new to this site and new to nursing. I was considering Unitek College in Sacramento for the LVN program and would like to receive some input. I've already read all the threads about Unitek on this website, and many people had bad things to say, so I wanted to hear about the good. Basically, I learned that the teachers are not good at teaching, but are great nurses (that's fine for me because I probably learn best through self study anyway.) People have had problems with Sallie Mae (but I will not be taking a loan, so it's not going to be a problem for me)....what I wanted to know is:
1. How is the 3 week course? It's been over 5 years for me since I took any biology, physio/anatomy, chemistry, math courses... and I do not have prior experience in nursing (I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and work as a Child Development teacher, so I'm actually looking to switch careers). If I study really hard, do you think I will pass it, or would you recommend that I take some pre-req courses before applying to the school?
2. How is job placement? The admissions rep has already informed me that we will not be working in major hospitals...she mentioned a lot of students were taking jobs at the local prison? I am kind of worried about that.
3. Did the program prepare you well for the NCLEX?
I've looked into other schools, JC's, States, etc. They all require pre-req's and then a long waiting list...some, I would need a 3.0 in science courses and my last 60 semester units (which I don't have)...others no longer offer a 2nd bachelor's degree program. I am really motivated right now and willing to work and study hard to achieve my goal (I want to be a pediatric nurse or neonatal). If I go through with this LVN program, I would also be taking the LVN to RN program after...because I heard that LVNs are being phased out everywhere. Any advice or information is greatly appreciated but please do not make this a bashing-Unitek thread.
And also, I just noticed you said you already hold a Bachelor's degree...I do too, and a couple other people in my class do as well...and those of us ho already have higher education tend to be at the top of the class. So don't worry. You'll be fine! Trust me! :)
This is good to hear and makes me feel a lil' better:yeah:
And also, I just noticed you said you already hold a Bachelor's degree...I do too, and a couple other people in my class do as well...and those of us ho already have higher education tend to be at the top of the class. So don't worry. You'll be fine! Trust me! :)
I am starting in Sept, so nervous but I think I will do fine. Or I hope so anyway... Any other suggestions? I am so excited and they said this next class has fantastic teachers. Any pointers?
Yes I am starting in Sept at the Sac campus. I am nervous but I did the MA course at WCC in 06. I worked a fulltime job, took care of 3 kids and still drove 80 miles there and back for 11 months. So I am pretty sure this will work too. I want it so much. I weighed the JC vs Private colleges and the answer was always the same. Unitek was the answer. Where are you located?
I actually am located in the East Bay, however my boyfriend lives in West Sac, 10 mins away from the Sac campus. I'll be living with him which is truly a blessing. I just sat in on classes today and looked through the text books, I am so excited. I wanna get in and get out. I'm a little nervous about the first three weeks but I have faith.
That is a major blessing. :) I thought about sitting in on the classes, but I am finishing things up at work. So I can't wait either, very excited to get going. My husband and I are going to commute for the time being so that will help. Well good luck I am sure you will do great and I look forward to meeting you. My name is Tish.
Will anyone tell me how much this LVN program cost at Unitek? How much it will cost from LVN to RN bridge program? Is it worth spening that much money? I'm just curious. I just want to compare the cost jc vs cal state uni vs unitek/kaplan/carrington.
I read somewhere on this thread that unitek don't cover financial aid.
The LVN program is 34k. The LVN to RN bridge program is currently 42k. If you attend Unitek for the LVN program they knock off a whopping 2k making it 40k. Altogether it is 74k. It depends on your situation whether it would be worth it or not. If time is not on your side but finances aren't an issue its a great option. That's kind of where I stand. I originally wento school for medicine I finished all of my prerqs except OChem. I saved the best for last. I took it once, withdrew because I was getting a C and tried again the next semester. I was getting a C the second go at it and decided this just is not for me.
I broke it to my parents that I was no longer interested in pursuing medicine and told them I wanted to be a nurse. They wanted me to walk across a stage so I graduated with the most useless BA on this planet we call Earth. I took the prereqs for nursing school. I did pretty well considering my last semester of college I took 37 units including anatomy and micro. With all that said I did OK not outstanding.
I wanted to go to Samuel Merritt's ELMN program. I spoke with the counselor and they advised me to retake one of my sciences to make my science GPA unquestionably competitive. That was not the answer I wanted, I need to get into the work force now. I spoke with my mother who has a MSN and she told me that whatever I decided she would back me 100%.
Now that I've told you my life story, I decided on Unitek because of the location, the acceleration aspect of the program, and the guarentee of acceptance. If I didn't have that parents and boyfriend I have I would NOT be able to enroll in this program. My original plan was to go to SM's ELMN which would have cost me 120k roughly, or SFSU where I got my BA. Gas would have killed me, last semester I spent $75 every 36 hours in gas. So I'm coming out about even, even if I pursue my Master's at SM after getting my ADN.
hi mysticalseeker, i have a quick ? for you. i am starting unitek in 2 weeks feb 6th. i am nervous about being able to find a job as LVN. i noticed you have been working for 3 years and i just wanted to ask how hard it was for you to find your job? any info would be so greatly appreciated. I know a few RNs and they all say dont waste time and money unless you are getting your RN but i will have to work off this loan before even considering moving forward with the bridge program. again thanks for any info you can share
Hi aimeelynn. I was wondering if you started Unitek like you mentioned. I have been up and down these posts here trying to find others who have or are going to attend this school. I am currently enrolled and will be starting the LVN program in August at the Santa Clara location. I am extremely nervous, yet excited beyond. I have so many questions and was wondering if you could give me some insight on the program. For instance, how is the first 3 weeks, how are the clinical sites, instructors, study time? I plan on commuting with my husband who works about 5 mils from the school 2 days a week. This will at least allow some study time in the car. I was also considering taking the ace train 1 day a week, again for study time. I want to pursue the Rn bridge after I complete this portion, did you move forward to RN?
mistymall
33 Posts
This is good to hear and makes me feel a lil' better:yeah: