Maricopa going to open more programs?

Published

I got a survey on email today from Maricopa...sounded like they were gathering info so they could plan to open more Nursing programs. Anyone know about any plans for more programs??

when you say iia do you mean ethel bauer? i am inclined to agree that something is going on with ethel bauer, if you check the clinical rotation site, they have nothing under their name. wow, i wonder how that would look for their current students? i wonder if any of their students know of the possibility of this? thanks for the info.

how do you check that? the clinical rotation site??? what does that mean that their is nothing under their name? they have no place to do their clinicals?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Correct, IIA is Ethel Bauer... if you check their name under "school query", you'll find their clinical schedule.

I don't know of any partnership or talks of one. I do know that for the past 6 months to a year, IIA has hired an "Executive Commitee" to improve their NCLEX scores and install a new ciriculum (which was finished and installed in the past month). Possibly as a part of that "improvement" plan, this negotiation with Maricopa was somehow involved.

If there was such a partnership, I'm not sure it would benefit the applicants on this waiting list. If anyone on the current waiting list wanted to attend IIA, you would find yourself more than qualified under IIA's current pre-reqs. As a matter of fact, you may even be able to be admitted into their block 2 (they have blocks 1-5 and block 1 is mainly pre-reqs). So any of us (on the list) could go right now and most likely get into their school by Feb.. (I know all of this from experience)

Also, IIA has 24 spots 3 times per year. I was recently told by staff from that institution that is about all they have they physical room and faculty for. They are planning a new building but it is still pretty far out. Not to mention, their program cost is approaching 40K vs a Maricopa program averaging around 6-10k.

Point 3: currently, if you attend and graduate from this program you will have limited options for higher education (i.e. BSN, MSN). U of P and Grand Canyon are the only two options you will have to further your degree... I did also confirm this with these institutions.

So, because of cost, limited seat access (72 per yr), and limited advanced education options, I don't believe a partnership with this institution would benefit the students on this list.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Correct, IIA is Ethel Bauer... if you check their name under "school query", you'll find their clinical schedule.

I don't know of any partnership or talks of one. I do know that for the past 6 months to a year, IIA has hired an "Executive Commitee" to improve their NCLEX scores and install a new ciriculum (which was finished and installed in the past month). Possibly as a part of that "improvement" plan, this negotiation with Maricopa was somehow involved.

If there was such a partnership, I'm not sure it would benefit the applicants on this waiting list. If anyone on the current waiting list wanted to attend IIA, you would find yourself more than qualified under IIA's current pre-reqs. As a matter of fact, you may even be able to be admitted into their block 2 (they have blocks 1-5 and block 1 is mainly pre-reqs). So any of us (on the list) could go right now and most likely get into their school by Feb.. (I know all of this from experience)

Also, IIA has 24 spots 3 times per year. I was recently told by staff from that institution that is about all they have they physical room and faculty for. They are planning a new building but it is still pretty far out. Not to mention, their program cost is approaching 40K vs a Maricopa program averaging around 6-10k.

Point 3: currently, if you attend and graduate from this program you will have limited options for higher education (i.e. BSN, MSN). U of P and Grand Canyon are the only two options you will have to further your degree... I did also confirm this with these institutions.

So, because of cost, limited seat access (72 per yr), and limited advanced education options, I don't believe a partnership with this institution would benefit the students on this list.

So basically, I would be a better spot if I do the LPN through MSC and then pursue either the community college route, or UOP. Which I do understand has had a not so hot passing rate on the NCLEX-RN. I hope by the time I look into that option maybe things will improve.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

sassie,

A little over a year ago, when I was putting in my RN program application, I received some advice from a Nursing Program advisor at a Maricopa community college (name I won't mention). I asked about this specific issue and told them I was going to ALSO apply for an LPN program at the skills centers along with the RN and go with which ever I could get into first. At the time, the wait for the LPN programs I was looking at was only a few months (again, this was over a year ago). The advisor told me that the LPN-route to RN was the "long way" to go.

I cannot tell you how much time and money that conversation has cost me. For January, I'm currently in the Gateway LPN "lottery"... call it what you will, that is what it is. But I'm not holding my breath.

According to the AZ Nursing Board, there are 4 options for LPN in the Phoenix Metro area. There are pros and cons to each one. They range in price from 3k to 10k (I'm including books). If you have the opportunity to go to any of them, I wouldn't think twice about it. (unless you get into an MCC RN program 1st)

The Maricopa Skills Center is the only one I haven't personally contacted. But from what I understand, cost and schedule is very similar to Southwest Skill Center.

Whether you are on the list, about to be, or still need some pre-reqs, I believe that the LPN-route is the best way to go (even better than the private schools... some will disagree). If you have a chance, I wouldn't hesitate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This was my original plan 2 years ago. Life got in the way and sometimes I just talked myself out of it. But, now more than ever I feel this is the "right" path for me. I just have to pass the NET and send in my app. I hope things fall into place so I can get on with life.....Thank you Boru!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

if i remember correctly with MSC there is a 6 month time limit from when you graduate to apply for jump into block 3 of the RN program. which also means you have to have all of your RN prereqs completed PRIOR to this. so if you have your prereqs already done, then this is DEFINITELY a great way to go! if you don't have them done, you'll have to knock them out now and then apply to MSC, or try and complete them at the same time.

this was my original plan, until i found that out. well i also had several other issues with MSC, but i won't get into that right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
if i remember correctly with MSC there is a 6 month time limit from when you graduate to apply for jump into block 3 of the RN program. which also means you have to have all of your RN prereqs completed PRIOR to this. so if you have your prereqs already done, then this is DEFINITELY a great way to go! if you don't have them done, you'll have to knock them out now and then apply to MSC, or try and complete them at the same time.

this was my original plan, until i found that out. well i also had several other issues with MSC, but i won't get into that right now.

I attended the last infomation session for MSC, and I know they mentioned nothing of a 6 month time limit. That wouldn't even make sense to me. If you graduated and pass the NCLEX-PN then why would there be a time limit. What they did mention however, is that in clinicals they cover peds and OB at a greater extent then the ADN prgrams are doing right now. I'm pretty sure I heard that correctly. Anyways, it's my understanding that I could be out working as an LPN and when my pre-req's are complete I could apply to block 3. That would really stink if that isn't the case, as I plan to get into the Sept. class at the lastest and Im not even half way through my pre-req's. Im sure I will find out what's really going on in due time. :coollook:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

that's why i say "if i remember correctly" because they didn't mention it to me either, and i attended an info session 5 months ago. i absolutely DO remember reading it on the maricopa community college websites, though. i don't know all the specifics of it but i do know i read it and thats when i got confused wondering why they wouldn't have mentioned it in person?? but by that time i had already had other issues with them and decided to go another route, which is why i never followed up on it.

i really hope it ISN'T the case because i know how long you've been waiting and how hard you've thought everything through! let me look for the page right now... :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Advanced Placement Admission Requirements for Graduates of Practical Nursing Programs within the Maricopa Community Colleges:

Submit transcript showing completion of the Practical Nursing Program.

Graduates of the Maricopa Skill Center, the GWCC Fast Track Practical Nursing , Block 2 of the MCCDNP, and the Southwest Skill Center Practical Nurse Program may enter the MCCD Nursing Program at Block 3 within six (6) months of PN program completion. When the PN graduate enters after 6 months of program completion, the applicant is considered Advanced Placement and must apply under the requirements of the LPN applicant.

this is where i found it: http://nursing.gatewaycc.edu/NR/rdonlyres/268643F3-D720-4A49-81C6-5BEB163264F8/0/AdvancedPlacementApplication.pdf
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know there is confusion about the "6 month waiting period" issue. Like popmode77, I have also heard this from more than one source (I've even heard it from an advisor). But I have found nothing in the requirements that backs this up.

Here is the reference for the information below:

http://www.nursing.maricopa.edu/pdfdocs/LPNExternTransApp.pdf

This is from the Maricopa Advanced Placement Applicant information:

Advanced Placement Admission Requirements for Graduates of Practical Nursing Programs within the Maricopa Community Colleges:

* Submit transcript showing completion of the Practical Nursing Program.

* Graduates of the Maricopa Skill Center, the GWCC Fast Track

Practical Nursing, Block 2 of the MCCDNP, and the Southwest Skill

Center Practical Nurse Program may enter the MCCD Nursing Program at

Block 3 within six (6) months of PN program completion. When the PN

graduate enters after 6 months of program completion, the applicant is

considered Advanced Placement and must apply under the requirements of

the LPN applicant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There is no lack of demand for healthcare. Just a lack of people with insurance who can pay for it. This is a mess that will take a long time to fix.

I would expect a contraction rather than expansion of programs. After all, many hospitals are now in hiring freeze modes. There is still a strong demand for RNs - experienced RNs.

I would feel extremely frustrated as an aspiring student. But as a working RN, less supply = more demand. A good thing...so I won't be writing a letter to the governor anytime soon!

But I wonder if no one can get into school to learn, (the first step) how will there ever be anymore experienced nurses? It is also good to see a nurse who is more concerned about extremely high demand than the good of the patient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion