So far it appears like I've only been accepted into the part-time RN program at MDC.edu (Miami Dade College) for August 2011 (Fall 2011).
There is another LONG thread for MDC Fall 2011, but it isn't specific to the part-time program. I'm not sure if other students who have been accepted to the part-time program will start collaborating, but if they do, this might be one good place to start!
Sincerely,
Fem
P.S. Well, it has taken me 3 (three) tries to create a new discussion thread. I'm hoping this is in the proper place & location. I'm hoping I get some students post here. Collaboration is a wonderful thing.
I'm going to ask a friend of mine who went through the program last year. By the way, would someone mind posting the list of the books we need for the first semester? I just got back in town and can't find my copy of the yellow paper anywhere... Sigh...
Thanks, Fem. Don't worry, I will pass by the school today. I passed by yesterday and picked up the stethoscope and what nots. I assume we will need it for the skills lab.
Hello, I am undecided in whether to go with BCCs or MDCs nursing program so I had a question. When you start the program in BCC you will only do Process 1 + clinical, and Pharmacology, then Process 2 + clinical and the rest of Pharmacology, but after that you basically do one class at a time which sounds great. From checking MDCs nursing program sheet it shows the following classes in the first semester:
NUR 1025 - Dimensions of Client Care 1A - Fundamentals (2 credits)
NUR 1025C - Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab (2 credits)
NUR 1060C - Adult Health Assessment (2 credits)
NUR 1142 - Introduction to Nursing Math & Pharmacology (1 credit)
and every semester has multiple classes which seems like a lot to me. Does anyone know how hard it is compared to BCCs one class approach?
You are posting in the MDC PART-TIME blog.... so you might want to ask that question to the full-timers?!
I've asked ample BCC Students and the rumor is that MDC is a more encouraging environment.
One BC RN student I know (who has an MBA) "pooh-poohed" me...when I mentioned the concerns that were mentioned to me from a variety of BCC RN students. After 6 months at BCC RN school, he is singing a different tune. His email to me reinforced my decision to attend MDC for RN school.
While waiting my turn for academic advisement at MDC, I've met several failed RN students from BCC apply at MDC. My opinion is just one of many. Opinions are like doorknobs, each house has a bunch.
From all the questions I've asked... seems to me most (not all) RN students go to the college that is closest. I was looking for my best chances of success through RN school (& passing NCLEX) not the closest college. And please don't misunderstand me, finances are always an issue... so paying extra for gas when it is $4.00 (more or less) per gallon isn't fun. But not making it through RN school would be a worse situation for me.
GOOD LUCK with whatever you decide is right for you.
P.S. And remember, some students have the natural gift of "photographic memory", and left-brain (science brain). Others are more right-brain (artistic).. and can't remember doodley-squat.... so knowing that about yourself might help you decide, too. Why pay extra gas money to MDC if you are brilliant? Of course, in that event, why not go directly for the BSN degree?! LOL.
You are posting in the MDC PART-TIME blog.... so you might want to ask that question to the full-timers?!
I've asked ample BCC Students and the rumor is that MDC is a more encouraging environment.
One BC RN student I know (who has an MBA) "pooh-poohed" me...when I mentioned the concerns that were mentioned to me from a variety of BCC RN students. After 6 months at BCC RN school, he is singing a different tune. His email to me reinforced my decision to attend MDC for RN school.
While waiting my turn for academic advisement at MDC, I've met several failed RN students from BCC apply at MDC. My opinion is just one of many. Opinions are like doorknobs, each house has a bunch.
From all the questions I've asked... seems to me most (not all) RN students go to the college that is closest. I was looking for my best chances of success through RN school (& passing NCLEX) not the closest college. And please don't misunderstand me, finances are always an issue... so paying extra for gas when it is $4.00 (more or less) per gallon isn't fun. But not making it through RN school would be a worse situation for me.
GOOD LUCK with whatever you decide is right for you.
P.S. And remember, some students have the natural gift of "photographic memory", and left-brain (science brain). Others are more right-brain (artistic).. and can't remember doodley-squat.... so knowing that about yourself might help you decide, too. Why pay extra gas money to MDC if you are brilliant? Of course, in that event, why not go directly for the BSN degree?! LOL.
Thank you very much for the response! :) I had posted it here because the classes I posted were from the Part-time Nursing program at MDC not the full time one. I'm like you in the sense that I am looking for the place that I will have the best chance at passing, getting the license and getting hired, whether its MDC, BCC, or Keiser.
A co-worker of mine just completed the RN program at Broward so I have been probing her every chance I get. I have fears because I do not have very good memory but I can be very dedicated. Also I won't be able to quit my full time job so the workload being too much for me is another fear I have.
I'm eager to know what your friend that finished BCC RN school suggested to you. I've been "pooh-poohed" about the rumor of a 16% graduation rate at BCC. Maybe the RN students telling me this mean that only 16% go DIRECTLY through... without remediation, a break, failing/retaking the 1 class allowed to fail, etc.
PLEASE share your friend's experiences at BCC.
By the way, I do believe that the part-time programs at either MDC or PBSC are more competitive to get into. I think many students like the idea of working (at least part-time) to pay bills, etc.
I'm eager to know what your friend that finished BCC RN school suggested to you. I've been "pooh-poohed" about the rumor of a 16% graduation rate at BCC. Maybe the RN students telling me this mean that only 16% go DIRECTLY through... without remediation, a break, failing/retaking the 1 class allowed to fail, etc.
PLEASE share your friend's experiences at BCC.
By the way, I do believe that the part-time programs at either MDC or PBSC are more competitive to get into. I think many students like the idea of working (at least part-time) to pay bills, etc.
The thing with her is that her memory is pretty extraordinary. As per her, the BCC classes weren't that hard with exception of the first block in which she had to take nursing math, pharmacology, process1+clinical which she says she only got about an hour of sleep per day cause of all the studying. She took the online course btw. Also yes the graduation rate is horrible, she told me she started with roughly 30 people and only 7 finished the course. That is scary as hell
Hmm it makes sense that the part time program would have more competition. If anyone that has taken the course has any feedback on how many students get into the part time program per group I'd love to know. Also do they take the amount of time you took for your prereqs into consideration? For example, if I take 2 classes of prereqs per semester until I did them all, will that count against me compared to someone who took 5 classes per semester? I don't want to ruin my gpa by overextending myself and taking way too many classes at a time
"Also yes the graduation rate is horrible, she told me she started with roughly 30 people and only 7 finished the course" SCAREY INDEED. So, again, it reconfirms my decision to attend MDC. I'm praying I don't hear that type of graduation rate from MDC. One student I ran into on MDC campus said of the 50 original students, 36 were still there and graduated. She wasn't sure if the others dropped out, failed out, or remediated & graduated later. I have yet to get a direct answer from MDC on this inquiry. Naturally everyone speaks a positive attitude and assumes they will graduate.
HOW MANY PART-TIME STUDENTS? I think PBSC.edu has 30 students once a year. I think MDC has 50 students once a year. Part-timers were not scheduled "sequences" or "groups" whereas full-timers were. Yet I also believe that Saturday, 1/2 of the students take class "A" earlier in the day while the other 1/2 take class "B". Then they swap. And I think some "labs" are limited to 10 people.
PART-TIME COMPETITION: I think MDC takes more into account than they mention, including medical work experience. (CNA's, LPN's, MA's, phlebotomists, etc). But one thing you can't easily redo (in my opinion) is your science pre-requisite classes. Some students can handle a heavy work load (13 credits), work full time & still earn A's. On the opposite extreme, other students struggle with a part-time school schedule. I don't believe MDC looks at how long it takes you. But I believe there is a 10 year limit on science classes. I think the "TAKE AN EASIER WORKLOAD FOR PRE-REQUISITES" MAY HELP YOU GET ADMITTED, BUT WILL IT HELP GUARANTEE YOU ACCOMPLISH THE HEAVIER WORKLOAD OF RN SCHOOL? The new full-timers have 5 classes starting Aug 22. The part-timers have 4 classes (10 credits) . The difference is that one of these 4 classes (3 credits) is extended thru the Spring. So, one of the classes you have longer to study for it. But don't always go by credit hours to determine the level of challenge of a class. I've taken 1 credit classes that were more challenging than 3 credit classes.
IF YOU AREN'T THE BRILLIANT TYPE BUT ARE DEDICATED & FOCUSED: You may consider CNA, LPN, MA (1 year program, I hear), phlebotomy, etc. Any skills or hospital work experience is helpful, I believe. One gal in her 3rd semester was saying the RN program is challenging for her. And she is already a MA with 4+ years experience and currently working in a hospital. I would have thought RN school to be easier for her. She can already do so many things including drawing blood. Whereas a person without any medical experience, everything is new, including something "simple" like taking blood pressure. It seems reasonable that working part-time at the hospital in addition to the full-time RN school workload is more challenging than just going to school. Can your budget include not working?
I also believe that MDC takes into account things like higher education (AA degree, BA or BS degree, MBA, etc). Do you have anything under your belt already? If you are directly out of high school... were you a high performer in high school? Do you have family in the medical profession to give you encouragement & guidance?
ANYTHING WORTHWHILE DOES NOT COME EASY. And choosing wisely is worthwhile.
I also believe that MDC takes into account things like higher education (AA degree, BA or BS degree, MBA, etc). Do you have anything under your belt already? If you are directly out of high school... were you a high performer in high school? Do you have family in the medical profession to give you encouragement & guidance?
ANYTHING WORTHWHILE DOES NOT COME EASY. And choosing wisely is worthwhile.
Well no I'm 27, barely graduated high school with a 2.0 gpa, and have only taken Enc1101 and the computer class at miami dade a couple years ago (passed with an A in both.) Basically been working nonstop since high school.
MiaNur
40 Posts
I'm going to ask a friend of mine who went through the program last year. By the way, would someone mind posting the list of the books we need for the first semester? I just got back in town and can't find my copy of the yellow paper anywhere... Sigh...