Baker College - Auburn Hills - LPN - questions

mrsrlg · Apr 22, 2009

So, no need for my detailed campus instructions then? LOL. See, you were probably right by the student center at some point and didn't even know... :)

Yes, he usually sticks to his routine. I'll be coming from lab and so we sometimes run a few minutes over, but when I'm done I'll come and find you and we can pop outside (I saw one of your other posts about needing to go outside sometimes...LOL - cryptic aren't I? LOL. I may be with others in my class who are also pursuing nursing, but the basic description I gave you should help narrow me down. Sadly, though, there is no mistaking me for a 20-year-old or even 30, LOL, so that should help, too...lol.

panky1 · Apr 22, 2009

Same here, not 20 or 30, sooo we will know each other off the bat!!! LOL

mrsrlg · Apr 22, 2009

Same here, not 20 or 30, sooo we will know each other off the bat!!! LOL

LOL! It seems as though we're the majority, at least in the classes I've been in, but maybe that is because many are returning for 2nd careers and such or have been displaced? In my classes, I've been surprised by how few younger students there are. It may just be that the many of the younger students are going to the CCs? Anyhow, I look forward to meeting you on Tuesday. :)

maxsteel · Apr 24, 2009

Hi, I had a question about the Lpn program at auburn hills, what do you think the ideal GPA is needed to get in to the program, coz right now am taking nutrition and med term and these are my last two prereq . I figured my Gpa would come out to only like 3.20. I had another question about point system like how many points is it for each class and also how many points for the hesi.Someone pls help me with my questions, am really nervous coz i don't have many A just couple A-, mostly B- and B.

mrsrlg · Apr 26, 2009

Hi, I had a question about the Lpn program at auburn hills, what do you think the ideal GPA is needed to get in to the program, coz right now am taking nutrition and med term and these are my last two prereq . I figured my Gpa would come out to only like 3.20. I had another question about point system like how many points is it for each class and also how many points for the hesi.Someone pls help me with my questions, am really nervous coz i don't have many A just couple A-, mostly B- and B.

Hi Maxsteel,

Sorry, I'm away for the weekend and am just checking posts now. At this point, I don't think anyone is sure about what the required GPA will be. I've heard a couple of estimates as to how many will apply, but again can't be sure on that, which would help us figure it out. There are 30 spots in the program, and I believe they are expecting 100-120 people to apply. With that, the GPA could be pretty high. As I've told others, though, to gain some points the best thing to do is to do well on the Hesi, which has 12 points available. For the points, well there are 12 available for the HESI, applicants will have to submit an essay on why they want to be a nurse (I think with the application, but ?), no repeat of classes, no transfer of more than 9 credits, and then weighted GPA (science classes x 2 and others x 1, so an A would be 4.0 x 2 for a science class). Other than that, I think there is just the background check, etc. There is a meeting on Tuesday at 4 pm in the nursing classroom (can't remember the number right now) but it is posted on the nursing board, outside the Health Sciences office (room 209). I'm hoping they will give us more info then. Sorry I can't give you more specific info, but I think we'll all be sweating until we get our letters at or around the end of July, unfortunately.

adn44 · Apr 30, 2009

I graduated from the program last year, it was challenging in many aspects. For one it was a new program and we had many changes that went on throughout the program such as instructors and DON, which made it difficult to follow

as everyone has their own teaching methods. Overall the program gave me the basic knowledge to get started in the field of nursing. I believe that every program has its flaws and strong points so Baker is no exception. GPA does matter while in school, especially in the nursing program. I set my goals for no less than an A and was able to achieve that throughout the program, others were at the B level with a great deal of stress. I am thinking of going on for the RN hopefully this year.

mrsrlg · Apr 30, 2009

I graduated from the program last year, it was challenging in many aspects. For one it was a new program and we had many changes that went on throughout the program such as instructors and DON, which made it difficult to follow
as everyone has their own teaching methods. Overall the program gave me the basic knowledge to get started in the field of nursing. I believe that every program has its flaws and strong points so Baker is no exception. GPA does matter while in school, especially in the nursing program. I set my goals for no less than an A and was able to achieve that throughout the program, others were at the B level with a great deal of stress. I am thinking of going on for the RN hopefully this year.

After I posted to you, I actually read back and saw that you had graduated already, but thanks for replying. :)

Ahhh yes, a new program comes with more challenges, I'm sure. I believe this upcoming program (2009/2010) has some of the same because of clinical placement issues/timing, which means that summer 2010 has 2 rotations, I believe OB and Peds at the same time, as well as 2 other classes. Christine said that summer will be the worst, especially since they will be throwing in a ton of HESI testing and such to help prepare everyone for the NCLEX. I have an excellent GPA, but I understand that it may fall some and am not too worried about it, although knowing that keeping an A isn't impossible gives me hope that I'll be able to do the same. I suppose it is a bit easier as I have no children, my hubby hasn't seen me much b/c I've been in school full-time for almost the last 2 years anyhow (and he is very supportive and helpful around house), and I'm a self-employed contractor and can work whatever hours work for me, if at all, but I do feel for those who have children, jobs with regulated hours, etc. Christine said that AH is still waiting for the approval, but the bridge will be available at AH, though dates are not exactly known yet. They just received their full accreditation in March, so now they can apply for the bridge and perhaps another LPN program, so as a working LPN you would qualify for the bridge (Loretta said that as long as one has completed the program and is working as an LPN, they can return any time for the bridge when it is available). So, that may be an option for you. Anyhow, thanks so much for your input. It is great to hear from someone who has completed the program!

adn44 · May 1, 2009

Hi mrsrlg, you are very welcome. Your story sounds a bit like mine, my children have all grown and my husband has been supportive and helpful through my 2 yrs of school. I actually started out at Baker of Flint doing pre-reqs then grabbed the opportunity at the LPN level. Yes it sounds as though the transition program may fly, if it does I will probably go in that direction. I found it difficult to get into other programs for LPN-ADN articulation, due to those waiting lists that are so discouraging to me. I have all the pre-reqs completed for RN program at Baker allowing me to begin without worrying about that part. As you have probably read throughout this site, different programs require different pre-reqs. I do not have the time nor energy to add any unnecessary classes going outside Baker. During our program the homework was pretty intense as far as chapter readings. In many instances we had 15-18 chapters to study for one test, and 5-8 for weekly quizzes and that was only one class. Do know that you can only hold so much info and the rest is up to that critical thinking skill you will hear so much about. It is true though because you truly need to be able to critically think things through to be a good nurse. It takes time to get the hang of it, but it does come along.

mrsrlg · May 1, 2009

Hi mrsrlg, you are very welcome. Your story sounds a bit like mine, my children have all grown and my husband has been supportive and helpful through my 2 yrs of school. I actually started out at Baker of Flint doing pre-reqs then grabbed the opportunity at the LPN level. Yes it sounds as though the transition program may fly, if it does I will probably go in that direction. I found it difficult to get into other programs for LPN-ADN articulation, due to those waiting lists that are so discouraging to me. I have all the pre-reqs completed for RN program at Baker allowing me to begin without worrying about that part. As you have probably read throughout this site, different programs require different pre-reqs. I do not have the time nor energy to add any unnecessary classes going outside Baker. During our program the homework was pretty intense as far as chapter readings. In many instances we had 15-18 chapters to study for one test, and 5-8 for weekly quizzes and that was only one class. Do know that you can only hold so much info and the rest is up to that critical thinking skill you will hear so much about. It is true though because you truly need to be able to critically think things through to be a good nurse. It takes time to get the hang of it, but it does come along.

Hi adn44,

While I was never fortunate enough to be able to have kids, I have been incredibly fortunate with a hubby who shops, will clean, will do laundry, etc..lol. Now, if only he never snored! LOL

Unfortunately, because I never wanted to go through the competitive process in nursing, I chose to pursue an associate's in accounting (I worked in business/acctg for about 16 years prior to the last 5 years), which I completed a year and a half of before deciding that if never tried to be accepted into nursing, I never would be, so here I am...lol. Fortunately, when I switched over I had many of the pre-reqs, excepting A&P and such, but I do feel as though I wasted a lot of time - now, I'm nearly a junior and am just starting..lol.

I don't blame you for not wanting to start all over at another school. I don't want to start all over again with transferring and taking more pre-reqs, etc., either. If I don't get in, I will be making my second choice, probably a degree in human service or another health care-related major, and moving on. Nursing is my desire, but time and money are limited, so a choice must be made. I hope you're able to get in when you are ready. :)

Thanks for the info about homework and such. It seems very intense. Christine just told us at the meeting that we will be eating, sleeping, dreaming, etc., nursing, so be prepared...lol. My work requires a lot of structure and planning and 2 years of almost full-time school/full-time work has required the same, so I should be ready, although 15-18 chapters for one test will surely test even the most organized. lol. As you said, though, critical thinking and being able to put it all together will help. I look forward to the challenge. Will I whine sometimes, definitely LOL!, but I'm dedicated and will work hard to get what I want, which in this case is to be a nurse :)

I really appreciate the info. It is nice to hear a little bit about what to expect. :)

adn44 · May 4, 2009

Hi mrsrlg,

I hope I helped, it is certainly doable and we are the type that will do!

rnrainy · Jul 24, 2010

I attended Baker and got in my first try with less than perfect NET and a 3.9 GPA. Then I know of people who had a perfect 14 points and were refused after 3 applications (the most Baker allows). I loved Baker though, and am priviledged to be an alumni. I would go back in a heart beat, no matter WHAT the cost!!! I love the small classroom sizes and the personal attention. The bad thing about Baker is most classes don't transfer to other colleges expect maybe Madonna University (Baker's sister school). Whatever you do, keep your dreams alive and keep trying!!!

As for the course materials, remember this. All that other junk (A and P review) is FYI. In nursing classes, you ONLY remember "What would a nurse need to know in this situation".

jazzinurse · Dec 17, 2010

I hope that program excel and those wonderful new pn grads stick it out for a measly 3 months to receive their ADN so they would have to take one nclex exam. Click ' jesse and angela love show' on YoUTUBE. :yeah:

I have read a number of posts on Baker but they are mostly for other locations rather than Auburn Hills. I saw a LOT of angry and unhappy people and only one person that was happy with Baker. I am concerned. I would REALLY appreciate your help by giving me your thoughts and feedback on your personal experiences as soon as possible because I have registered for the Baker in Auburn Hills classes for January 2009.
I need three classes as pre-reqs to the LPN program. I decided to go that route rather than the RN - ADN program in Flint because I will be able to receive my LPN in one year and the Auburn Hills campus is applying for its PERMANENT approval from the State of Michigan for their LPN program. They expect to receive it, and I was told by the state that schools generally receive permanent approval without problem if no changes have been made to the program from the initial approval.
When Baker Auburn Hills receives permanent approval they plan to apply for a LADDER program and offer the RN - ADN program that will be a ladder moving from the LPN certificate seamlessly into the ADN - RN program. The good news is that they hope for approval of the ADN - RN program quickly and they hope it will be only an additional 3 months on top of the LPN program.
That was good news.
Also, I chose Auburn Hills because the LPN program accepted ALL of my eligible classes completed at other schools, and the Flint ADN - RN program only accepts a maximum of 25 credits from other programs.
1 - I am concerned because I have to compete with other students for entry into the LPN program and I don't know how hard the classes are or what grades I will get.
What grades do you need to have to get into the program?
How hard are the pre-req classes?
What is the competition like?
2 - I am concerned because none of the classes transfer to a 4-year univ and I definitely will complete my RN and then either go on for a BSN or MSN completion. But I definitely will NOT stay with only a LPN.
Do you think we will be able to get good jobs with a Baker LPN degree?
Do you think we will be able to go on for a RN and then a BSN and then a MSN if we want at another school when the Baker classes don't transfer?
3 - They are 2-3 times more than community college costs - but I can't wait 2 years to get into a 1 year program and I can't get fin aid for comm college because I have too many transfer credits. I am trying to obtain No Worker Left Behind $10,000 FREE money but so far I have not been able to move it forward until I receive an acceptance letter INTO the actual LPN program. Because they cost so much they are taking money I need to live on and it is a real commitment on my part.
What kind of quality of education will we get at Baker for the money they charge?
4 - I have A&P 2 with Moutafian and Into Algebra with Govil and Med Term with Olley. Has anyone had any experience with these teachers?
I cannot afford to pay for this school use a lot of my fin aid and then not get into the program. Any thoughts?
Just as a side note, my Admissions Rep is really great and the Director of the LPN program has been very helpful.
Thanks for your help! :wink2: