Mohawk college rpn?

[theRPN2b]

I heard that the RPN program at Mohawk is very self taught. I was just wonder (those who have completed or are currently enrolled in that program)...how difficult was it? How did you manage through the program? Are there any strategies that helped you learn the content? Any advice on the program in general? Do the professors do any teaching at all? Or do they just review what you were supposed to read for the week?

[poko, BSN, RN]

I'm currently enrolled in the RPN program at Mohawk- almost done my third semester. I would say that the program is very self directed and depending on the instructors, a lot of the time you are on your own. The college has also adopted this "blended learning" approach where our lectures have been reduced from 3 to 2 hours once per week. If you enjoy a self-directed learning environment, Mohawk is a good bet. Basically, for each course, there is a "manual" that is chunked out into a number of lessons, and each week we cover a different lesson or topic in class. Ideally, you want to complete the manual work before attending class. The profs will generally review the manual questions but to be honest, it's a bit disorganized most of the time.

In terms of scheduling, for semester 1 I had 6 courses, each were 3 hours and one of your days will be a 6 hour clinical day in a nursing home. Semester 2 is 4 courses and a 12 hour clinical shift per week. Same for semester 3. We also have lab classes where we have clinical exams at the end of the semester where we are evaluated on performing our skills which is worth 60% of our grade.

In terms of overall advice for the program here's what I would say:

Semester 1 is a bit of a system shock but not heavy in content. Semester 2 I found was challenging as this is when they start to introduce you to the medical aspect of nursing- with the self directed learning, I found it hard to know what I needed to know at times (if that makes sense). Semester 3 isn't so bad after you get the hang of semester 2, but the workload is the same amount I would say.

Any other questions or specific info you need, feel free to reply here or PM me. I remember how confusing it can be at first!!!!

Cheers, Poko

[yawuah]

Hi Poko I am just reading your response and I want to know how heavy each content was in semester 1. 6 courses seems to be a lot

[poko, BSN, RN]

It's manageable. There were many people in the program who worked part time and had kids and managed. It's not to say it's not challenging and difficult, because it is, but with dedication and organization it's manageable. It takes a steady push of constant effort. The workload intensity starts onday 1.The heaviest courses are the health challenges and biology courses. Lab is moderately heavy. The electives and computers in nursing are a breeze. Clinical does require some prep work. The program overall is very self directed. Find smart friends quickly at the start and divide up the work. Trust me :) feel free to PM me if you wish also.

[yawuah]

Thanks so much Poko...I am glad I have someone like you to count on in terms of information. I will do as you have said and I pray things go as planned for me. I have 2 very young kids and I have always been thinking about how to manage them as well as my studies.But like you said, making friends with smart students is key and so is organisation and determination. Thanks Poko...will pm you if I need any information.