NCTC Spring 2015

tayyshain04 · Jun 26, 2014

Hello! I'm applying for the spring 2015 class. I plan on going for my BSN as well, and from what it seems their transfer program looks good! After the ADN program you can go to one of the universities they have partnered with (I know midwestern and tech are on the list) things could change, in 2 yrs and more partners could be added. But you finish up through on the universities online. I think its a great idea, and that's what I plan on doing if things go smoothly.

jls0459 · Sep 22, 2014

I'm a third semester student in the ADN program at NCTC and I wanted to say hello! Most hospitals do prefer a BSN, but will hire an ADN if there is an agreement made to complete a BSN within a certain time frame. It was already mentioned that there is a bridge program at NCTC and the current college partners are Tech, Midwestern and WGU. It will take you two years to complete your ADN and one year of online classes to finish off the BSN. Even though it takes an extra year it is SO MUCH CHEAPER than going to a four year college and the classes are much smaller.

Anyways, I will be around to help answer questions where I can. I'm also going to try to get some of the other students involved. Good luck with your applications and get ready for the Kaplan! I hope to see you guys in the program.

tayyshain04 · Sep 23, 2014

Thank you for the info! I just put in my application today, so I'm really excited! For the Kaplan, what are some things to begin studying?

Another question I had was about tattoos. What's the policy for tattoos that are visable, such as on the wrist?

mckinneygrl · Sep 24, 2014

I am a first semester student, and I understand the hesitation. I am in the Transition class (an LVN now), so the ADN was the next logical step for me. I do plan on continuing on for the BSN when I am done with this step though :). I am not sure if I can answer any of the questions you new applicants might have, but I can try to, or find someone who can!! Good luck on this journey, it is definitely worth it!!

Shine_On · Sep 24, 2014

I'm in my first semester at NCTC & I think it's a great program. I would recommend getting a hesi prep book & maybe a SAT prep book to study for the Kaplan. The SAT prep book will help some with the writing section. Also study the psyiology from AP II. Search Kaplan on all nurses & check out NCTC fall 2014 & 2013 (i think) threads, there is a lot of good Kaplan advice on there. As far as the tats, you will have to cover them at some of the facilities.

Irish_mist, since you already have a bachelor's degree, you might check out some of the fast track programs for people who already have a bachlors in something else. NCTC doesn't have one (yet, there are good things in the works though for a BSN program from what I hear!) But I know Baylor Dallas, TWU, and probably UTA have them. Not that I don't highly recommend NCTC, but I understand wanting to make good use of your time/money.

Laleo12 · Sep 24, 2014

Irish_mist, I am a first semester student. I have a bachelors degree as well. I decided on NCTC for many reasons; smaller class size, high NCLEX-RN pass rate, and cost. The 2year program and one year bridge is less expensive than those accelerated tracks that can run up to $60,000.00.

as for tattoos you just cover them. I have wrist tat and I cover it with a watch. Hope this helps best of luck!

Trans2RN · Sep 25, 2014

Irish...... I to am in first semester, I have a rather large wrist lower arm tattoo and was told to wear long sleeves with everything. Good luck

Trans2RN · Sep 25, 2014

Oops that comment was for tayyshain

jls0459 · Sep 25, 2014

Yes - you have to cover any tattoos that are visible while you are at a clinical facility.

To prep for the Kaplan, you can use a HESI or TEAS study guide for the math, reading and writing portions and you need to get your hands on some NCLEX style questions to prepare for the "science" portion. There isn't a specific type of material that I can tell you to study, but you can get used to the set up of the questions and maybe find some tips on how to answer them.

You guys obviously have some support here. Good luck and I hope you pass the Kaplan.

eLeVatioN · Sep 26, 2014

Hi Irish_Mist,

I am a first semester student in the transition program at NCTC. I also have a previous bachelor's in an unrelated field and intend to get my BSN. I am only one class short of the BSN prereqs and will have that completed by the time I get my ADN. That will leave 30 nursing hours for the BSN through one of NCTC's partner schools if all goes to plan.

The most important factor for me in choosing NCTC was value. The second was flexibility, which the online hybrid track seems to offer. That option is for students with LVN certification.

If I were able to take off work for a year and could afford four or five times the tuition, I might have considered an accelerated BSN program. I probably would not have ultimately chosen one because I am the type to build confidence over time, and time off from employment in the nursing field would also have an effect.

All that said, I hope this board helps you decide what's best for your situation!

jls0459 · Oct 8, 2014

In case you guys don't already know, you need to keep a close eye on the "applying for the next class" page of the NCTC ADN Program page. That is where they post all of the updates as this process progresses. I'd imagine that within the next day or so, they will update the top of the page for your application period and start posting information about the Kaplan Exam. According to their blurb at the bottom, testing letters went out yesterday. Good luck!

"All applicants will be notified by mail of their status. Letters are expected to be mailed by October 7th, if possible. We ask that students wait patiently for their letters. If the web site has posted that letters have gone out but you have not received your letter by October 13^th, please contact the nursing office immediately. Top applicants will receive a letter stating when they are scheduled to take the pre-admission (Kaplan) exam."