Passaic Community College

I just graduated from PCCC. I was in the LPN-RN bridge program. The school is one of the best program in NJ. A nurse from the board of nursing told me about the school. The program was challenging but it was all worth it. The professors really want you to succeed, and the cost was less than most school. The tuition was $72 per credit. I started in May 05 and graduated in May 06. I suggest that you take the time to drive to the schhol and get information yourself. I just received my diploma in the mail and I feel like I have achieve something big. Go for it, it was definetely worth it.

Lannie

Hi Espikey! I don't know very much about the LPN-RN program, but I start PCCC'S regular ASN program this September. I've been taking my prereqs there for two years, and I really, really love it. I can't say anything yet about the nursing program specifically, as I haven't started, but the professors I've had for the science classes have been amazing- I haven't had a bad experience yet, and the nursing professors I've met at orientation seem dedicated and helpful. Everyone I've spoken to who is either in the program or has graduated has said the program itself is difficult but excellent. I'm sorry I can't help you specifically with your LPN-RN question, I just wanted to let you know it's a very good school. If you haven't already, check out http://www.pccc.edu- click on the "academics" link, it will lead you to the nursing department's page. Good luck!

Hi I just got accepted into the RN program at Passaic myself.but I didnt do my pre-requesites here. I did it with the afiliated school(sussex county community college)is the same program at different location.their program is good but you have to take a nurses entrance test.I will be staring on September at the Passaic location. Does anyone have a suggestion , any coments. I'm working fulltime and I'm wondering if I should go partime?

Hi.. it's funny cause I just noticed this post and realized I had posted almost exactly two years ago, when I was just about to start nursing school.. well, here it is two years later and I just graduated. :) I'm going to be honest with you- not to try to scare you but to let you know what you are in for. It's very, very difficult. We lost a lot of smart, hardworking people along the way. I can't tell you what to do about work- it depends on a lot of things. How good are you at balancing, going with very little sleep? How stressful is your job? PCCC's nursing program is very time consuming, mentally and emotionally draining. The first semester isn't so bad but be ready for the second- that was by far the worst, for me, of all four. You will need to spend a lot-almost all- of your free time reading. You need to be very organized and very dedicated and not get distracted by anything. I'm really serious when I say this has to be the first priority.. if work is going to be a distraction in any way you need to think about cutting down your hours. We did have people in our class who worked but a lot of those jobs were desk jobs where they were able to get studying in time while at work. I don't want to scare you but I want you to know what you are getting into! It is definitely an experience.. you will love and hate it at the same time!! Good luck!! Let me know if you have any questions- I'll try to help you as much as I can!!

Thanks Jessiek for offering to help me and taking the time to care!!! My problem is I'm supporting myself and got tons of bills. Some how I have to manage to wrk at least 32hrs a week and Nur-1. Do you have any tips that u earned through experience that I can posible use. I'm anxious but very nervous at the same time. Thks again for your info. Now I know what to expect.

Hi,

Congrats on acceptance into the nurse program..

I am starting my pre-req this fall at PCCC. I have alot of pre-req already from a previous degree, but need to take the science courses. I want to get them out of the way. I also need to work f\t right now since I am a single mother of two and still need to pay the bills. I am hoping I can get through the pre-req and remain at work f\t. I know this might change once I get further into the program.

I have a couple of questions if you dont mind...

Is it difficult to get into the program/is there a waiting list?

Right now my degree audit reads "pre-nurse", will they advise when to apply for the nurse program, how does that work?

Good luck to you!!!

Hi to both of you!! Denise I posted a reply on the other thread before I realized you had written here too- hope that answers some of your questions, let me know what else I can help you with! WantRN.. really glad I could help and you are definitely not the first one to be in this position and to make it through. There were people in my class who did it while working full time, with kids, going through a divorce, pregnant, taking care of newborns, dealing with a parent with terminal cancer.. you name it. It's do-able. I think it comes down to a question of how badly you want it and how much you are willing to work for it and sacrifice for it. There will be some really hard days when you will think you can't do it and you will wonder why you got yourself in to this in the first place. :) I've been there. But.. if you are willing to work hard (really hard sometimes).. it's do-able. If you need to work 32 hours during nursing 1 and then maybe cut back in nursing 2, I think that would be best. Nursing 1, looking back on it now, was relatively easy compared to the rest of the program. It didn't feel easy at the time, since many things were very very new, especially to someone who had no medical background whatsoever. But nursing 1 while working full time, while difficult, can be done. Just stay organized and keep reading, all the time. And if you finish early and you have free time, keep going- you never know when that will be a lifesaver. Just go into it with the mentality that passing or failing is not a choice- you will pass and you will do what it takes. We had many people who didn't pass- don't ever question what it will take to pass, just know that you will do it. The exams can be very hard- take them all very seriously. Do lots and lots of practice questions- I recommend buying a Saunders book (you can find them in Barnes and Noble in the Nursing section) and do the sections that are relevant to whatever you are studying at that time. Get the syllabus from the school for Nursing 1 as soon as they post it (a lot of the program is online now), buy the books asap, and start reading ahead as soon as you can- it's a lot of reading. Again don't want to scare you but wish someone had told me these things when I was starting out- I'm trying to save you lots of headaches :) let me know whatever I can help you with.. as I said to Denise in the other thread.. this is much easier than trying to study for the NCLEX.. !!

hi Denise, to get into the program the school uses a point system. The bottom line is the more credits toward the degree and the better GPA gets in. They also take in consideration The NET; wish is very basic, math reading and grammar. Don't get overwhelmed with to many classes. Just focus in good grades and u will get in.

Thanks for the info...it is great to talk with someone who has already been through the process. Best of luck to you!!