Members are discussing the benefits of joining Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at community colleges, focusing on GPA requirements, scholarships, transcript notations, and potential advantages in job applications and transfer to four-year programs. Some users have received scholarships and opportunities through PTK, while others question the value of membership and the exclusivity of the organization. Overall, opinions vary on the worthiness of joining PTK and the impact it has on academic and professional opportunities.
I was recently invited to join Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and was wondering if anyone who has experience with this honor society has found it beneficial other than it looking nice on resumes. My thinking is that most nursing students qualify for this honor due to the grades that must be maintained/acquired for nursing school. How would this make someone stand out in the field of nursing if most nursing students probably qualify?
Has anyone found that it helped them get any new-grad positions when they graduated? Did it help with scholarships? Did it look good when you wanted to transfer to a university? Did you find it helpful in terms of networking? Did it apply to any or none of the above?
I was also wondering what the GPA cutoff is? How low can your GPA fall before they kick you out? I could always ask this at the orientation meeting, but that isn't anytime soon.
I had also heard of Sigma Theta Tau (specifically for nurses) and was wondering what one would need to do in order to be invited to join?
Just curious. I am a member of PTK at PVCC. I just got a spot in the nursing program at Scottsdale Community College, do you have to transfer your membership to the new college? I think each college has their own chapter or whatever they call it. I would hate the think I spent $75 and not be able to graduate with the PTK honors because they are from another college....
I believe the $75 covers national, state, and chapter membership. After the initial payment, it should be just your chapter dues each semester. I would guess you would only need to transfer your membership to the new chapter - and only pay the semester dues. Check with your new school's adviser.
I too was invited to join PTK, but at the time money was extremely tight, as I had been laid off and attending local community college via a State Unemployment Program "Tuition Waiver". My local PTK chapter (and you may wish to check into this) had a special "arrangement" that if you could not afford the $75 fee, you had to write a letter of hardship, explaining your personal circumstances, and if approved at the local PTK chapter level, they WAIVED my $75 fee. I do believe PTK is worth it, and it IS a legitimate, recognized honor society, and not an outfit that wants to sell you a "book" called "Who's Who" or anything like that.
I joined well over a year ago and they do offer alot of health professional scholarships, volunteer work, social networks, and it looks great on a resume. just my simple thoughts. Hope u do well with whatever decision you make. I got my $75 worth.
I think it's purely a money making scheme. I joined too - only need a 3.0. I joined because to apply for certain scholarships I need to be a member. Just make sure it's worth it for that point. You can ask your school about it. My school readily advertised that there were scholarships avail for phi theta kappa members. Other than that, it's 100% a rip off.
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.
Wow, we had to get a 3.75 in our school! Our chapter is pretty active in the community but I just don't have time to participate. I got a nice congratulatory letter from one of the VP's of the college that said 97 students were inducted out of more than 5600 students. It also appears on my transcript as 'Phi Theta Kappa Member, inducted Fall 2009'. It was worth the money for me to have that on my transcript and my resume.
There are several reasons to become a member of phi theta kappa. The first one that comes to the top of my head is the $500 in scholarship money you get when you attend a university. It sure came in handy for me ? It is nice to put on your resume as well.
if you are invited, I would pay the membership fee and take advantage of the rewards. Not everyone can become a member. Good job!
I was sent an invitation after Fall semester, and was thinking of joining. I was already accepted to SFSU School of Nursing without being a member, so I am already transferring, but one of my professors, who is an advisor for PTK says I should still join.
I got an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for 2-year colleges. It's $60 to join (one time fee) and they talk about all these scholarships and such I would be eligible to apply for. It's especially appealing because they offer transfer scholarships and the 4 year university I will be going to to get my BSN is on the list.
Is anyone else in this group and can tell me about some of the benefits they have received?
Do you feel that schools or employers may accept you above those not in an honor society, as in does it give you some sort of advantage?
I joined for the same reasons. I was inducted in April, but I have yet to receive any membership infomation, so I can not even access the scholarship information or the main site. I have contacted the sponsor several times at my school, and have seen no results.
I joined a few months back. I did receive my membership information and have already received scholorship information from a few universities. It is a legit honor society, not just a scam for them to get money like a lot of them are. There are a number of universities that will give you a scholorship just for being a member. Plus, I think if you get involved and volunteer, you will have more scholorship oppurtunities but I am not sure exactly how that works.
There are several reasons to become a member of phi theta kappa. The first one that comes to the top of my head is the $500 in scholarship money you get when you attend a university. It sure came in handy for me 
Good job!
slawrence68
10 Posts
Just curious. I am a member of PTK at PVCC. I just got a spot in the nursing program at Scottsdale Community College, do you have to transfer your membership to the new college? I think each college has their own chapter or whatever they call it. I would hate the think I spent $75 and not be able to graduate with the PTK honors because they are from another college....