Private School/Vs. CC

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Specializes in Hospice.

I'm moving to New Kent (right outside of Richmond, close to Williamsburg and NN also) and have a dillema. I've wanted to start school earlier but have had no help here in Tx and am now moving back home for family support so I can finally get this done. I'll be living in a very expensive area that my family can afford, but I can't. And I need to stay there in order to have help with child care.

This stated, I'm wondering about the program @ MCI in Richmond. My biggest issue is that if hospitals/clinics, etc. can hire people with AA or ADN's, why would they hire me after all I have is a diploma/certificate from a career school?

Can any MCI graduates tell me how it was getting employed after school? Are LPN spots competetive up there? The good part is that I have Richmond AND Hampton Roads accessible to me for work, as I'll be living exactly between Richmond and Norfolk. I just don't want to go to a career school and not be able to find employment after I've paid almost 30k for my education.

Also..how about CNA's? can someone give some input on working as a CNA? My plan is to pay for CNA @ J. Sargent Reynolds and get that over with in 8 weeks, and work as a CNA while I'm in school for LPN. I've tried to look up starting pay for CNA's on careerbuilder...I don't see many CNA positions and the ones I am seeing don't list starting pay.

Thanks in advance!

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Hi,

I grew up in King William (across the river from New Kent), and do not know anything about MCI, but was wondering why you aren't considering Rappahannock Community College in Glenns and J. Sargeant Reynolds for your RN instead. According to the RCC website http://www.rcc.vccs.edu/academics/adn/adnestimatedcosts.shtml, their program costs ~$10,190 plus travel. The way I would think about it is $30,000= diploma/certificate @ MCI vs. $10,000=RN (ADN). As for the job part, I can think of two things right off the bat... 1) MCV/VCU will hire CNAs as Care Partners http://www.healthcaresource.com/mcvh/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobList&template=dsp_job_list.cfm&iJobCatId=102 and teach you what you need to know in order to effectively work as a Care Partner on the floor...I worked there myself prior to nursing school and it was a great experience/taught me a lot of nursing skills...2) Sentara has an actual Care Partner program http://www.sentara.com/Sentara/HospitalsFacilities/Schools/HealthProfessions/ProgramInformation/care_partner_program.htm in which you can apply to, get trained, & could possibly work at Sentara Williamsburg Regional (not too far from New Kent). Just another opinion, if you're at all interested in EMS/ER nursing, or just learning more in general about patient care, getting your EMT-Basic would be very helpful...you learn the ABC's very well and it makes identifying priority interventions/conditions in nursing school waaaaaaayyy easier. I took my EMT-B course at James City Fire Training Center in Williamsburg (actually located at Eastern State Hospital-unless it has moved), and it was a really well put together course with great instructors.

Hope this helps! Good luck pursuing your nursing degree!:wshgrt:

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Specializes in Hospice.

oh man thank you soooo much for all of your info! My biggest issue is that in light of the fact that I won't have the benefit of paying in state tuition because I'm still a resident of Texas, and I need to get on my feet ASAP as I can't stay w/my family for very long, that's why I was considering a certificate program instead of CC. Your post was AWESOME TY TY !

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Specializes in Home Health, Med/Surg.

I am an MCI student in Virginia Beach. They do not give you diplomas, they give you an associates degree for the LPN or RN programs. I am currently in the RN program. Sentera Hospital and Riverside Hospitals consistantly recruit MCI students....

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Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.

There is also an ADN program at TNCC, they have a small campus in Williamsburg. I don't know where you are for prereqs, but the program at Historic Triangle begins in Jan with application in September (if I remember correctly). There are plenty of CNA opportunities at LTCs in Williamsburg.

Best of luck in where ever you choose.

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Pls is anybody know if American International Institute of Health 901 South Highland Street is a register LPN School. Pls I need quick answer because I want to go and start my LPN program with this school. Before I will enter the program, guys I need your help to know about this school

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Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.

bluedog i have never heard of aii.

go to the state nursing board website, they list all approved nursing programs and also have recent stats on their exam pass rates for rn and lpn.

www.dhp.state.va.us/nursing/

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