noviciate

The name of the program is the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). You have attend an information session, orientation, testing, and meet with a career advisor at your local unemployment office. Participation is based upon your work history and skill set. If you're presently receiving unemployment your chances for participation are greater. If qualified, you'll receive a training voucher to be utilized for educational purposes. Please be advised, these are usually short term training programs and you are expected to secure full-time employment at the conclusion of your program. If you intend to continue your education through nursing school this may be an issue. Getting in is no longer a slam dunk and you'll need to jump through major hoops to qualify. The voucher will NOT cover the full cost of the program at PCCTI. However, the school has two rates and typically offers a lower one for government voucher recipients. You would be better off going through city colleges and allowing your government aid to pay for your training. Please read the current PCCTI thread regarding student experiences with this program. Good Luck! Novi

I think it will depend on how large the textbooks are and if you're carrying a laptop as well. I use this version by ebags and it is indestructible and comes with a lifetime warranty. There are numerous pockets and it converts to a backpack when necessary with an accompanying pad/cover to prevent the wheels from getting you dirty. If you have any questions feel free to message me. http://www.ebags.com/ebags/router_wheeled_laptop_convertible/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20172 Novi

I would hold off on the biology, one semester won't kill you. Focus on your writing and math skills, as both are necessary for the courses you'll need to take. Dependent on the instructor, biology can be a cakewalk or a pain in the butt. Given the fact that you have to complete remedial math and english classes, I would get the latter two out of the way and use them as a springboard for the coming semester. You might want to see if you school offers an accelerated math course, something that would allow you to complete two classes in one semester. That would be a smart option and would really boost your math skills. Otherwise, check the website I posted on another thread: http://www.learnatest.com/LearningExpressLibrary/Home.cfm?CFID=x&CFTOKEN=x&Refresh=1&sip=-1735116641 They have math, vocabulary, writing modules, GED prep, and other practice exams. Good luck! Novi

If you're taking a full load both semesters, when do you plan to study for your GED? Unless your writing skills are extremely well, you may want to hold off on any course that will require papers and such until you have taken your introductory composition courses. I suppose my question is why you're waiting to take the exam at all? Have you completed a GED prep class?

This has been the night from hell. I incurred website problems during my medical terminology exam. Ten of my answers failed to register. The answer sheet started blanking out. I am so frustrated. I don't know if my instructor will permit me to retake it or if another option is available. We have no other assignments save exams. I would be looking at a C in a best case scenario. Has anyone ever experienced this? If so, what recourse did you take? Novi

LOL! I haven't tried that yet. Is anyone else losing weight? I'm down nearly 15 pounds since school began.

Have you used this service before? It would appear that they disclose that the information would be shared with the insurance companies listed. I'm assuming that most people seeking a quote are considering a purchase. The purpose of posting the website was to provide information regarding insurers specific to the OP's location.

Insurance quotes are available at this website tailored for students: http://www.healthinsurancesort.com/student-health-insurance.htm Hope this helps. Novi

You're not alone. My house leaves much to be desired and I have reconciled myself to the fact that cleaning won't happen for a couple of weeks. I researched a cleaning service and will be trying them out. With a busy schedule spanning seven days per week, merely getting laundry done is an accomplishment, let alone a meal. However, I do make time for myself. My studies were cut short while I was ill and I spent time watching golf and relishing the free moments of normalcy. I think that is important, especially with the risk of burnout a looming reality. Remember, this too shall pass. Keep your head up. *s*

This has been the week from hell. I've had a bronchial infection that won't quit and searing pain that may be stemming from my occipital nerve. These things are coupled by the fact that a computer glitch and a mistake on the registrar's part inadvertently removed me from my Human Development course. Needless to say I am one week behind and playing catch up in everything else. Ack! But as usual my Biology professor is fab. He is allowing me to take my exam when desired. I've had perfect attendance up until the last couple of days and he was very accommodating as were my other instructors. Yet and still I'm heartily looking forward to July 24th when the madness ends and I can simply do nothing for a spell! PS. I adore sleep. It never felt so good. :chuckle Novi

I sincerely believe they bit off more than they can chew. I attend Oakton at present and they are far more organized and professional. This school is very loosely run and the conversation is likened to what you would have in the company of close friends. A lot of money is passing hands and the school markets itself to low income persons that can qualify for government funding. The remaining population pay exorbitant fees for an unproven program in my opinion. Other options exist in the city and quicker may not be better in this case. I would advise that you investigate the school further, in particular the staff turnover and student completion rates.

My experience was at the downtown location. I can't speak for the others. Several people students were in the office while I was there. I do recall a fee of $25.00 if the test (HESI I believe) is not passed. I think they allow you several opportunities but each retake required the fee.

Interesting comments. I visited the school a month ago and sat for nearly twenty minutes while idle chatter occurred and phones were answered. I was never assisted. It left a very strange taste in my mouth and the impression I had was that things were very loosely run. While I can't confirm what has been posted above, I'm really not surprised. I discovered later from someone in the corporate office that packages are only available when funds are paid through government assistance programs due to the monetary cap. Person's using other forms of payment must pay the individual amounts stated. I opted to attend Samland Institute for my CNA and the city colleges for my EKG and Phlebotomy training.

We're currently on chapter 3. We began last Monday. My professor is very easy going and we will not cover the full text. His lectures provide the material that we'll have on our exams. We presently have four exams scheduled, three 500 word journal articles, and two weekly lab assignments that are due the following week. Aside from this we receive no homework. A fellow student mentioned that he was highly rated on ratemyprofessor.com. It appears that I got lucky with all of my class choices this summer.

i think studying and class attendance is a given, but it is impossible to know what to expect unless you've spoken to the professor. my summer classes are not intense, or at least don't appear to be so. the pace and material covered is largely dependent on whether the instructor has made accommodations for the shortened time span, or intends to cram everything in. thus far in the classes i've taken both approaches are present.

As if my summer schedule wasn't enough!!! I have a three week break before the insanity begins again. This may be why my knee is aggravated. I need to sit down, so says my physician EKG instructor. :chuckle Fall 2009 Human Anatomy & Physiology I General Chemistry I Intermediate Algebra with Geometry English Composition I & II (1 year course compressed into 16 weeks) Intro to Psychology Logic (web) Classes M-TH. Employment on the weekends only.

These are the classes I'm taking for the summer: May: 3-week Algebra course (based on the 16 week version) June: ECG training (8 weeks) Algebra (7 weeks) Psychology - Human Development (web) 7 weeks/16 week version Medical Terminology (web) 8 weeks/16 week version Biology 8 weeks/16 week version Advice: Be very honest about your schedule, strengths/weaknesses, and outside distractions. All of the above will play a pivotal role in your studies. Longer is better if it means you'll get a passing grade!

I compared the requirements for the two year and four year programs, and made certain that my course selections covered both. I will be relocating for nursing school and plan to attend a BSN/MS program and return for a MBA upon completion. I 'm thinking long term and building upon my level of knowledge, influenced to some degree by the program requirements but also by my personal interests. I'm also attending CNA and ECG training classes. The courses provide employment options, exposure to patient care, and hands on experience that is always beneficial in nursing. College is the last opportunity you will have to explore a wide variety of topics. Take advantage of it. Everything going forward is more specialized.

Drop the class. A&P II over the summer would be an accelerated condensed version of the normal semester/quarter course. You will probably be in over your head and would risk doing poorly and ruining your gpa. So, here's your options. Audit AP I at another school. But actually do the work. Or opt to take it at a different community college, pay out of pocket if you need to. No grumbling, just suck it up and accept it is for the 'cause'. Since you have to submit transcripts from all schools attended for entry into most programs you will have verification that you did improve the grade. If the original was a D or less you could transfer it back to your school. Retaking AP I would be the only science course I would suggest over the summer. But realize that the detail you require may be sorely lacking, and they'll be cramming facts into your head. Don't think about the extra semester, but weigh the whole thing out carefully. If I were in your position I'd simply retake it in the fall instead. As a former science major I would also recommend that you consider taking an additional science class if you can. Since your gpa is going to be hindered by this one hiccup, demonstrating your proficiency in the sciences might tip the scales on your behalf. Genetics would be a good one, or another biological science. I'd shy away from physics unless you have good math skills. Plus, the majority of your classmates would be pre-med, engineering, science, or computer science majors. Good Luck! Novi

The answer would largely depend on your interests and finances. If you're funding this out of pocket, you'll probably want to start with CNA training. Finding a job will be easy and it is likely that your employer will provide you with the additional skills for ECG and Phlebotomy or provide tuition reimbursement. Some schools offer a Patient Care Technician program which includes all three portions mentioned above. It is true, a phlebotomist must have experience and many schools provide an internship/externship for their program attendees. In regard to cost, I would say that the CNA will probably be the most affordable. You have to factor in classroom time and clinical as well. The one caveat might be ECG, which may not have a defined clinical aspect. If you have additional questions please feel free to send me a message. I'm taking my CNA and ECG simultaneously along with college courses. *l* I'll start Phlebotomy in the fall. Good Luck, Novi

I'm taking Biology 121 - General Biology. It is the section slated for science majors. I was originally registered for the easier course but I changed due to a time conflict. It was a great decision. My professor is very laid back, straightforward, and really wants us to learn. We meet from 8:30-11:15 M-TH. Lab is on Monday and Wednesday. We're using Biological Science by Scott Freeman - Second Edition. It comes with an accompanying cd. If you're feeling swamped, check out Biology Made Simple by Rita Mary King. It should be available at your public library. Those taking a more advanced version of biology might prefer Homework Helpers Biology by Matthew Distefano. Good Luck! Novi

I think we're getting our wires crossed. *s* I'm applying as a full-time undergraduate student for Fall 2009. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to begin my clinical classes at that time if the non-nursing courses had not been completed. NYU doesn't require any prerequisites for their BSN program. However, all science and liberal arts courses must be completed before you begin your clinical study. Since it appeared I would be finishing up during the fall, my question was whether it is possible to start them in the spring. Based you on your reply you've answered it. Thanks. Novi

Thank you all for responding. Is anyone aware of the specific tuition benefits at: Northwestern Memorial University of Chicago Advocate Illinois Masonic

You can complete your LPN through the Humboldt Park Vocational Center, affiliated with Wright Community College. The program is eligible for federal financial aid. Student loans would not be necessary. If you don't qualify, the college offers payment plans as well. http://wright.ccc.edu/Humboldtpark/nursing_prog.htm A similar program is available through Kennedy King's Dawson Technical Institute on the south side of Chicago. Good Luck, Novi

Thank you! I plan to apply for Fall 2009, but I wasn't sure if I could begin my clinical classes in the spring. Given my present schedule I may not be short after all. In regard to work, I'm only planning to do that on the weekend if possible. I'll have my CNA, ECG, and Phlebotomy certifications by then. Novi