tcs26

Yes, we have a guaranteed spot in GMU's nursing program as long as we adhere to the GPA guidelines and successfully pass the nclex following graduation from NVCC. The transfer agreement between Mason and NVCC requires that Mason accept all NVCC students that maintain the required GPA and credit hours. This rule does not apply to the school of nursing. They have their own criteria for accepting students and can turn away NVCC students and RN's if there's no space (even if the GPA and other requirements are met). The momentum program is a combined program between Mason and NVCC and the purpose of the program is to complete a BSN degree from Mason in three years.

I'm a current momentum student and just finishing up my second semester. One thing that's exclusive to our program is the guaranteed admission to GMU's school of nursing. While traditional students can certainly apply to Mason's RN to BSN program, the process can be competitive and leaves no guarantee. Mason has also made special agreements about credit transfers for momentum students, allowing many of our lower level classes to count as upper level classes so that we only have NUR curriculum to complete when we get to Mason. That being said, there are more credits to complete while in the momentum program (making it a more expensive option) and I have been told that the summer sessions are quite rigorous. Hope this helps and good luck with your decision :)

I was just accepted into the momentum program at nvcc. I took both the computer competency test (when I was planning to apply for the traditional program) and the teas test at nova. The computer competency was simple (an example of a question would be "what color squiggly line appears underneath a misspelled word in a Microsoft word document"). Make sure you know the basics on creating PowerPoint presentations as well. I took the teas twice. The first time I received just below a 78% in the science section only, and I had to retake the exam. The second time I received a 91 overall. The exam is very basic and the only reason that I found the science section challenging was because of the elementary science that it contained (for example: simple machines and mountain ranges). McGraw Hill's Nursing School Entrance Exams had everything that was covered on the exam except for the "elementary" science information, which I looked up online. If anyone is interested in using my old study materials (notes, print outs...) let me know. I haven't thrown them away yet, and they contain everything that I used to prepare. I also have a teas study guide that has some pink juicy juice spilled on the side from my four year old. (There's no damage to the inside pages.)

Actually, that is how they're doing it. All classes are offered in a special section to only momentum students. I will have to see how things go and hope for the best when it comes to the the NUR classes. Regardless of the schedule, I'm relieved to actually be in a program. FutureNOVARN- Have you received your schedule yet?

That would explain it :)

Thanks for your responses! First off, I want to take my co req's now. Because I am not permitted to do so, I was told by the nursing department that I would have to take filler classes to reach my 12 credits to receive my financial aid. I had no idea that you can take less credits and still receive the aid. This semester I have to take- ITE 115, HIS 101 and HLT 141 (I have already taken NAS and ENG). I cannot take any other classes listed in the nursing curriculum (according to the nursing department). Together this makes 7 credits. Again, I was told that I need 12 credits in order to receive financial aid, which is why I am signed up for 5 credits worth of random classes that I don't need. I will email the dean and see if it is at all possible to take any co req's now. I am doubtful of this because the first document I received after being accepted states that this is not allowed (because a lot goes in to organizing these momentum only classes).

Seriously, no one?

Just wondering if there are any other NVCC momentum freshmen out there?

I agree. I would feel SO much more comfortable taking the co-req's now (with two kids under 5 this would be the absolute best way to succeed later in the NUR classes). What's also strange to me is that when I called and told the department that I need 5 more credits in order to be considered a full time student, I was told to take classes of my choice that are not in the nursing curriculum, and that if I signed up for classes that are administered later in the curriculum, I would be audited and have to meet with the dean. Originally I had 6 classes chosen (all online) and I was going to take another 6 next semester leaving me with only NUR classes for my final year. I am definitely bothered.. but I don't really have a choice here.

I called the school and apparently there is no way around this. I was told that the term "prescriptive" is often overlooked by applicants and that this is part of the deal when it comes to momentum. Each class is given at the MEC at various times throughout the week. Also, the classes are only offered to students in the momentum program. At least I took both NAS classes, ENG, and SDV, which leaves me with only three classes this semester. I am so fortunate to have supportive parents and in-laws that are able to watch my kids on a flexible schedule.. otherwise I could never attend this program. Since you will be taking NUR classes before me, I would really appreciate any helpful hints on what to expect and how to prepare.

Thanks to both of you! Those answers were really helpful. My plan was to take ALL the co-req non-nursing classes before my nursing classes start but I found out yesterday in my acceptance letter that momentum 2+1 students must take each class in the order that is listed in the brochure AND all classes are given at the medical campus at various times. That alone made me consider applying to the accelerated program in March instead. I'm definitely nervous about taking regular classes along with nursing classes. I really don't see their reason for not allowing students to work ahead.

Yesterday I received my acceptance letter into the Momentum 2+1 Program! First and foremost, YAY! Getting into NVCC's nursing program has been my goal for quite some time, so I'm feeling a great deal of relief in knowing that my focus has changed from becoming a nursing student to becoming a nurse. So now I have some questions... -The orientation exam (I think we get ours a little later because we don't start our nursing classes until next May) AND the dosage exams. What can I use to prepare for these? I picked up the book Math for Meds at the MEC library a few weeks ago, and I've gotten through chapter 6. It covers basic math/the metric system in the early chapters, moving on to drug labels, syringes, and IV drips (how to read them) and then drug dosages themeselves. Does this sound like something that will help me on the orientation exam/dosage exams? I don't like the idea that you can't fail any of the dosage exams, so I want to start preparing now. -The critical thinking questions What are these? A few weeks ago, while I was waiting to drop in on a staff member of the nursing program, there was someone sitting across from me who was waiting as well. He asked me if I was in the nursing program and I told him that I was applying. He proceeded to tell me that he failed his first semester of the program and was waiting for re-entry. He told me that the reason he failed was the critical thinking questions, and that I should be worried. He also mentioned that 60% of them failed nvcc's program that semester (I'm not sure how true that is). -How much reading is there.. really? I have heard that there is a considerable amount of reading required. How much? Is this doable with a 4 yr old/2 yr old/husband that acts like a 2 yr old..with dinners to cook, baths to give...? Sorry this is SOOO long. If you can't already tell, I'm a dot your i's and cross your t's kinda gal. I like to plan ahead.

Hi, I haven't applied to any of the programs yet, however, I was told that after this application cycle they will be looking at your overall GPA, not just the 4 grades received in the pre req's. I don't think that this change would have occurred if they wanted to base everything on A&P. If I were you, I would make sure I got a high score on the Teas, make sure I had A's in every other class, and then go for it. :)

Well, I found out yesterday that nova extended the momentum program deadline to July 20th, so I might apply for that program. If not, I'll definitely apply for the accelerated. I know that they originally pushed the deadline from May 27th to June 26 (today), so that high school students would have enough time to graduate and apply. I wonder if they pushed the deadline again because of a lack of applicants. Did you apply for the traditional? If so, when do you expect to hear back?

Just to update everyone again, I passed the Teas :)

Good luck oceanwaves :) Let me know if I can help. Flames- You mentioned an orientation exam; can you tell me more? I know that there is an orientation for students who are accepted into the program, however, I have not heard of an exam being given at that time.

Hi Everyone, After I posted here I- 1. Purchased the teas study manual from the medical campus 2. Attended the "teas study group" offered the medical campus 3. Studied the manual (which was one of the worst study guides I have ever come across) 4. Purchased and took the online practice exam (and got my first taste of the dreaded "science" section) 5. Got together with a group of future nova nurses to study 6. Took the teas and failed the science section 7. Called the others and found out that everyone else failed as well I decided not to take the exam again before the traditional program deadline because I wanted to give myself some more time to study. Two girls that I studied with took the exam just before the deadline, and both failed. The deadline for the momentum program is coming up (June 26th) and it will be the last opportunity to get in to a program that begins this fall. As of right now I am unsure if I should take the exam before then. I have spoken with several staff members in the nursing department, and they have all confirmed that the science section was a surprise to them as well. Apparently they thought that the science section was going to be based primarily on anatomy and physiology. I wonder if Nova will change their admission requirements for next fall by administering a different test or lowering the science score requirement. At this point I may or may not take the exam a second time. Congrats to those of you who passed the exam! By the way- If you are reading this and have not yet taken the teas, don't get discouraged! The reading, writing, and math was basic. The science was a challenge because it covered so many different areas. I would suggest getting the McGraw Hill and Kaplan study guides for nursing pre-entrance exams. Also, my school requires a 78% in each section in order to apply for the nursing programs, and I have heard that most schools require a much lower score. Good luck to everyone who will be taking this exam in the future.

Thanks everyone! I decided to wait and take the exam in late April so I could have some extra study time. This way if I don't make the 78% on all sections, I can take it again with enough time to apply for the program. I am really hoping to pass it the first time!

Karen, Are you applying for the program at NVCC? I'm getting ready to take the teas there, and the requirements are the same as you described above. I'm also really worried about the science section. We have a study group for the teas test if you are in the northern VA area. Let me know if you're interested. Good luck!

Hi, I'm conflicted about what program I should apply for in May. I was planning on applying for the online accelerated program, but I decided to instead apply for the traditional program. Today I was looking through the brochures and checklists for the different programs (because they have been known to change unexpectedly) and I saw that the momentum 2+1 program now allows applicants who have previous college credit. I have completed a good amount of the classes that will be given during the first two semesters of this program, but I can take all of the other general education classes that are given during the last four semesters, and complete them during the first two semesters. This would give me a lighter load when taking the upper level nursing classes during the last four semesters (I would have only nursing classes during semesters 3-6.) On the flip side, I have to work as soon as I take my nclex and obtain my RN license, which means that I would only go into George Mason as a part-time student. Still, this saves me time if I want my BSN. I also spoke with a counselor who told me that even if I do the traditional program, I can incorporate all of the other general education classes into my schedule, and be able to transfer into Mason just like those who are in the momentum 2+1 program. Right now I just don't know which route would be better. Any advice? Talia

If you go to the brochure for the momentum 2+1 program it states that "It is mostly designed for recent high school graduates or students with no prior college credit, but students with previous college credits may also apply." Also, on the momentum 2+1 checklist, at the bottom, it states that if general education classes (NAS 161...) have been completed with less than a C, they must be taken again during the appropriate semester given during the momentum 2+1 program. In short, you can have previous college credit. :)

I started a study group for the teas; if you're interested, post here. Talia

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of the advice, and plan on using it!

Thanks. It's nice to know that I'm not going through this alone! I am also taking 162 (the eight week option) to finish by the deadline for the accelerated program. Are you applying for the accelerated or traditional? I will probably take advantage of the "teas study group" if I can, I never knew about it until I heard about it on here. I also want to take the online pre-test but I'm not sure if I should take it now or when I am a little more prepared (in a few weeks). Nova is so strict about this teas test that it doesn't leave room for someone who is a so-so tester or who is having an off day. I hope we make it too!

Hi, I'm new to the website and I posted this in another section but I think I was in the wrong place, hopefully this is the right area for this kind of post. I am currently finishing my pre-requisites for the nursing program at Northern Virginia Community College, and I will be taking the teas exam in about a month. My school requires that you pass with at least a 78% in each section to apply for the nursing program. We are also only allowed to take the teas test 3 times ever with thirty days between each try, meaning if we don't get a 78% or above on all sections we will never be able to go to nursing school at NVCC. I have read about other programs around Va that use the teas as only a part of their admission process and do not require a certain score in order to apply. I am a bit worried, as I don't know exactly what to expect. I purchased the study manual but I have heard that the manual is not comparable to the actual teas test. I can only take the test once because the program that I hope to get in to starts during the summer (I will not have thirty days to re-test before applying.) If I get less than a 78% on each section I will have to apply for the program that starts in the fall. I'm just wondering if anyone could share their experience with the teas pre-entrance exam, especially the mathematics and science sections. Thanks so much.