sparkleofthelost

I am a licensed (ARRT) radiology technologist. It is (was) a good field...but most employers prefer you to be multiskilled (ex: CT and general..). People say there is a 'shortage' in radiology...but not really. The economy isn't good plus the radiology schools are pumping out new graduates every year. This equals more licensed techs than jobs available. I (as well as many others) have been waiting for the job market to get better.... Not enough imaging jobs to keep up with the demand. Right now, I have applied to nursing school and got accepted. In the nursing field, there are more job opportunities/many different paths - more than radiology. In the end, there is a lot to think about (nursing vs. radiology).....but the only thing that matters is what you want to do...do what will make you happy.

long story short...gmc took away my scholarship (...of course no reason was given....can't get any honest answer from them...) so i decided to change my plans. finally, got some much needed answers from harcum. i'm still nervous about going into nursing school but am looking forward to it. who ever is in the evening program....see you on 04/09.

Re: Harcum Evening Program 2010-Question I did speak with financial aid and they told me that the Board has not met yet to finalize tuition for next year and they should know something in April (this is from a few replies up in the thread, computer is acting up- had to copy/paste) I got the emailed health forms - but am unable to open the files. I have tried calling the nurse as well as emailing her - still no luck. That seems to be the pattern, people call then get ignored. I still think that April is cutting it very close, since the program starts in May. I am positive there are other people out there....who were accepted to Harcum College - and have yet to receive anything from any office. I spoke to someone who wants to go to Harcum but needs (will likely sign up) a tuition payment plan. I pose these questions --- "How can one pay a bill without knowing the cost?"; "How can one get a payment plan, one month before starting classes, if the tuition is not even decided?"; "How can one plan for anything if no one from the college returns phone calls, emails, etc.?" "Does anyone know when the Evening program (or STARS) begins, ideally the exact date...?" --- it seems to be ignorant but more importantly it shows how irresponsible the college is towards its students. It's a joke if we get the tution bill and financial statements at the same time - I have financial aid now (at another school) as well as in the past (for a few different schools). Received the financial aid papers PRIOR to getting the bill. The paperwork says that I need to choose what types of aid that I want (loans, grants, etc.) - and return it to the financial aid office for review. I was able to mix/match what I needed - then paid the bill (or whatever portion was not covered). Taking it one step further, I was accepted at Harcum as well as Gwynedd-Mercy. I put my deposit down for both (little side note - Harcum wants the deposit with in two weeks of the date of the acceptance letter while Gwynedd wants the deposit by May 1st) since my final decision would be based upon which college was/would be able to give me more financial aid. I dropped off the money (both places) then waited to see what happened. Harcum was first, since one only gets two weeks. I paid my deposit to Gwynedd at the end of the month. Three days after paying Gwynedd, received all kinds of letters - including - one that said thank you for your deposit, information about upcoming orientation (in August), information about the placement exams in math and english, financial aid papers (from the college), a notice to complete the FAFSA, and even a letter, inviting me to a scholarship recognition evening. Not to bash Harcum.....but does anyone see a pattern/difference? I would still consider Harcum but how can I.....I have nothing from them. As fas as I know, students shouldn't have to beg for information from their college...(or should they?). Maybe if they start being responsible and sending out the needed paperwork.....it would be nice to see which place can offer me more money. I would be more than willing to go to Harcum...if they sent out the needed information. With all that being said --- is there anyone out there who is a current STARS student ( or even an evening student)? I would like to hear your thoughts about Harcum - the admissions process, financial aid, the nursing program (do you think they are good teachers, preparation for NCLEX, etc.), and anything else that you may find helpful for myself as well as other people who are in a dilemma.

I also would like to say thank you for your input/answering my questions/concerns....(I'm sure that I will have more questions - but that is all I can think of, for now....). :) I hope that anyone who reads this thread and was accepted to Harcum (or even thinking about attending there) - really takes a look at what is being discussed. Not counting the NCLEX passing rate, but potential students should be aware of what they are getting themselves into.

I'm sorry --- the first part didn't sink in until just now. You are a current Harcum student....on their waiting list for the evening nursing program? I am at a loss for words.... Some of the 'fun' (*insert sarcasm*) things admissions/nursing department told me include...."my science grades were poor"; " "if my microbiology grade wasn't at least a B, don't expect to get in". Back then, I wasn't in a laughing mood. The first time I took anatomy was in 2000, and I got a C in both parts of the course (but in my defense, it was hard --- I got the second highest grade in the final both times - my grade was a 69.....the first highest was a 74). Obviously, had to retake them - plus the others. My grades now --- received two A's and a B. Harcum accepted me without knowing the microbiology grade. I just don't get it. It's irritating to know that people act like that towards potential students. ...have to wonder --- I received a scholarship to Gwynedd-Mercy because of my grades....how come Harcum didn't offer anything to me (...just a thought..) --- not feeling too smart

Does Harcum not know that their actions (or lack of..) can cause them to lose students? Or is it that they just don't care? It's nice to know that it isn't just me....thank you:).

I kind of believe it - took their phlebotomy course (very good teacher but that was about it -- got my ASCP license). They seemed "snobby" but my classmates were nice. The course was disorganized (long story) but was glad when it was over. Even in the end -- still had to wait for my certificate of completion (....five months after I was done -- and got the ASCP...is when it arrived in the mail). Is this normal though --- for them to ignore accepted students who need the paperwork, etc.? Do they always ignore emails, or is it just me? I called admissions a few days ago --- wanted to make sure that they had everything. The girl said yes (but seemed like her mind was somewhere else). She also said my fall 2009 grades were missing (...but keep in mind that I was told in February that everything was there). I don't know who to believe at this point. I wondering if they lost the grades.... They did a similar thing to my friend ---they claimed they never got reference letters. Thinking about it, (not counting the low NCLEX pass rates) 18 months, part time sounds like a good deal --- but is it really worth it in the end...? (lost paperwork, etc.). I was let go from my last job due to discrimination/ignorance of management (chose my family over my job - they boss didn't approve of it) -- I want to start over and thought nursing would be a good career but with all that I am hearing about Harcum....got doubts in my mind.

May I ask how long ago? Fairly (with in the past week?) recently? Doesn't the evening program start in May - isn't April cutting it a little short? Are you going to Harcum also - or still deciding? At this point I am leaning more towards GMC - it seems that they are more "open" in their communication with students. Their admissions dept. seemed to be more willing to answer questions than Harcum. I felt like they cared abuot me as a student - it seems like they want me to succeed (with my studies in their program). The other thing about GMC is they awarded me a merit scholarship (renewable for two years). The money is nice....but I prefer openess as well as honesty.

I was accepted to Harcum (evening nursing 2010).....paid the deposit....then have not heard anything from them since then. Called them several times, no answer - sent several emails - no answer. Is it too much to ask for them to send financial aid paperwork (for the college)? My FAFSA is completed - still no answer/correspondence from them? Does/had anyone else experienced this issue? They also won't return my friend's (who was also accepted into the evening program) emails? Is Harcum College always like that -- what gives? Can someone offer some insight as to why, etc.?