Hey- just wanted to rant about how things have changed. I feel sorry for kids just coming out of high school and wanting to do nursing- they're in for some tough competition and there is no easy way around it. I happen to be one of the non-traditional students adding to the competition- sorry.
The Nursing program at my CC used to be a 2 year deal- with the first summer pre-reqs (intro to nursing & clinical calcs). You met minimum requirement like high school gpa, NET scores, and compass (like ACT) scores, and you were placed on the list. I had a few friends go thru this program 15-20 years ago. They walked in- and out 2.5 years later with the AAS/ RN.
NOW- it's completely different.
Because of the preference point system, everyone is taking more pre-reqs and support courses- which used to be taken within the program. (Some of the schools won't publish their point systems to avoid people just working for the points) For example: we get 2 pts each for up to 3 science courses (A&P, Micro, Chem) 1 pt for med term, 2 pts for pharmacology, and 1 pt for any certification like CNA. (there are other pts too) SO.....everyone takes these classes plus all general education to bump their gpa & points BEFORE applying. To stand a chance, you have to take them too. GPA and test scores award you a certain # of pts- but not enough. There are usually 250 applicants each semester for 55 spots.
Last spring the minimum pts accepted was 18 (24 possible). It has gone up Every semester- last fall it was 15!! It really can take a while to attain the points needed just to apply- I have a friend taking 16 hours this summer so he can apply for spring enterance! I plan to apply in March for fall- I have to be on days (alternate semester entry would be evening classes) I will have 22 points and all my support courses finished, I'll only need the core nursing courses. Most of my friends will have at least 20 pts too--up it goes again. PLUS- we will only need nursing classes- making competition higher within the program too if we aren't trying to do a full load every semester-true???
Anyway- just wanted to blab about it- Anyone else see a change?
I hope all the extra effort and classes are contributing to students being better prepared-and not just adding up points. BUT we sure learn a lot before ever stepping foot into the program.
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