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You will definitely have enough time to get all of your documents together. On your first day of clinical, your prof will be able to tell you the deadline in which everything should be turned in. Please don't stress yourself out in trying to get those documents for August 1. You will need all those documents listed, yes, but you have time. (Usually the professors made us turn in those documents 2-3+ weeks into the trimester)

I will make sure to ask when I talk to the advisor. I took mine in 2007...twice. So if the class expires, I will suck it up and take it once more, that way everything will be fresh in my brain. lol

Oh Okay, I can understand that. Thanks for breaking that down for me. One more question, on the website they want your to have statistics, but they didn't say whether or not it needs to be taken within 5 years. Do you happen to know that answer?

Hey!! Tasha, thank you for starting this thread, when you mentioned Simmons in another thread I was semi-interested, but now actually reading about it and researching the school I am definitely interested in applying there once I finish my bachelors May 2014. I want to apply to schools where I actually have a chance in getting accepted. When I first began college, my overall gpa was a 2.7 (my science classes really got me). When I graduated with my bachelors degree I pulled my overall GPA up to a 3.12. Now that I am in Nursing school, my GPA is a 3.87 as of this trimester. So I wanted schools that really looked at the whole person rather than just my grades, because my past GPA history is not so pretty. So, Simmons is officially on my list of schools to apply for. I wish you and Gabrielle the best in getting in!! Quick question for you both, I read that you all mentioned the application being difficult. How so? I just want to make sure I'm prepared.:-)

Hey longc2, I am currently in the same predicament. I graduate next spring as well. From the research I have done, other than the schools mentioned would be: Samford University- BUT- they require campus visits. They actually mention on their website that they accept students that do not have work experience. Another program I am looking into is South University. When I talked to the admissions counselor and asked her when I could begin applying, she told me as soon as I am licensed in my state of residence, I can go ahead and apply. That program is fully online and they have rolling admission. Every month and a half they begin a new set of classes with new students. (The start date that I would probably be interested in would be June 2014). If I find out about any more I will post here.

Stephanie, Sorry to answer so late!! Okay so PR so far...in the beginning I was excited to be in a new place, get away, and do something that I love, nursing. Now...I'm literally counting down the days. I have 10 or 13 more months (the reason I am saying this is because I'm able to take Pediatrics during the summer-June- and we may or may not be able to graduate early) The BEST part of Puerto Rico is being able to explore the island. I can honestly say that I enjoy Puerto Rico because of the scenery, the beaches, the mountains, etc. School wise...I feel like I'm just ready to graduate and pass the NCLEX. There's just ALOT of things that goes on within the nursing department that forces you to constantly remind your self why your there... "I'm here because there is no waiting list, its cheap, and its accredited....REPEAT!" I don't want to scare anyone off, but if you have read the very first thread...the students are telling the TRUTH. Believe them!! LOL. The program is easy, just make sure you study-study-study. Buy the Saunders NCLEX Review book now...start reading (your going to end up reading the whole thing anyway before or after your done with school anyway)...I promise you, you will appreciate it later on. Accelerated Nursing Program: Aug-Oct: Basic principles and concepts of nursing Fundamentals of nursing Practice of fundamentals of Nursing Pharmacologic Aspects [*]Nov-Feb: Fundamentals of psychosocial of Care I Practice of psychosocial care (lab) Fundamentals of Adult Care I Practice of Adult Care I (lab) [*]March-May Fundamentals of Maternal Neonatal Practice of Maternal-Neonatal Fundaments of Adult Care II Practice of Adult Care II (Lab) [*]June (Optional/Not guaranteed) Fundamentals of Pediatric Care Practice of Pediatric Care (Lab) Summer school is paid out of pocket. There has to be 25 “true” (previous bachelors degree/only taking nursing courses) accelerated nursing students signed up (per new director) Aug-Oct Fundamentals of Pediatric Care Practice of Pediatric Care (Lab) Dimensions of Profession Practice Health Assessment Introduction to nursing research Nov-Feb: Intervention is Psychosocial Trans Professional Intervention in Life Cycle Integrated Practice I (Lab) [*]March-May Family Community Care Integrated Practice II Integrated Workshop Honors Program: I talked to the Honors program director in December, he explained to me that students need a 3.4 GPA, 13 or 14 institution credits (if I remember correctly), and a letter from a club president (ex: Nursing Club or Intercultural club or Student Govt or Environmental club...etc). At the time I went to him, they didn't have any more slots open for the scholarship, so he told me to come back in May for Fall-Spring 2013/2014. You have to take an honors class once every other trimester....2 within a year basically. They have a list of classes your able to choose from--- I asked him for the list, he told me I will get that in May. (LOL. Smh) So thats that for the honors program. Things have changed apparently changed since Worldtravelingyogi was here. This is for the person who asked where to send application info: Admissions Department Director Janice Olivieri Inter American University Highway 1, Km. 16.3 Corner Francisco Sein St. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-1293

Hey Stephanie, I am currently at La Inter and I'm one of those people who chime in randomly like WorldTravelingYogi mentioned...lol. I read through your list of questions, first I want to start off by saying that November start date is not guaranteed for all NEW students. A lot of things have changed since the very first thread because there is a brand new director on the scene. Last year (Nov 2012), my cousin was admitted to the school BUT for awhile she didn't know if she was going to be able to start the nursing program because of the confusion (One point they were telling her that they were only going to let students who were already present at the school start in November because they've been waiting---and then when she was admitted to the school, they let her begin the program. You will notice when you get to the school they flip-flop around--VERY FRUSTRATING). The Nursing department was CHAOTIC...so I honestly don't know how long they will let new transfer students in the nursing program for November start date. It may have happened in the past, but as things progress...I don't know how long that will last. So I pray they get things together in the nursing department so they can clarify things as far as November start dates, but just know that. I'm not trying to get your hopes up, but I just want you to know. Accelerated program: If you have a bachelors degree, you are automatically in the accelerated program. The most classes you'd have to take is Christian Faith if you've never taken a religion course. If you do not have a bachelors degree...technically your not in the "Accelerated program" because your taking other classes besides nursing---Pretty much, the admissions office will look at your transcripts and course description list and accept the classes they think that will fit the nursing class course list. So usually English 1101/1102, College Algebra, History, Art or Music history, Religion, Intro Computer, Humanities etc will get accepted. The most you'd have to take if you have all of those classes (and then some) would be Spanish I/II. While your taking general classes, if your GPA is a 2.5 your taking nursing classes with the general education classes as well. I have a previous bachelors so all I'm taking is nursing classes. My younger cousin started school in November. Admissions department accepted 15 credits from her previous school. She's taking gen ed classes and Nursing classes all together right now. How many days will you need to visit to get everything taken care of? I say max 3 days. Make sure you apply online, send in all of your paper work (Copy of ID, Social, Course description list, and transcript all in ONE packet. If you are under 21, Immunization forms...if not don't worry about them. Since you are in the Netherlands and live in Colorado, I'd make sure I'd visit probably a month and a half (maybe 2) after you send in all of your stuff--Only reason why I'm saying that is bc I have a friend who's on this site from Washington State...she visited the school and the admissions department sat with her for 10 minutes and told her to wait for her letter in the mail and that was that. I felt really bad because she spent MONEY on a plane ticket, hotel, car rental just to hear that. Granted she got to see the school and the area, but she could have came closer to start of school or spent the money to move etc (I know back in the day they used to get all of your stuff and type up your acceptance letter right then and there---they don't do that any more) Hopefully I've answered all your questions, let me know if you have anymore questions.

No problem!! I had help when I started looking into the school so I just want to pay it back. As long as you send/bring transcripts, course description sheet, and ID, SSN...you will be fine (that is the easiest part). The hard part is on the school sending you all your paperwork in a timely manner. A few things you will begin to learn here is to stay on top of your stuff, make copies of all paperwork given to you (bc things get lost), do EVERYTHING in person, and have lots of patience. Everyone gets in to the school and as long as you have a 2.5 GPA, you will get into the nursing program. So no worries! :-)

I agree with Worldtravelingyogi, Caguas is far. The surrounding areas that you want to look at that are an exit up or around the school are: Guaynabo, Hato Rey, and Cupey. BUT, if you want to live walking distance from the school, La Cumbre I, II, III, and IV are the places to go. This is a neighborhood of houses that people rent out to students. The school in vicinity of these neighborhoods: A 10 min walk from La Cumbre 1, 15-20 min walk La Cumbre 2, 20 min walk La Cumbre 3/4) Rent ranges from $400-$800. Most of the owners make you sign a 1 year rental agreement. The houses that are available fill up quickly, July is when most of the rental agreements are up. (at least thats when mine is up) So, 2 weeks prior to school starting is a good time to come down and look for a place to live. I found mine within 4 days within the first week of school (came to PR without a place. My roommate and I stayed with one of my friends/classmate while we looked) You don't need anyone to go around with you to find a place. I only know one person who had help from a company.

Hey! To all the newbies on the site, I'm currently a student at La Inter. (I'm on my way to my 3rd trimester and I'm in the accelerated program) I pop in and out on this site, but I try to contribute as much as I can. Anyway.... Answering multiple questions: Vaccines: Those over the age of 21 do not need immunizations to get accepted into the school. However, you will need your immunization forms when you begin clinical. Those consist of: Hep B series, Flu Shot, Varicella titers (if they are too low, you need chicken pox vaccine), MMR and Tetorifice. If you do not want the flu shot, you must have a signed document from a doctor. Most hospitals are making it mandatory, but this is what I've been told. If you are under 21, you need your immunization information on Puerto Rican document. If you visit the school, they will tell you exactly where to get it. Will 5 days be enough time to get everything done: So, "Rosina" recently visited the school (she is about 3 pages back) She spent 3 days here in San Juan and pretty much got everything done. She spoke to the nursing department, gave all of her paperwork in, and found a potential roommate. So honestly, 5 days is perfect. 5 days gives you time to talk to all the people you need to talk to in the school as well as tour the city. Now I know this school is known for, "Come in today...give in all your paperwork...and you are accepted today", but they have stopped all of that as far as I know. "Rosina" had all of her stuff in, came down, and they told her to wait for letter in the mail. They also told my cousin that, so if you come early in the morning around 8/9a and spend half your day at the school, you will get everything done. If you already have your acceptance letter in hand, that process will be different: you'd want to go to Financial aid, nursing department, registration office, and possibly student accounts. Safety: Honestly, your not completely safe anywhere in this world today. Yes, there is crime here in San Juan. Cars get broken into, people steal, and recently (Jan 20) someone was shot at this festival---BUT---when don't you hear about that stuff happening in your city? I feel like crime is up everywhere (people are crazy these days!!) I, myself feel safe with where I'm living in Puerto Rico. Most of the apartments/houses are gated communities. A lot of the students who are native to Puerto Rico usually tell you where to go and where not to go. Since our classes are in the evening, those who drive usually take other students who don't have cars home (if they live near the school or on the way to their house/apartment) After 6pm, its not really safe to walk around because it starts to get dark and usually all of the local businesses close around 4 or 5. Other than that, I've travelled as far as the other side of Puerto Rico and have been fine. My father was reluctant in letting me come to Puerto Rico because I'm his only daughter, he's very protective, and he didn't know anyone here---but he visited the school, toured around San Juan, and saw where I was living and he was good. Just be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to your gut. Hopefully this helped. Let me know if you all have any more questions!

So I agree with Worldtravelingyogi, living by the beach is great! However, if you don't have a car its kind of difficult to get to and from school. Its do-able, because I have some classmates who live near the beach without cars, but after class they are either rushing to the trolley or asking other classmates for rides. So if you will not have a car, usually living across the street from the school is better: La Cumbre 1,2,3,4 (houses that people rent out to students). Its not far from the school (A 10 min walk from La Cumbre 1, 15-20 min walk La Cumbre 2, 20 min walk La Cumbre 3/4) Rent ranges from $400-$800. Most of the owners make you sign a 1 year rental agreement. The program so far is good. I'm not going to say that its the greatest, but its good. You have some really good teachers and then sometimes you don't. The financial aid department will make you want to pull out your hair---overall you need a lot of patience. Patience is truly the key here. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Hey Misoprettylord, So I am currently a student La Inter right now (I'm in my 2nd trimester Accelerated program). The documents I suggest that you bring to the school when you visit in January are: Official transcripts, Social security card, Driver's license or passport, a course description of all college courses your've taken even if you have a bachelors degree, and Immunization form (This includes: Hepatitis B series, Tetorifice shot, Varicella (when you are in the nursing program, you will need actual Varicella titers to show proof that you had chicken pox and you still have the antibodies), and MMR. The admissions office is no longer accepting immunization papers from the states, so bring your immunization form with you. There is a doctors office directly across the street that can re-write everything on the proper form thats needed for the school for a small fee of $25.00. (Ridiculous? yes I know) That should suffice for admissions to the school. They accept everyone. For the nursing program, you will need a 2.5 GPA. (If you have a bachelors degree, they will only look at your last semester. They will not look at the overall GPA. Why they do it that way? I don't know.) You can apply to the school online and send in all your documents to this address: Admissions Office Inter American University Highway 1, Km. 16.3 Corner Francisco Sein St. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-1293 You will not hear from them until you get your letter of acceptance. They will not tell you what your missing unless you call (good luck on getting through to ANYONE) or go to them in person. So make sure you have everything together when you send it. Now the other school I think you are referring to is UMET. I honestly don't know how things have changed over there. I have a friend who went to the school and left because there were not many english speaking students there. Many of her classes were in spanish, so it was a struggle. So, if you were thinking about going there, you'd have to visit. Let me know if you have anymore questions about La Inter. I recently helped my little cousin get in for the November trimester, so I can update you on anything new.

Yes, I will do all of that for you. Check your facebook messages:) I think they start orienting us in the beginning and then we head off to the hospital after the first 2 weeks according to the paper I got in orientation. As far as the refund...according to the academic schedule, Aug 27/28.

Important details discussed in orientation: These are documents that need to be handed in the second week of classes before clinical orientation. There's more stuff on the list than these items I listed, but everything else can and will be done in PR when nursing classes begin. 1. Health certificate: This has to be done in PR. This is VDRL and PPD. There is a doctor right across the street from the school that can do this for you at a low cost. (I don't know what this low cost is, I was just told this) 2. Puerto Rico Good Conduct certificate (This has to be done through PR police dept, but it can be done online. PM me if you want the address) 3. Hepatitis B Vaccine certificate (all 3 doses) and Varicella Vaccine or titers 4. Valid copy of CPR for health professionals card. (they said you want to try to get it through July 2014 if possible or end of June---you may want to get this done at home, but there is a place in PR where you can get it done, but I'm not sure if its bilingual...so jump on that asap) 5. Bring birth certificate or copy of passport ---They gave us the book list for nursing classes. If you want the list, PM me with your email address and I can email you a picture of the list of books for the first trimester. I looked them up and they were not expensive at all (well used copies that is) ----Our clinical scrubs color is: seaspray (It is a light teal color) You can buy them at the University Store down there or if you are like me, bargain shop for them at home and buy the school logo patch when you get in PR. You must wear all white shoes. Guys wear all white scrubs. There is a different set of scrubs we wear to the hospital, per the instructor, but she couldn't remember the color. I was told its the same color but with light white stripes...*shrug*. I think I hit all the important details. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will see if I can help you out.

Hello Everyone! So I recently visited La Inter about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I registered for my classes as well as went to orientation. So let me all just give you the run down. @VeronicaR I saw your question about registration and financial aid. I don't know for sure when the deadline is for you to register, but I do know that the school wide registration date (I guess for brand new students) is June 29 (at least thats what it stated on my acceptance letter). According to the trimester calendar, registration is March 1-July 31. Late registration is August 1-7. Its good that you already sent all of your stuff in. Trust me they have it. Its just sitting in a folder in the admissions office. When I went there 2 weeks ago, all of my transcripts, immunization stuff, and catalog of classes was just chillin' in a folder. They pulled it out and was like, "Yea, we have everything here." I promise I was waiting for my acceptance letter for a whole month before I decided to make a last minute trip there. So you definitely need to go to the school. I promise they will be able to write your acceptance letter and let you know which classes didn't transfer over and stuff. As far as financial aid, I went and talked to them about what I needed to do and they just said that I needed to wait for a letter. (All I did was fill out fasfa and added the school code, so I don't think you need to worry about that) As far as nursing classes, they fill up fast. After the assistant director signed me up for the nursing classes, she told me to go straight to the registration office and have me put them in right away (they fill up quickly). 10 students are designated to a clinical class and there is about 150 slots (if I remember correctly) for lecture---don't quote me about that number though. Orientation, I don't think is mandatory, but it was very informative. I may do a separate post for that later tonight or tomorrow afternoon just so it can be together and that way everyone can take a look without deciphering through the miscellaneous. As far as the NCLEX Veronica, I will PM you the book to get, but your very last class, there is a teacher who prepares you for the test. She's really good and very thorough (from what I hear). She is super sweet!