RGLB

I called the Director's office twice before i booked my ticket. I also setup an appointment to see her the day after I landed. I did the same with U Inter. I can tell you that there was a big difference in the organization at UMET. I did not get the same feeling at U Inter. UMET already had my file, transcripts, etc. But U. Inter had noting. It was mailed to both on the same day (90 days ago) from my high school! U Inter will not accept CLEP anymore. So, unless you had college level Spanish and English classes before, you will have to take 3 classes on each. I am sorry that you had a bad experience. Thank you for sharing.

UMET program in English started in 2009. Some U Inter professors also teach at UMET. I thought UMET is much more organized, and very easy to get hold of persons in charge. U Inter does not have prerequisites, but UMET has 3 science classes (A&P, Micro Bio, Chemistry). UMET accepts up to 12 CLEP credits and a maximum 60 transfer credits. U Inter does not accept any CLEP credit. You still have to take 3 Spanish classes and 3 English classes, unless you have already taken these. UMET has a Bi-semester program (8 weeks for one course, just like a summer class at a community college). U Inter has 3 semesters per year. The classes at UMET start on Aug. 19. You might still have some time to get in. If you need more information please ask. Good luck!

Flrican, Did you take the Micro Biology and A&P at UMET? How was it? I have not found someone who took both at UMET yet! Also, do you feel that UMET trains you well to pass the NCLEX? Or did you take a review class for NCLEX? Thanks.

Cali_girl2014, I have a close relative who is a lawyer. I just asked him about a prior DUI! He told me that if you only had one, otherwise your record is clean, and you completed all requirements imposed by the judge (including probation) on your DUI case, then you can SEAL it. Once the judge orders it sealed, no one can find that out even the police. However, if you ever apply for a government job (Fed and State) you still need to disclose it, but you must indicate that it has been sealed. You can do this yourself according to him as it is a simple matter of filing a form and appearing yourself. My relative told me that several doctors have gone through this process (even more than once). Hope this helps! (Mind you, I am not a lawyer!)

Hello Jen_jen88, Did you take the Microbiology and Anatomy at UMET or you transferred it? I need to take Micro, and I have found an online class with labs. I wanted to make sure that UMET will accept it before I sign up. Cheers!

Cali_girl2014, When I was at the school in May they told me about the Good Conduct Certificate. You need to bring your passport or ID from US, and also you need to have a local address in PR. They told me you can do it usually in four hours (if you don't get a warlock or a witch at the counter)! I am looking at the Toa Baja area for renting, because Bayamon is not that great to live (per school employees). We will catch up in PR!

I am also planning to be in PR around August 4, two weeks before the classes start! I am looking now for an apartment not that far away from the UMET Bayamon campus. If you have found a safe, decent temporary rooms please post your source! The cheapest rooms I could find is around $70 per night. I could not find anything like Super 8 or Motel 6 type rooms!

Does anyone know anything about a Western Civilization Class at Rio Salado? I am curious to see how much time you get to take a quiz or a test. I heard that you get 30 seconds per question for their science classes! You can't even read a question in 30 seconds if it is science (other than labeling). Cheers! Rhina

Cali_girl2014 Yes. I am starting in August. I am planning to do A&P (at a California C C) during Summer. I am also taking History of Puerto Rico (online). I have some GE credits (perhaps an years worth) including Spanish CLEP credits. That should shave off an year from the program. I like the UMET program better because it requires you to have some foundation unlike the U. Inter. But, U. Inter is a lot quicker than UMET. I liked the director of nursing, who has a no nonsense approach. I expect to be in Bayamon area by first week of August. I have been told to find an apartment away from Bayamon because of the crime. Too bad we can't PM you or post e-mails or phone numbers, etc. here. If you have any more questions please let me know.

Flrican, I was able to get a lot of information from your post. I have similar experience with the UMET staff. Dr. ****, the director of the Nursing program, was very helpful. I do have a question. Did you complete your program? How did you you find the NCLEX after your UMET BSN? Did you attend any review classes? Did you take the PR RN exam before NCLEX? Lastly, in what state did you get registration first? I am enrolled/registered to start a few classes starting August. I still need to complete a few GE classes (History of PR, etc.) I plan on taking those online after I start the program. Also, as I am new here, I cannot PM you. Is there another way to get in touch with you? I do have a few personal questions. Thanks. Rhina

I am curious, did you start your BSN at UMET? I am contemplating starting it in August 2014. Thanks.

Jen_Jen88, I think you graduated from UMET, did you not? I wonder how well you did on your NCLEX? Would you recommend UMET? I can't pm you yet, but I would like to know more about your experience.

I agree with you absolutely! I waited an year and a half to complete my basic GE requirements. Now, I need to wait another year to complete A&P Micro Bio, because of lack of courses, thanks to the budget cuts for the California Community Colleges. Now, they are telling me that even if I get all my pre reqs done by September 2015, there is no guaranty as to acceptance to the ADN! Two private schools in Los Angeles area want close to $100,000 for four years. It seems Puerto Rico schools are wonderful provided that I can *learn* nursing and *pass* the NCLEX. PR schools seem accredited by a regionally accrediting body just like the Florida Schools. That means, perhaps, I can join a MSN program online once I graduate from PR. If you can't find an entry level job, you could always get experience by volunteering at nursing home, or a dialysis center or even at at ERs. Six months at each location will get you the experience to get a paid "gig." In fact, some of these entities will hire you once they find that you are good at what you do and you are a diligent nurse. Bashing non US or non mainland nursing graduates for your troubles appears very unprofessional.

dzcafe, have you received any more information about the UMET program? I would love to find out more about the BSN program. I speak fluent Spanish (Central American), but I would like to do the English program. I have been advised by many that the English program will be easier to pass NCLEX-RN. If you have more information, please share! Thanks.

River1, are you in Belize already? I am in So. California, and I have some information. I am also from Central America. Is there a way I can send you a private message outside this forum? Thanks!