ThAiTiGeR

I guess everyone's experience is different. I took my boards on Saturday, I am eagerly awaiting the results, but I found it much more difficult then the HESI. I got an 1000 on the exit HESI by the way. Prepare well for the NCLEX and good luck.

I'm not sure about the HESI requirement, that was implemented after I got in, but I do know you have to submit an application before anything. The next step is to get approval for taking Pharm (and I assume to take the HESI as well). Once you pass Pharm and have all the required pre-reqs then your addmission is determined on a point system based on your grades, the better your grades the better your chances of getting in. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good Luck!

We're just one big family at HCC! Same here, if you have any questions just let me know! Good Luck!

It's going great, I don't want to steer away your focus from Fundamental, but trust me, when you make it to this course, it's a whole new ballgame. I don't mean that in a bad way, and you've probably already heard all the horror stories, but pay them no mind it's as difficult as you make it. I think the eight week format is what's giving people a hard time...so much info to take in , but I'll give you more details on that when you get there. Glad to hear things are going well, your instructors are very good. The ones I have here in OB are excellent, very thorough and nice! Clinicals are great, eveyone is fighting to stay in the nursery with all the newborns. Keep up the studies and let me know if you have any questions!

Hey Brooke, Sounds like you're handling the program splendidly!! :) Just like I knew you would. It seems overwhelming in the beginning, but if you put in the effort, you get great returns. Good luck on those care plans, they're a hoot! Let me know how things are going, and if you need any info of course! Good Luck!

I second that!! An RN is an RN, not an RN UT or RN HCC. We all have to take and pass the same national boards. As for HCC, I have nothing but great things to say about their program. Is it perfect, well, whose is, but as long as we get to our common goal of becoming nurses, who cares. Every program has a minimum set of standards that we all have to meet. If anyone wants any further info PM me and I'll be glad to answer. Good luck all, cya on the other side soon!:chuckle

I agree with their orientation being a bit unorganized, but they give you information packets and the opportunity to ask any questions you need. Their program is not perfect, but IMO a very solid one. The instructors are highly experienced, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. HCC may set a bad first impression, but they don't lack in substance. IMO the main factor that determines whether a program is worth its salt, is its NCLEX pass rate, and HCC's is higher that the national and state average: ftp://www.bne.state.tx.us/RN-5YR2004.pdf

Hello All :) , To answer the Pharmacology question, yes it a prereq, and yes you do need to pass a math test with a 90 or better, but don't fret, the math is basic drug dosage calculations, all taught in the course...practice plenty. Here's the breakdown of courses needed: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, English Comp I, Psychology-Introduction as well as Lifespan/Development, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and General Biology is recommended, but may not be needed. The way they determine whether you get in or not is by a point system based on the grades you have in these prereqs, and the better your grades, the higher your chances of getting in. Letters are sent out a various times throughout the weeks prior to registrations. One thing HCC is notorious for is waiting until the absolute last minute to do anything, so my advice is to be persistent, meaning if you have taken your prereqs and are waiting for that letter, call them everyday to make sure you are, or are not getting one. As far as the waiting list, as I mentioned before, there really hasn't been one lately, many people who did have C's in their prereqs did get left out having to wait until next year because admission to the evening program is once a year. Going to the orientation is the first major step, it's held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday @ noon and 3rd Thursday @ 5pm of every month. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any additional questions. PM me and I'll give you names to contact for further info, it's pretty hectic now with our semester starting in a week and a half. Good Luck!

The wait was not long at all for me, once I finished my prereqs I got in the following semester, keep in mind though, the better your grades of course, the better your chances. If you plan to attend HCC, make sure you have all, and I mean all the prereqs as well as any non-nursing, suggested courses they require you to take. For instance, Psychology (Lifespan and Development), is not exactly a prereq, but is a course you have to take during the program, if you've already taken this course before you apply, your chances of getting in are greatly improved. As far as all the negatives posted in the forums, just as in any program, nothing is perfect, but I have had no problems with instructors in the classroom or clinic. I am enrolled in the evening program (only accepts fall admission), due to the fact that I have to work a full time job as well. Our admitting class was about 120 students for the evening and about the same amount for the daytime. At the end of the semester, only about half have survived. So far my nursing GPA is a 3.86, so it can be done as long as you persevere and work hard. Let me know if you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. Best of Luck.

Hello all, I just read you post and would be happy to address any questions you have regarding the ADN program at HCC. I just finished my first semester there and don't have any complaints regarding teachers or curriculum...so far. Post or PM any questions you may have. Good Luck.

Thank's for the great info TraumaNurse. I too fall in the same scenario of having poor grades early in school, but now I have a 3.8 in my nursing courses with only a few months left. I plan to get my BSN, with stellar grades of course, and enter the CRNA program. All of your advice has been great thanks to you all. :)

You might want to look into your nursing school's Master's program as some of them offer an RN-MSN in three years or less. Good Luck, and your age has nothing to do with obtaining your dreams, it's your drive!