campka

Yes, first I was told it was two days in person. Then it was changed to 2-3 days. Last time I spoke with someone in the office it was 3-4 days in-person. I think the discrepancy is from lab/test days verses lab plus clinical days.

I didn't get any specifics and I'm sensing that the schedule is completely non-negotiable. All the admissions person was willing to tell me was that I'd get the schedule for the whole semester at orientation. So, we only have a week to get daycare and our life situated before classes and clinical start.

The OP might also be talking about a special program for an under-served area. I could imagine a hospital or nursing home who has trouble getting qualified RNs actually might offer some kind of nursing education program for their CNA's to become LPNs or RNs. I don't know of any, but I could see where this could happen. I think one of the problems the OP is encountering when looking for this type of program is a difference in vocabulary. "Continuing Education" to most people in health care means in-services, conferences, and an occasional college class. I think the type of program you are referring to would be called something else. Even if you can't find the exact type of program you are thinking of, if you are interested in nursing, working as a CNA while applying to nursing schools would also be a good path to take, if you choose to do so. It's always good to have healthcare experience and to make contacts in the career you are planning to go into. Even if you already have a degree, there are loans, grants, and scholarships available to help finance your education.

I think you are referring to tuition reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement may or may not be part of the benefits package that is offered to employees at a hospital or nursing home. You'll have to ask the human resources department if they offer this benefit. Often times they will reimburse you for one class per semester as long as you get above a B, though it's different for every hospital. It would take along time to complete a program with your employer paying for only one class a semester, so most people get financial aid to cover the rest. Continuing education in a hospital is usually the in-services that you have to attend when you work at a hospital. For instance, they may have a hand-washing in-service. It's usually an hour class and you're required to attend, but it doesn't give you college credits.

They might not check their school email during vacations. If you don't get responses after January 20th, when school is back in session, I'd try emailing one more time. When you email them, make sure you write a brief description of the class you took with them and attach your transcript and resume. You also might consider taking a refresher course as part of preparing for grad school. Alternatively, the admissions committee may accept recommendations from your manager at work instead of a professor.

I'm looking into Utica College's accelerated BSN program. I have a 3.8 GPA, so I think I'll be okay with the online classes. My main concern is the in-person schedule. Is anyone in the program that can give me some insight as to how the clinical and other on-site activities are scheduled? What does it look like for each semester? Does the schedule change throughout the semester? Is there any kind of flexibility in the program? How much notice are you given as far as when you need to be on-site? I know the program has had some growing pains, so I'm particularly interested in how the current program is operating now.