PTEC

Bean79 · Jun 19, 2009

I was just accepted into the Online program at PTEC and was wondering how difficult you think the program is? How much time do you find that you have to study outside of the classroom? Do you get to review patient's charts the night before clinicals? Do you feel confident with clinicals from what you've learned? Can you (or other students if you don't) work full-time while attending the program?
Thanks in advance if you can answer those questions for me!

The program can be pretty challenging. It isnt that the material is hard, it is just difficult looking at questions a whole new way. Some of the tests are geared towards the NCLEX , so you will often find there is more than one correct answer. It is finding the "BEST" answer that is very challenging. Some people try to dispute the answers, but teachers remind us that on the NCLEX there is no partial credit or disputing. Its either right or wrong. As the program progresses you will find yourself studying ALOT. In the portion of the course my class is in, I have to study basically all afternoon, from the time I get home from school (3pm) until I go to bed at night (11-12). Of course I take breaks, but time management is key because things move fairly quickly especially if we have more than one test in a week. I have found study groups to be very helpful, as long as everyone comes prepared.

As far as clinicals are concerned, you do not get to review charts before. Your patient is assigned when you get to the hospital. No one truly feels prepared going into clinicals, we were all very nervous when we began. But as a PN student the instructor is with you for everything you do. The instructor will walk you through tasks, and clinicals is really where most learning takes place. There are things you simply cannot simulate in the classroom.

There are many people in my class, including myself, that work Full-time and go to school Full-time during the day. It is really tough, especially if you work during the week. But I have managed so far. Some people have found they had to adjust their schedules to weekends only, or cut hours. The most important thing is to always remember your goal. There are days when I say to myself, I dont think I can do this anymore because I get so burnt out, but then I remind myself why I am making the sacrifices now and where I want to be in the future. I am about 8 months into the program and nothing is going to stop me at this point :)

onefrndlyghst · Jun 19, 2009

I am a little leary of working full time and going to school and taking care of my kids. I am not sure how I am going to handle that part. I wish I was able to take out a student loan through PTEC, it would make all of these decisions a whole lot easier.

LMT2LPN, if you, or anyone that you know wants to get rid of some books, please let me know. I am trying to figure these into my budget and I hate buying new ones.

Bean79 · Jun 21, 2009

I am a little leary of working full time and going to school and taking care of my kids. I am not sure how I am going to handle that part. I wish I was able to take out a student loan through PTEC, it would make all of these decisions a whole lot easier.
LMT2LPN, if you, or anyone that you know wants to get rid of some books, please let me know. I am trying to figure these into my budget and I hate buying new ones.

I think I heard from faculty that they are changing most of the books for the August class. But once you get a book list let me know and I will see what books are the same. :)

onefrndlyghst · Jun 21, 2009

I know that the edition of the book may change, but the content rarely does. I would greatly appreciate it. I will let you know as soon as I can track down a book list.

Bean79 · Jun 22, 2009

I know that the edition of the book may change, but the content rarely does. I would greatly appreciate it. I will let you know as soon as I can track down a book list.

True...We were told however that they are completely changing books (not just newer editions). Some of our books are poorly written, so I believe they are getting better materials. But I do believe some such as Maternity/Pediatrics book will be the same. Either way let me know :)

onefrndlyghst · Jun 23, 2009

It figures :-). I have emailed Chris and asked when we will have the book/supply list and she said they are working on it now.

Where did you get your stuff? Did you buy it all from PTEC? I am a huge bargain shopped and have to shop around to know that I got the best deal/price for something. I hate buying from school bookstores.

Bean79 · Jun 24, 2009

I bought some from the bookstore but I bought most of my books from Amazon.com and Half.com. They both had some good deals, though shipping from half.com can take longer since they ship media mail. But both are good sites :)

JBGurl · Aug 20, 2009

Cole, I applied for the August class at St. Pete Ptec. I was accepted and I know from speaking to Sherry that there were about 50 people admitted to the class. That does sound like a lot to me, but I have known people that went through PTECs LPN class and they have told me that some people usually drop out of the program for various reasons. Did you get accepted? I am excited and nervous at the same time. Trying to juggle school, work and family is going to be a hard thing to do. But here's to a great August class! I hope it's the best class yet!

I landed on this forum today after searching for other students who were trying to get into Ptec's fall classes..
I applied for the August daytime - St.Pete Campus class and am awaiting a response, I believe we are suppose to receive them by June 14.
I was surprised to read that the August online class only had 40 applications submitted, does anyone know how many students got accepted?
At the orientation for the August St.Pete Campus day class, there was so many people I dont even have a good estimate, but the staff said they were anticipating on accepting at least 50 students, which sounded like a lot to me. Did anyone else give the august daytime classes a shot?

SBChewning · Jun 18, 2010

Can anyone tell me how you afford Ptec without any loans? I want to take the patient care assistant program until my son starts school in 3 years. Then I will go on for my practical nursing with them, and they will let me skip the first 2 months of the nursing program. Anyways, I know I make too much for the pell grant, but of course, not enough to just bust out all this money. Any ideas?

JBGurl · Jun 18, 2010

I am currently enrolled in the LPN program at Ptec. I know the tuition is a lil more than $500 every fee period, and I think we have 3 fee periods total. I was told by Susan in financial aid that you can get scholarships instead of Pell, so you may want to check there. I ordered my books offline and saved a lot of money that way. Good luck!

Can anyone tell me how you afford Ptec without any loans? I want to take the patient care assistant program until my son starts school in 3 years. Then I will go on for my practical nursing with them, and they will let me skip the first 2 months of the nursing program. Anyways, I know I make too much for the pell grant, but of course, not enough to just bust out all this money. Any ideas?

SBChewning · Jun 18, 2010

I am currently enrolled in the LPN program at Ptec. I know the tuition is a lil more than $500 every fee period, and I think we have 3 fee periods total. I was told by Susan in financial aid that you can get scholarships instead of Pell, so you may want to check there. I ordered my books offline and saved a lot of money that way. Good luck!

Thank you so much! Makes things a little more realistic, how are you liking the classes so far? I really wanted to go to Galen, but I can't stomach how much it would cost...I hear good things about Ptec! I live in Tampa so its a trek, but I hope it will be worth it!

JBGurl · Jun 18, 2010

I like PTEC. There are some awesome instructors at the St. Pete Campus. It's fast paced, but it is worth it. Be prepared to study, study, study! I attended SPC prior to going to PTEC and nothing could have prepared me for the amount of homework and studying I was going to have to do. It goes by so fast, you will graduate before you know it. We have several people that drive from Tampa. I know that Erwin Tech has a nursing program. That is in Tampa. Have you looked into that?

Thank you so much! Makes things a little more realistic, how are you liking the classes so far? I really wanted to go to Galen, but I can't stomach how much it would cost...I hear good things about Ptec! I live in Tampa so its a trek, but I hope it will be worth it!