questions about occ lpn program? please help!

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Hi guys,

so I am currently a hopeful for the RN program and have applied for it. With the way this semester is turning out, it looks like my gpa will be around a 3.85 which may or may not be enough. So I am looking at my other options.

I don't know a lot about the LPN program, other than what I could find online. From my understanding, you apply by september first, hear back sometime in october, and then begin the program sometime i january? is this correct?

then, how long is it? and when could you start the rn to lpn bridge? any and all info is appreciated!

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Specializes in Oncology.

Yes you are right about those dates.

5 pre-reqs

I am starting in Jan 11 with Pharmacology which lasts for 7 weeks and continues with foundation of nursing for about 15 weeks. That's a first semester. There are 3 big semesters- Winter, Fall, and Winter. However, first winter continues to summer 1 and I think we have a month of a break.

There will be the LPN orientation this Friday. Once I get more info, I will let you know.

I was in the RN pool also, but I changed my mind because I didn't want to wait another year to start the actual program. Rather grab something to begin my nursing career.

There is also a bridge program. You need the rest of the RN pre-reqs. If you have done that you are good to go. But you need to be hired to work in any facility before you can apply. Or other option, I am considering is LPN to BSN or the accelerated BSN since I already have a bachelor. So that would shorten my way to get my BSN.

OK will update you later about the orientation.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Trauma.

Want2banursesoon,

It's a good idea to keep your options open, but it sounds like you have a very good shot at an RN program with your GPA. If you were to get into both, I would recommend the RN program as when you graduate you will not only make a better salary, but you will also have more employment options. Please be aware that LPNs do not work on the floors in the hospitals (there may be the odd one here or there but these LPNs have been working there for like 30 years and when they retire they will be replaced by RNs).

If you want to work in a hospital environment it would behoove you to enter an RN program. It's all too hard and life gets in the way and it's easy to not go back to school. If you are working as an LPN you will be more limited in employment opportunities and will likely work in long term care/ nursing homes. If that's where you would like to work and are just interested in working quickly then an LPN program may be the right fit. It all depends on you-- what your needs and goals are. I know any postings I see for LPNs on health system websites are all for their LTC facilities (and there is probably 1 LPN posting for every 20 RN postings).

You have a very good GPA and there are so many programs in Metro Detroit that I'm positive you will find one that will offer you a slot. Good luck!

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thanks so much for the kind words everyone! I am really hoping things will work out with the RN program, or that by magic my A&P teacher will take pity on me and bump my grade up (doubtful, but one can dream lol).

I definitely do want to do the RN program. My issue is that I am somewhat limited in where I can apply because I didn't take college seriousely my first time around, and thus have to repeat many classes. This 'takes me out of the running' so to speak for many programs. It was my own fault, I was young and stupid and did not realize how much my actions would shut doors for me! Ahh well atleast I straightened up and am doing well now!

Because of this, I'm somehwat limited to OCC. I really hope this RN program works out!!!

Thanks so much for the encouragement everyone! And like I said, any more information you can give me (jaeey77, please let me know how orientation went), I would sincerely appreciate it!

thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Dear WANT2BANURSESOON:

Hi!

Perhaps you are being too hard on yourself. You have a great GPA, so I would think you'd have your pick of programs, especially considering that the ones with waiting lists do not have anywhere near such a high GPA requirement. Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck for the OCC program, which certainly has become intensely competitive.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I finally have a chance to write something about orientation.

First of all, there are 31 of us who made the cut! and the cut was 3.6xx (something something as the instructor said--the same person who did/do nursing info session). There were 91 people applied.

Mainly, the orientation is about the nursing student handbook which we need to read and understand and follow the rules; otherwise, we could be kick out if we break any.

Schedule is very easy for the pharm but it's very intense. Since it is 7.5 weeks but we have two books to study plus a syllabus which we have to buy from the bookstore.

It seems that only two jobs for nursing students are pay the bill and study! School registers for class and designate us to the facility that we do clinical rotation when we get into foundation of nursing.

That's all for now. Feel free to ask if there's any more question for me.

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Hey jaaeyy that's awesome! Congratulations!

Ugh part of me wishes I had applied for the LPN program with you! the problem was, I needed to take A&P 1 for a good grade, and I know that was a prerequisite. Still, looks like with the gpa cutoff what it was, I could have done it!

Anyway, good luck in school, and thanks for all your help.

Where are your clinicals gonna be?

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Specializes in Oncology.

Hi

Other thing I forget to mention was the cutoff was higher.

The year before me was 3.5x but this year 3.6x.

Well, as for the clinicals we won't know it until they (the faculty) tell us.

They will put on the BB telling us where to go. We don't even know we are in group A or B for our in school lab (clinical).

Thank you.

I wish you best of luck with the RN program. I'm sure you will get in.

If not, you know there is other option.

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Hi jaaaey77

I am applying for the RN program and I have two guestions about the uniforms. Do we have to purchase them from the bookstore or can we go to a uniform store? What color can we wear white or green?

Good luck with the LPN program.

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Specializes in Oncology.
Hi jaaaey77

I am applying for the RN program and I have two guestions about the uniforms. Do we have to purchase them from the bookstore or can we go to a uniform store? What color can we wear white or green?

Good luck with the LPN program.

Hi there

As far as I know for the LPN student, we have to wear white scrub top, olive green pants and lab coat.

I am sure it's the same for RN because I have seen my RN friends wore them before.

Only the patch is different. You can purchase it at the bookstore but you have to order it. You can buy somewhere else but the color has to match. The school uses the brand called Laudau that you can actually get it online. Hope it helps.

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Yes it does

Thanks

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Househead4life--

I think you have an excellent chance of getting into the RN program with a 3.85!! I've got my fingers crossed for you!!

I graduated from OCC's RN program in 2009 and I had to wait over a year before I got into the program, but it was well worth the wait! It is an excellent program!!

Also, I'm thinking about selling my OCC uniforms, if your interested. They have been sitting in my closet for the last year gathering dust (or so to speak)!! If your interested PM me.

Anyways, best of luck to you and if you have any more questions about the RN program let me know!!

Take care,

REDDOG RN

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