recomended nursing school in toledo area

amjowens · Feb 20, 2009

I am at Owens Community College. I highly recommend it. If I were you, I'd look at all the schools, then apply to all of the ones that seem to fit your needs. Once you are accepted at schools, you can decide from there. I'd gather info like the number of students who begin then graduate (not just NCLEX pass rates), tuition (seriously, important, ..look at Brown Mackie), and whether classes transfer for credit (at some schools, the classes mean nothing at a another accredited school if you want to go on later).

I can't say enough good about Owens. Especially the LPN school. I haven't yet taken my NCLEX, but I'm working as a graduate nurse at a nursing home, and am really prepared. I just started the RN program at Owens, and while I don't like some aspects of it (too large, not the personal attn of LPN), it's still excellent.

Don't get stuck with all the talk about waiting lists. Most schools have them, and you'll hear a lot of pre-nursing negative talk...it's a downer. Focus on your own situation, do well in your pre-req classes, meet with your advisor for all your pre-req reqs, and apply. I had heard about a 2 and 3 year wait, but I ended up actually having to ask to be part of the class the semester after I was accepted. With all the negative talk, I originally applied for the LPN program, thinking I'd "never" get into the RN program (I did apply to the RN at same time, though). It turned out to be an amazing gift in disguise (SO glad did LPN first), but in actuality, would have started RN a semester earlier than I did if I didn't do LPN due to fear of years of waiting on RN list! So, try to get As in pre-reqs and you'll be bumped up, and in sooner than you think.

Sirena922 · Feb 20, 2009

Amjowens did you have to wait along time to get into the LPN program at Owens?

amjowens · Feb 20, 2009

I applied in Aug of 2007. I was accepted for the Jan class of 2008, so a semester. I don't know what the current situation is, but I know a lot of pre-nursing students are looking into LPN programs as there is the option of the LPN-RN programs (sometimes the process is shorter than waiting for a regular RN).

BTW, the pass rate is 100% for NCLEX-PN at Owens!

Sirena922 · Feb 20, 2009

Thxs. Are you from Ohio/Toledo?

amjowens · Feb 21, 2009

I live just outside Toledo, about 10min from school. I got a job in Ann Arbor, and with online courses for RN at Owens, I'm thinking of relocating. I'd commute to school one or two days a week for a clinical and to take exams at the testing center. I'm going to have to see if I like my job enough to stay throughout my RN program.

Sirena922 · Feb 21, 2009

O ok. So the job you found are they paying you ok since you got out of school. I'm going to look into Owens.

amjowens · Feb 21, 2009

I'm being paid what's competitive for a graduate nurse. Much more than an aide, but my pay will increase by a few dollars when I pass my NCLEX. The average pay for a new LPN in the Ann Arbor area is about $20/hour I'm finding. More if go toward Detroit, but trying to balance good experience with income. A lot of places want you to have passed your NCLEX before they'll even consider hiring you, so I feel very fortunate. Some of my classmates are working as aides, and hoping to be hired as a LPN when they pass their NCLEX. This is more common. I didn't work as an aide while in school, though, and just started researching and applying everywhere before I even graduated. Like I said, I'm driving up to Ann Arbor for my first job, so I'm definitely having to give up a bit right now (the drive can be a pain). In this economy, most of us in some way are having to give a little more in at least some way to make it happen, as nurses are affected too. Opportunities are absolutely out there, though.

Sirena922 · Feb 22, 2009

Well good luck to you and keep us posted when you pass the NCLEX exam.

mtopolinski · Feb 22, 2009

amjowens, thank you for the info. it really helps me a lot. I inquired at brown mackie college in findlay and i was so shocked because the woman their told me that i can enroll this march 2. but i was thinking if its a good school. anyway, is Practical Nursing same as ADN? because that's what they've got..Thanks again. God Bless!

RN50, ASN, BSN · Mar 5, 2009

I have heard that Brown Mackie is not an accredited school. Check that out before hand if you want to go to Brown Mackie. I personally graduated from Owens and I thought the program was excellent. In terms of cost, they are cheaper than UT, or Lourdes. Good luck!