Running Out of Time! Help!

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Jan 16, 2011

I'm going to hedge a guess and say no, you will not be able to complete all of these classes for a May 2011 start date.

When is the application deadline? Or does the school operate on rolling admissions?

Anatomy and Physiology most likely will be a two course sequence - either A&P I and II, or Anatomy (first semester) and Physiology (second semester). Sometimes, with a school's summer session, you may be able to knock both of those classes out in 10 weeks.

Most likely, you will need a minimum of 2 semesters of time to complete these courses.

I took a look at their website and it looks as though you will need to contact Pima Medical Institute for more information.

squeeek · Jan 16, 2011

Okay thanks for the honesty. Ill just have to complete these few classes over this year and start the program next January.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2011

First of all, I feel like I must give you some practical advice, this is coming from someone who finally decided to become an RN in March 2009. I have done a LOT of research into academic programs and requirements. You just decided to become an RN LAST WEEK! And you already decided on a school? I personally think you are making too hasty a decision. Have you looked at other schools? What impulses you to believe that Pima is the best school for you? It seems to be the only school you have looked into after a simple Google search. Have you looked at state colleges that also have RN programs? They tuition would be WAY cheaper. Pima seems to be a private institution and their tuition is quite pricey from what I saw on their website.

I see Pima is listed as approved by the state's Board of Nursing which at a minimum allows you to sit for the NCLEX. But, as I suspected, Pima is NOT accredited by NLNAC or CCNE, which is not required but IMPORTANT if you eventually want to further your nursing education at the bachelors, masters, or doctorate level. Here is a link to the list of nursing programs approved by your state's Board of Nursing, you should only look at these programs if your intention is to stay in NM:

http://www.bon.state.nm.us/pdf/ApprovedNursingProgramsNov10.pdf

Also, have you reviewed NCLEX pass rates for different schools? This also gives you some idea as to how well the schools prepare their graduates to pass this exam. Again I must warn, Pima is NOT on this list, a red flag in my book:

http://www.bon.state.nm.us/pdf/nclex_rn_passrates.pdf

What is your hurry to get into an RN program? Sounds like you need to do a lot more research. Yes, get started on your prereqs, particularly A&P and Microbiology because ALL nursing programs I have seen require those. Take these at your local community college, it's your cheapest option. You will need to do well in these classes, and I am talking getting all A's if you can swing it. Nursing school admissions is more competitive than ever these days, everybody and their grandmother wants to do nursing now so the best of the best are getting in first.

Ask more questions if you must, I have read too many students get burned on here with fly by night programs, if I can help steer away one student from them and towards legitimate schools, I can sleep a little better.

squeeek · Jan 16, 2011

Hey Paco69,

thanks for the links however i am in AZ not NM.. so do you mind sending me the links for AZ? and thanks for keeping it real. I'm excited though. and pima community college has a year long waiting list, and the university's are bachelor degree programs.. i just need an associates to be an RN.. so that's why i settled on Pima medical institute because there's no waiting list and they have the associates program... SOOO i did do some research..

And also its not like i woke up one day and thought "hey, i think im gonne be a nurse" NO, my mother grandmother and grand father were nurses.. so its not something that just popped in my head.. its always been between teaching and nursing for a long time now.. however you did bring up a pretty good point.. that I'm being hasty.. but I'm excited to START!! can you blame me? and maybe i can do some more research, thanks for the advice!

S

flysbyemerald08 · Jan 16, 2011

Have you looked at MCC for their Nursing program? IIRC they have an ADN or an LPN program. I'm in AZ too and taking my Chem II, Micro, A&PII, and Nutrition. It's going to be a challenge but I like challenges once in while :)

Good luck w/your pursuits!

Here is the link for MCC. Click Here.

johnyfabulous · Jan 16, 2011

Sorry, but almost definitely not. The anatomy and physiology class is a two part class and will probably be your hardest because it is so time consuming. I would recommend waiting a year and doing it more slowly so you don't risk getting poor grades and having to redo them. I just got accepted last semester and the lowest GPA accepted was a 3.75. Although all schools are different, nursing school is extremely competitive and you want to try to get all A's on your pre-reqs. Hope this helps! Good luck :)

Highschoolfuturenurs · Jan 16, 2011

You shouldn't go to that school if it isn't accredited anyway.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2011

Hey Paco69,
thanks for the links however i am in AZ not NM.. so do you mind sending me the links for AZ? and thanks for keeping it real. I'm excited though. and pima community college has a year long waiting list, and the university's are bachelor degree programs.. i just need an associates to be an RN.. so that's why i settled on Pima medical institute because there's no waiting list and they have the associates program... SOOO i did do some research..
And also its not like i woke up one day and thought "hey, i think im gonne be a nurse" NO, my mother grandmother and grand father were nurses.. so its not something that just popped in my head.. its always been between teaching and nursing for a long time now.. however you did bring up a pretty good point.. that I'm being hasty.. but I'm excited to START!! can you blame me? and maybe i can do some more research, thanks for the advice!
S

My bad for mixing up NM and AZ. Finding the same info on Google for AZ Board of Nursing is just as easy, add to your research! :)

2bmalenurse23 · Jan 16, 2011

As some of the other said No you will not be able to complete all those courses by May, Anatomy and Physiology comes in two parts, A&P I, A&PII. I must be completed before two and at most colleges before you can take A&P you first have to complete General Biology so you may wanna apply next May Vs this may. Also Microbiology I believe you need to have completed at least 8 biology credits before taking that course. Goodluck!