Should I transfer to other LVN school? Is this school normal?

Published

I just finished the 1st level (3.5 month) of the LVN program last week and noticed that 35 out of 60 students were dropped. Moreover, I found out that there is about only 10 students made it to the last level (level 4) of the program and other about 50 students who could not make it to the last level were either repeating the 2, 3rd levels, or gave up.

This school enters as many as students in the beginning even if there is no enough student tables and gives us all the book on the first day of the program and have us to sign the receipts. So we owe for books already on the first day even if the cancellation date with no penalty fee is 1 week later.

When I talked with the representative before enter the program, she said to me that their pass rate for NCLEX is 100%. However, I found out that the test was actually taken by only 10 students.

We have an exam every week and whoever cannot get 75% of the total score for the 2nd time will be dropped automatically. If you fail for one time, you have to get 75% for the make up test. However, If you fail for a new test again, then you cannot continue the program and wait for the next semester to redo the level. I think school usually accumulates all the score and divided to get the final % for each student at the end of the semester and decide to drop students, not the middle of the semester. Also, since the make up test will be held on the same week of another test, the students have to study for 2 different materials in a week, which makes even harder for the students.

I contacted different school yesterday and they said they will consider my transfer after checking my grade and school curriculum. The pass rate for NCLEX for this school is 75%, but they hold 28 to the last level out of 30 students.

Could you please give me advice on this? Should I just stay for the current program even if there is high drop rate? or should I just transfer the different school?

makidesuu:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Well it sounds like they are making it rigorous which sounds like a good thing for a program to have. I guess it really depends if you see yourself as one that gets through the 4 terms or one of the students that will be dropped

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i would say your program sounds pretty normal. i'm in an adn program and out of 31 students that began with me, only 9 of us remain w/ one more semester left (out of 6....3 yr evening/weekend program). we also need a 75% at the end of each sememster to pass. if you fail a semester, you can retake it, but fail again and you're out of the program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What you describe sounds pretty normal to me. I would stick with your present program and give it every ounce of effort that you can. Save the other school as Plan B in the unfortunate circumstance that you fail out of this program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree, this sounds normal for most LPN schools. When I started school there were 38 students. When we graduated there were only 10 of us left. Of course this was 15+ years ago, but I have never faulted the knowledge and skills I obtained through my highly competitive school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is one of the main raasons that so many students drop out? This is kinda scaring me since I just got accepted into nursing school

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I guess this is the norm. Most schools want even higher...if you do not maintain an 80 average, you can get dropped from the program. And, if a student has an average of 79.5%, it is scaled downwards rather than up, also, some schools would even drop a perso who is 79.8%, because it is still lower than the 80%. And, for those that are repeating a course, they have to earn 5 points more than before, because it is felt that the material is repeated, like a review.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

We graduated 26/40, and 3 of them came from the previous year. We had a test every Monday, and each class was 5 wks long. Not much room for failure. We also had to maintain a 75% average for each class. Math tests were a pass/fail. Fail once, retake. Fail again, see you next year. Skills check-offs were the same way. Pass, yippee! Fail, retake, fail again...buh-bye. Very stressful, but do-able. Kinda why I'm not in a big hurry to go ADN just yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Here's some food for thought. . .

1) Your credits might not be transferrable if you are attending a private, expensive trade school LVN program. Based on the few details you have provided, I'm almost certain you're attending a trade school LVN program. Keep this in mind before you attempt to transfer.

2) I attended an LVN program where a score of 78% on all tests and quizzes was considered the minimum passing grade. This is a typical practice of nursing programs to ensure you know the material and are able to pass NCLEX at a later date.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What are some tips to keeping up and passing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What is one of the main raasons that so many students drop out? This is kinda scaring me since I just got accepted into nursing school

I agree with the other posters - sounds pretty normal (but scary!). In my class, of the group that dropped out, about 1/3 were dropped after 3 months. I don't think they really should have been admitted in the first place. I don't think they had that "gut level" drive to become a nurse. About 1/3 dropped out because of work or family commitments. You really have to plan on "not having a life" while you're in school. I'd say the rest just couldn't cut it academically. Their hearts were in the right place but their grades weren't (:sniff:)

Stop worrying and just concentrate on doing your best!

mc3:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

my program is that way too. we have to have an 80 or above average on everything, and clinicals is pass/fail. we started with around 25, and are down to 12 from the original class with 3 new students from previous classes. the reason it is so rigorous is that not only do they want to make sure that you are safe and competent, they want to make sure you pass your boards on the 1st try. as with every nursing school, they monitor the pass/fail rate. if it is below a certain percent, the school is investigated and sometimes shut down.

my best advice is to give up your life for the two years you are in nursing school. eat, sleep, breathe and poop nursing. seriously. read your books until you cant read them anymore. make notes and lots of them. listen to your instructors, they've already passed the boards. and find a study buddy or two, its much easier if you feel like you arent in it alone. when you get that test in front of you, say a prayer and ask for guidance. look at each day as a blessing, to learn, to grow and to help others, and remind yourself that failure is not going to happen.

i work full time and go to school 5 days a week, and maintain a 4.0 average. it can be done, i promise. good luck to you.

i have 4 months and 28 days left. woohoo!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion