SPC or PHCC Bridge program?

Bean79 · Jan 22, 2009

Hello there...I am also an LPN student due to graduate later this year. I unfortunately do not have alot of input as far as which is the "better" program, but do know people who have gone to both and have found each school challenging. Their pass rates on the NCLEX are pretty close as well, with SPC at 82% pass rate and PHCC at 80%. BUT as you already noticed SPC has 3x as many students in the program. Either way, I am sure you will get a great education at either school. Good Luck!

nrcnurse · Jan 23, 2009

I'm an LPN and in my last semester at SPC. You do one "bridge" semester, which is a marathon review of LPN school, then do Levels 3 and 4 with the "generic" students. It is a challenging program. They require a 2000 level micro (which was a big surprise to me since all the other colleges require the 1000 level class) and statistics (which the community colleges do not require.) You have to do both of those classes before starting Level 4. All the students are VERY bright, which is nice, and the clinical experiences are challenging and interesting. The other nice thing is that you can get accepted right away instead of waiting a long time for your program to start. Graduating in Dec. then starting transition in May will be great timing for you.

Jess84 · Jan 25, 2009

thanks for the reply. I was thinking that same timeline, graduate this December and Start SPC in May or PHCC in August. About that first "Bridge" semester... is it every day? would it be possible to work at least half time as an LPN and go to school? How challenging was that first semester compared to the last two?? Thanks for the info again. Congrats on being in your last semester!

nrcnurse · Jan 28, 2009

I worked full time (36 hours) each semester. I work 3 days, go to class 4 days. Clinical days are the longest, 6:30am - 2pm. Some days you only go to school for a couple of hours. In the transition semester, I NEVER read the textbooks and made all A's. Level 3 was a different story, though. It's all pediatric-based, so I really HAD to read. (I am not a peds person, and was not looking forward to pediatrics, but my experience at All Children's Hospital was amazing.) Level 4 is neuro and cardiac, and it is very challenging, but interesting. A lot of my classmates work full time. It's tough to work and go to school, but I keep telling myself that it's only temporary. 5/7/09 I am DONE.

MadonnaU2009 · Feb 1, 2009

Hello Nrcnurse,

I was just wondering if it is competitive as far as GPA or if you had to wait long to get into the program. We are going to be moving to the area in the near future and I am looking into my options. Thanks for any info about the program you can give me.:nuke:

nrcnurse · Feb 2, 2009

Hello Nrcnurse,
I was just wondering if it is competitive as far as GPA or if you had to wait long to get into the program. We are going to be moving to the area in the near future and I am looking into my options. Thanks for any info about the program you can give me.:nuke:

GPA is not really a factor in getting into the Transition program. If you've completed your pre-reqs and they have room in the class, you're in. I suggest you take statistics before starting the program. For me, it was a tough class, and added a lot of pressure to an already stressful semester. You have to take it, and micro, before starting level 4 (last semester).

MadonnaU2009 · Feb 2, 2009

Thats great news, thanks for the info. Good luck finishing the program, hopefully I will be taking it soon.