St. Louis Community College

fabdana:

If you need a slow pace and can do the two year program, apply at all the STLCC locations. FP is the only one that admits both in spring and fall. The other two campuses (MC and FV) only do fall.

I was considering them, but you have to do the program in two years, no other options. I was accepted at SLU for the accelerated program, so I did that instead and am nearly done (May 19). I had to do this, since I am on COBRA and it only lasts 18 mos. I have one kid and that was not good enough.

SLU is much more accepting in their program if you already have a BA or another bachelor's degree. There are a lot of hyperspaz 20 somethings (most without kids or home or real responsibility), but the instructors are the best. We have several moms with 3 kids and they've planned and it's hard, but they've stuck with it. The instructors are also receptive if you have issues with where you want to go for clinicals, so you can work it into your schedule and not drive around a ton.

UMSL, on the other hand is cheaper, but if you do not have an exceptional GPA (over 3.7), don't bother. They'll just blow you off.

Maryville's Weekend College is another option, but you do have to wait for them, too. They also have a traditional BSN program, so you can get your name on both lists and see who takes you first. Check your prereqs to see how long it will take.

3.7? Oh no! I have a 3.5. I was just looking at SLU and was very excited until I saw the cost. There is just no way I can do that even with loan repayment from the hopsitals. How did you work it out?

I got in at UMSL with about a 3.5-3.6 GPA (and even had a few F's on my record since I forgot to drop out of a few classes way back when). However, this was for the traditional program and not the accelerated. I'm not sure about the accelerated program - it may be more competitive. Even so, the traditional program is a good deal as well! As long as you have the prereqs (and your science courses can be up to 10 years old), you can apply and the clinical portion is still only two years long. The accelerated program lasts 15 months.

If you guys aren't worried about the money then I can offer you some info. Sanfrord-Brown college in St Peters has a one yaer bridge program that is offered M_F 4;30-8:30 same for clinicals. I am not sure sure of the time frame if you are not already a LPN, but they do take tranfer credits. I was looking into relocating from Washington, Dc to attend ther eithr May or August class. I'm still undecide due to the fact that I have kids and can't seem to get ant info about any extended care daycars in the ST peter,Charles or Louis area. The time frame is great, you go to class on apart time basis and still finish in one year, but it is pretty expensive.

fabdana:If you need a slow pace and can do the two year program, apply at all the STLCC locations. FP is the only one that admits both in spring and fall. The other two campuses (MC and FV) only do fall.ot drive around a ton.

Just a correction on this and she may already know, but Meramec AND FP both start classes in the Fall and Spring....FV is the only campus that only has a class in the Fall....I am attending Meramec and there's a 1st semester that just started, in addition to the fact that I was initially supposed to start last spring but had to take a deferment!

If you guys aren't worried about the money then I can offer you some info. Sanfrord-Brown college in St Peters has a one yaer bridge program that is offered M_F 4;30-8:30 same for clinicals.

The only caution I'll offer up again is to be sure that if you're interested in eventually obtaining a BSN or beyond that you check with ALL the universities you might attend to be sure their credits will be transferable. It is a heck of a lot of money (and time) to invest only to find out later that you must redo these classes.

Someone else on these boards mentioned that some of the universities in town will accept them, but it'd be wise to check yourself and then also know if you're planning to move out of the area at some that you can take them with you there, also.

If you're looking in to child care in the St. Peters area, you might check with St. Charles Community College. I understand they have a terrific program and it's open to the public, not just students. Not sure how close it is to the SB campus, however.

Yes, accelerated at UMSL was the program that would not even look at you without the high GPA. They also had really unprofessional admissions folks, but I also know that they were really reshuffling their SON org (director got a no confidence vote and left) just before I would have started. That was a big red flag.

fabdana:

Talk to the recruiters at SLU hospital. Tenet has a future nurse program that will pay your tuition (or $40K) if you do 5 years there. They only have so many spots and fill up fast. Note: there is no maternity or peds there, so if you want to do that, you need to check other sources for money.

I had planned this for two years before I started and took out student loans which is how I could do it. My hubby has worked most of the time and I have COBRA for the insurance, which has worked.

Planning is a BIG deal. I made my budget ahead of time. Plan for 10% increases in tuition each year if you will have to go this route. It's really crazy, but I didn't want to have to be obligated to anyone, which is why I did this.

Good luck!

I am interested in mat and peds. Boo! Is Tenet a good place to work? This is all very frustrating. You spend very little money but it takes 3 years to complete everything or you can spend $30K to have everything done in a year. I want there to be a middle ground but I don't think that is going to happen. I have an appointment to meet with BJCON on Monday and I am still planning on talking to SLU even though I know I can't afford it. I might talk to UMSL too. No matter what I am taking my BIO and CHEM classes this summer so that I can get my apps in at SLCC.

Thanks for all of the information everyone! This board has been such a great source of help!

Yes, accelerated at UMSL was the program that would not even look at you without the high GPA. They also had really unprofessional admissions folks, but I also know that they were really reshuffling their SON org (director got a no confidence vote and left) just before I would have started. That was a big red flag.

UMSL has a new dean now and things are much, much better. I was in my second semester when all of the drama went down with the previous dean. It was taxing, but we survived. The school still has a great reputation and one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state of Missouri. I'm very satisfied with the education I received at UMSL.

I will probably go to Meramec, but I am also looking into BSN programs that allow for a part-time class/clinical schedule. I already have a BA, and it seems like the only programs I can find are accelerated or really intensive, time commitment-wise. I have completed all of the courses required for the ASN or BSN programs in the StL area; all I have left are nursing courses. When I talked to someone at UMSL, she discouraged the traditional track and was really pushing the accelerated option. I am a SLU alum, so I would love to go there, but it seems like the only option is the accelerated program. I have two young kids at home, so I need something that would only keep me away from them 1/2 days. Any ideas, St. Louis folks?

I think any program you do will be a large time commitment regardless of being accelerated or not. Some of the schools do have evening/weekend options, but I really don't know of many schools offering part-time options.

Just as a side note, you can do the traditional route at UMSL even if you have a previous degree. I'm not sure why they are pushing the accelerated, but you could insist on the traditional program. A few of my classmates had previous degrees, and a few even did a sort of "part-time" option there (taking five semesters instead of four). And you can take some courses online and/or in the summer. However, it's still a huge commitment.

Best of luck!