Tacoma Community College Nursing

Hello.

I've completed all my prereqs at TCC. The A&P is tough, but doable. I'm not sure what ratemyprofessors.com says...maybe regarding certain instructors? I also got my EMT there in 2012. In the field, TCC was highly regarded where schools like Green River, Bates, Pierce, Clover Park were looked down upon. I can say that I applied to their lottery even with a high Teas and GPA & didn't get in to ADN (yet) though I have also applied to PLU now too. Was there a particular worry that's on your mind?

RaggedyAm said:

Did you use any financial aid? I just found out that financial aid doesn't pay for prereqs to the ADN because it's selective admission!? ahhh that's so scary.

Wait, what? I did my pre-reqs at a community college and wasn't sure if I would be applying to a BSN program or ADN. Turns out I applied to both and got in to both but went the BSN route. I have never heard of financial aid not paying for pre-reqs? Is this something specific to TCC? I would definitely clarify if I were you. I qualified for and used financial aid for all my pre-reqs at another WA community college, and all the programs I applied to were definitely competitive entry.

I haven't actually heard the best things about TCC in recent years, but as with most things, it's hard to tell how much is true and how much is sour grapes. With the direct transfer agreement we have in WA I would encourage you to consider getting your pre-reqs done and then applying to Universities as well since it gets you straight to BSN. That was the route I took and I'm glad I did; it really streamlined everything.

Looks like for 2014, TCC's was 71%. FYI, that's bad enough to be in trouble when it comes to accreditation.

The no financial aid is a new thing as of this past quarter. I was fortunate enough not to get any loans out and had every prereq class paid via TCC Foundation, WSOS, and Pleneurethics Society. I do know that a lot of people are hurting because of this though.

Get through your prereqs and apply. If you get into ADN, then you can get your RN. From here, most people move onto the UW for BSN as there is a partnership. TCC just went through their accrediting ~ so don't worry about that ~ though NCLEX passing rate is scary. If you get your prereqs done, you can try to go straight to BSN at PLU for 3 years as Kalycat is saying. I'd also recommend applying to places now if you are close to completing your prereqs as many places have you apply to school first THEN go through their Nursing applications.

The last I heard, approximately 600 apply for Fall/Winter start and another 300 try for a Spring start at TCC. Still, it is a lottery...a friend of mine which we took many classes together in which I had a higher GPA and higher TEAS too, but she got in on first try. She has her CNA and I have my EMT so the extra points didn't really weigh in so much?

How far along are you? What classes are you taking?

Oh wow, bummer! I had just completed my prereqs, but heard this was coming so I had not had to deal with it. I do know, however, that it takes more than a year to do the prereqs since there's prereqs to the prereqs! I know it seems discouraging, but it is doable. It may take you longer if financially you're strapped.

I did experience the financial aid hiccup in October as the school was switching from doing everything in the portal versus CTC LINK. My tuition showed past due even though it was all on scholarship anyways! Still, the teacher and the school was able to work around this somehow. As of today (I'm taking Spanish 122 and English 102), my scholarships have not been applied so there's still issues.

As far as schooling...you're looking at 1.5 - 2 years for prereq completion. If you get into TCC's ADN then it's 2 more years for RN, then another 2 years for BSN (most go to UW Tacoma). If you do your prereqs then transfer to PLU, then its 3 years to BSN (without stopping for the RN credential) ~ I hope that makes sense. Still there are other schools to transfer to. I just chose these as they're in my area and have the best reviews/ratings. Also, no matter where you go or what you ultimately decide to do ~ you MUST do well in every class and keep up the GPA!

Wow. Crazy on the financial aid.

I just did my pre-reqs and got my associates to qualify for the transfer agreement. A BSN when you transfer is the same 2 years of school. You do your general Ed and nursing pre-reqs at the community college, and then transfer for the final two years of nursing school. The nursing school portion is the same duration as at a community college. It made more sense for me. I mean, there's still general Ed requirements for the ADN that you will be working on while you wait to start nursing school so... In my mind, might as well get it all out of the way at once instead of having to bridge to BSN later. Plus, I definitely wanted to work in a hospital and in my area, ADNs have a harder time getting hired for hospital positions. I don't have an interest in long term care. You have time - do your research and come up with a plan that's right for you :)

Kalycat definitely has the best advice! Even bridge programs are competitive!

I just wanted to add one more thing....

The transition to practicing nurse is tough for new grads. Just check out some of the posts around AN. I was very lucky to get a great nursing education that streamlined both the NCLEX and the transition to practice. The thing that concerns me about those test scores is... Well.... You could potentially find your nursing career over before it even starts. There are *great* ADN programs available in the State - several in fact. If you have the flexibility to go anywhere else, I would strongly consider it. I mean, why set yourself up to struggle? I'm not saying NCLEX world is the same as real life, but a quality program really makes all the difference.

Two great ADN programs are in Eastern WA: CBC in Pasco and YVCC in Yakima. Both have grads who are readily hired, are well respected in the community, and have solid NCLEX pass rates. I went to a private university on the east side of the state. I would have never thought I could afford it, but it turns out that they had very extensive financial aid offerings in the form of grants and scholarships.

I tell you this because it really helps to keep all your options open. If all else fails, apply! Keep your grades up in pre-reqs as Trouble stated - make yourself marketable to these programs.

This education is an investment in yourself. Do everything you can to make it worthwhile. I know there is tremendous pressure to get to work - I did this as a second career later in life; had kids and everything. But I truly believe a quality program is worth the wait and the time commitment. Good luck on your journey!

I think you're on the right track if you're sure that's what you want to do. THEN AGAIN, some people have something in mind like nursing, but then go into respiratory therapy instead ~ & this is OK!!! Yep, prereqs to prereqs is a good start too. Most disciplines will still require the English, Math (general ed stuff). Just take it bits at a time. There's no need to put so much pressure on yourself, & you'll feel better with your direction with each class you complete. It's that very same overwhelming feeling that discourages a lot of people...don't be that person ~ you can do it!