Tampa: HCC vs PHCC ?

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Hello everyone! I'll be graduating this December with my LPN! Whoo ^.^ I'm nervous about the NCLEX but excited to get this over with. :p Anyway, I'm moving to Tampa (I live in Pensacola, Fl ) and I can't decide which LPN-to-RN program to choose from: Hillsborough Community College (HCC) or Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC)? I would like to know the pros and cons of each college. Also what are the NCLEX pass rates? And opinions of each program for those of you that live in that area and/or have been through the program.

I love the idea that PHCC is only 2 semesters long, starting Aug '11 to May '12. I just want to get my RN ASAP.

HCC starts May '10 and ends in May of 2012. I know the extra 3 months is to help LPNs to get transitioned over. And I'm wondering if that summer semester is easier? Since it is like a "catching up to speed" class.

Thanks! :)

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I have had it up to my ears with HCC (trying to get into NS) At best, it's like a cat corral! So, for that reason alone I would say PHCC.

Don't you also have the option to do it online? Just a thought.

GL!

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Yes I was leaning towards phcc but I'll take whichever one accepts me first. What is NS? I had trouble trying to reach the program manager there, lol. I've heard of the online option but I don't want to slack behind and I enjoy being able to talk with classmates and such.

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Specializes in Home Care.

You should also consider where you intend to live in Tampa Bay and how long your commute will be to the college and clinical sites.

You also didn't say whether or not you have the pre-reqs completed. It seems that each community college has its own set of pre-reqs and rules that must be followed when applying to the nursing programs.

The LPN-RN program I'm attending at SPC is 3 semesters long, I'll graduate Dec 2011. There's no mad rush to become an RN since there are few jobs for new grad RNs right now.

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My husband and I are moving down there to be close to family but we are not confined to one area in Tampa Bay. So we can live anyway we'd like, and I want to be close to school, I just can't decide which one is better yet. I have all my prereqs for both schools, the only problem is that some of the course numbers don't match, so I have to get them approved.

I'm not really sure about the LPN job opportunities in Tampa. I don't really want to work in a nursing home, but that seems like the only option, especially for new grads.

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Specializes in Home Care.

The nursing job situation for new grad RNs and LPNs is not good here in Tampa Bay. The official unemployment rate here is upwards of 12%, I've never seen the economy in this area as bad as it is now. Sad but true, the people who will always have jobs are those pumping and repairing septic tanks and a/c repairmen.

Something else for you to consider about choosing a school is that some schools consider county residence when applying and you also have to realize that you'll be paying out of state tuition until you establish residency here.

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So I'll be paying out-of-state tuition for not living in the county? Even though I've been a Fl resident? Huh. I've never heard of that.

>.

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Hello everyone! I'll be graduating this December with my LPN! Whoo ^.^ I'm nervous about the NCLEX but excited to get this over with. :p Anyway, I'm moving to Tampa (I live in Pensacola, Fl ) and I can't decide which LPN-to-RN program to choose from: Hillsborough Community College (HCC) or Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC)? I would like to know the pros and cons of each college. Also what are the NCLEX pass rates? And opinions of each program for those of you that live in that area and/or have been through the program.

I love the idea that PHCC is only 2 semesters long, starting Aug '11 to May '12. I just want to get my RN ASAP.

HCC starts May '10 and ends in May of 2012. I know the extra 3 months is to help LPNs to get transitioned over. And I'm wondering if that summer semester is easier? Since it is like a "catching up to speed" class.

Thanks! :)

PHCC - if you do not live in the county, you need a high gpa and a high entrance score (this was in 2009 when i applied). there should be a phcc forum somewhere here. good luck

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