Thoughts on Maric College?

sunnyjohn · Mar 12, 2005

WOW Jim,

It sounds like you've really done your homework on this one.

I wish you the best in nursing school..

Agape

Go Navy!

jennluvsdooney · Sep 22, 2005

Hey, I just wanted you all to know that I went ahead and enrolled into Maric. Don't go to their East Campus. I almost got cheated 7,000 dollars by almost enrolling in Medical Assistant Program to fullfill their prior medical experience for RN ADN course. I went to the main campus and they told me I could do CNA for 2 monthes which is $3700 and then get into the RN track immediately the following January. That certainly beat east campus who was trying to get me to take thier 7 month/ $10,700 Medical Assistant Program which would get me into the RN track in July. I like Maric, my teacher is really good. Everything is included in your tuition, uniforms, books, test fees, health screening, you name it. I'm just trying to finish this CNA course so that I can get into January's RN track. The Director of Nursing reviews all applications and weeds out the weaker students, so you really have to be motivated and on top of your game to get in. That's why there isn't really a waiting list.

Jellybean

San Diego, CA

mstigerlily · Sep 22, 2005

They are not accredited by the NLN or WASC. I know that Cal State San Marcos' new BSN program will not accept credits from Maric College.

CSUSM's website states:

11. Do you accept units from Maric College?

The CSU Campuses (Cal State San Marcos included) only accept units from institutions which are regionally accredited through WASC (Western Association of Schools & Colleges), or other associated regional accrediting agencies such as Middle States, North Central, etc. This same criteria applies to any post-secondary institution. We, therefore, cannot recognize any academic units earned through Maric College for the pursuit of any Nursing Licensure, to be applied towards a BSN degree here at Cal State San Marcos, until such time as the institution achieves WASC accreditation. Furthermore, if Maric College obtains WASC accreditation in the future, only those units completed by a student after the date of accreditation was given could be considered for transfer here.

Also, I did my clinical rotations among many Maric College students. My instructors were also around many Maric College students. My impression and the general buzz at least IN THIS AREA is that Maric is not that great. I saw students show up for clinicals (non patient care times) wearing flipflops and miniskirts and show up for clinicals with wild hair, inappropriate makeup and pantylines showing. My impression was that if you can pay for the degree, you can graduate from Maric. An 85% first time pass rate IMO is not impressive and the BON's website puts it as 65%! I attended a local community college that has a respected accredited ADN program since the 1950's and our pass rate has never dipped below 95% that I know of, usually it's near 100%.

And the tuition! Ridiculous! If you are going to spend that kind of money to be an RN, get your BSN. Even the california state system only charges about $1500 per semester for tuition. You could go to a private 4 yr university for the fees Maric charges. As for the LVN or MA programs at Maric, I wonder if people know about the Regional Occupational Programs for LVN and MA (also phlebotomy, surgical tech, x-ray tec, pharmacy tech) All these programs are FREE!!!!! (At least in California, don't know about other areas) San Diego County residents check it out!

http://www.quikreg.com/catalog/listprogramcourses.do?providerKey=&programKey=O4T7000X8GJ0G33&view=catalog

So I guess my answer is: think hard about going to Maric, it seems there are probably better options out there!

Melissa

mstigerlily · Sep 22, 2005

OMG and you're in San Diego!! They suckered you into paying $3700 for a CNA COURSE? Please read my post above, if you are in San Diego you have so, so, so many options. You can take a Medical Assistant program or CNA program for free at any of the area's ROP sites and start waiting for a spot to open up. No waiting lists at ROP and they have sites everywhere. They even have an LVN program - FREE although I think that one you might have to wait a semester. Southwestern, Grossmont & City College has an ADN program, I know they probably tell you the waiting list is long but it's not as long as you think. Southwestern's website says waiting list is a year.

Melissa

Hey, I just wanted you all to know that I went ahead and enrolled into Maric. Don't go to their East Campus. I almost got cheated 7,000 dollars by almost enrolling in Medical Assistant Program to fullfill their prior medical experience for RN ADN course. I went to the main campus and they told me I could do CNA for 2 monthes which is $3700 and then get into the RN track immediately the following January. That certainly beat east campus who was trying to get me to take thier 7 month/ $10,700 Medical Assistant Program which would get me into the RN track in July. I like Maric, my teacher is really good. Everything is included in your tuition, uniforms, books, test fees, health screening, you name it. I'm just trying to finish this CNA course so that I can get into January's RN track. The Director of Nursing reviews all applications and weeds out the weaker students, so you really have to be motivated and on top of your game to get in. That's why there isn't really a waiting list.
Jellybean
San Diego, CA

mstigerlily · Sep 22, 2005

Jim:

Does SD mean San Diego?????? $42,000! Oh please let me save you some money. You can get a BSN from Cal State San Marcos for 20% of that - no waiting list, accepting students next semester. Or a ADN-RN from National University in the SAME amount of time for half the price, no waiting list. And National is accredited in case you want to get your BSN later.

I waited a year on the waiting list (while taking prerequisites - lots of people drop off the lists, don't listen when they tell you a 2-3 year wait), went to Palomar College's ADN program, got a BOGW fee waiver (you can apply online, it takes 5 minutes, no proof of income required) so my tuition was FREE. IF I hadn't already have a bachelor's degree (which I do from U.C. Irvine) I would have qualified for EOPS which also takes minutes to apply for on campus and pays for BOOKS plus gives you stipends for food and childcare. My program cost me about $2000 total "all inclusive", I have no loans and I am an RN. Please PM me if you have any more questions, I have researched programs in this area extensively!!! I am now finishing the 10 classes needed for my BSN online at this fantastic little university in Oklahoma - $500 per CLASS not per unit, and they are accredited by WASC and NLNAC. I am a bargain shopper - my ADN cost me nothing and I figure my BSN should cost me about $2000 in the end for books (since my hospital will reimburse I'll get all the $5000 I spent in tuition back)

My husband is taking nursing prereqs at Palomar for his second career - nursing. He is 45 so I know the temptation of wanting to get started. I was 32 when I started my prereqs so I felt the same. But my mother told me, "So - in four years you'll be 36 before you're an RN? Well in 4 years you'll be 36 no matter what? Do it right?" and she was right.

I was tempted to put my husband through National University's accelerated program but we ultimately decided it's too much money. Their tuition is nearly as ridiculous as Maric's (but not quite) but at least they are accredited. Only one of us working, me working on my BSN and three little kids to feed. So he will take the time to wait at Palomar or go to Cal State San Marcos. Since he already has a BSN and is trilingual (Spanish & ASL) it will be easier for him.

I can tell you many hospitals in this area do not look highly on Maric students. They may not say so, but when they learn I'm from Palomar they make comments and always tell me my program was a great one which turns out great nurses. Not saying you won't get a job - in San Diego, they hire anyone with a pulse and no drug convictions - but a good program is worth waiting an extra year or two.

Melissa

Just talked with a friends daughter that just graduated from Maric SD RN ASN program. 16 months $42,000.00 all inclusive, from testing fees gear you call it. Loved the training. ready for NCLEX-RN.
we can put this one to bed. Now I just need to make a decision.
aloha
Jim

jennluvsdooney · Sep 22, 2005

Do you know what the waiting list is like for Cal State San Marcos? I understand about the accredition but i don't know what else to do, all the schools are on a waiting list for almost a year after you finish your prerequisites. I am just getting out of the Navy, after almost 5 years. I am not able to afford to wait for a long time to get accepted to a RN program at a state college and I really want to become a nurse.

Two good friends of mine went to Maric. One went there when Maric was just getting started, and she felt like a guinea pig. She said the instructor's weren't really teachers, they were nurses who hadn't taught at other colleges. My friend ended up not pursing a nursing career after she left maric.

On the flip side, my other girlfriend just graduated from Maric last year and is now working at Sharp Medical Center and is really enjoying her new career. She didn't have the same experience and said that Maric has gotten better over the years. She intends to get her BSN from University of Phoenix which has an articulation with Maric.

I checked the NLNAC, and UOP is an accredited college. Either way, I am trying to keep my options open, I've talked to some LVN students at the school and they really like it, I haven't gotten a chance to talk to an RN student at Maric yet, because they go to school during the day.

Anyhoo, any advice anyone can give me would really help, i've done my homework in researching colleges, and its so frusterating....thanks for the quick response mistigerlily. Melissa.

Jenn

I hear they are not accredited. I know that Cal State San Marcos' new BSN program will not accept credits from Maric College.
CSUSM's website states:
11. Do you accept units from Maric College?
The CSU Campuses (Cal State San Marcos included) only accept units from institutions which are regionally accredited through WASC (Western Association of Schools & Colleges), or other associated regional accrediting agencies such as Middle States, North Central, etc. This same criteria applies to any post-secondary institution. We, therefore, cannot recognize any academic units earned through Maric College for the pursuit of any Nursing Licensure, to be applied towards a BSN degree here at Cal State San Marcos, until such time as the institution achieves WASC accreditation. Furthermore, if Maric College obtains WASC accreditation in the future, only those units completed by a student after the date of accreditation was given could be considered for transfer here.
I did my clinical rotations among many Maric College students. My instructors were also around many Maric College students. My impression and the general buzz at least IN THIS AREA is that Maric is not that great. I saw students show up for clinicals (non patient care times) wearing flipflops and miniskirts and show up for clinicals with wild hair, inappropriate makeup and pantylines showing. My impression was that if you can pay for the degree, you can graduate from Maric. An 85% first time pass rate IMO is not impressive. I attended a local community college that has a respected accredited ADN program since the 1950's and our pass rate has never dipped below 95% that I know of, usually it's near 100%.
And the tuition! Ridiculous! If you are going to spend that kind of money to be an RN, get your BSN. Even the california state system only charges about $1500 per semester for tuition. You could go to a private 4 yr university for the fees Maric charges. As for the LVN or MA programs at Maric, I wonder if people know about the Regional Occupational Programs for LVN and MA (also phlebotomy, surgical tech, x-ray tec, pharmacy tech) All these programs are FREE!!!!! (At least in California, don't know about other areas) San Diego County residents check it out!
http://www.quikreg.com/catalog/listprogramcourses.do?providerKey=&programKey=O4T7000X8GJ0G33&view=catalog
So I guess my answer is: think hard about going to Maric, it seems there are probably better options out there!
Melissa

mstigerlily · Sep 22, 2005

Did you read all my info above in those three posts? Definitely check out ROP for non-RN health careers. You are only 23??? You have all the time in the world!

Cal State San Marcos info is here:

http://www.csusm.edu/hhs/nursing/generic_basic_to_bsn.htm

It is a 3 yr BSN program (AFTER taking prereqs of which there are quite a few) so more like 4 or even 5 years. But it's cheap. And accredited. And a lot of my great instructors from Palomar College's ADN program (up the street) now work there and I know they are great. They are predicting early impaction status but as of yet there is no waiting list. They are using a point system. So if you score high on it, it's worth applying.

San Diego State is impacted but they technically have no waiting list, they also work on a point system but if you have good grades, esp in your science classes it's worth a shot.

If you can't afford to not work for four years while you take prereqs and do the program, do one of the free and quick health careers at the ROP program. That will help you later when applying for nursing school as the state schools give points if you've been in the healthcare field. Also, you can challenge the LVN boards after the first year of RN school and work as an LVN if you have enough clinical hours plus experience in the medical field.

Melissa

Do you know what the waiting list is like for Cal State San Marcos? I understand about the accredition but i don't know what else to do, all the schools are on a waiting list for almost a year after you finish your prerequisites. I am just getting out of the Navy, after almost 5 years. I am not able to afford to wait for a long time to get accepted to a RN program at a state college and I really want to become a nurse.
Two good friends of mine went to Maric. One went there when Maric was just getting started, and she felt like a guinea pig. She said the instructor's weren't really teachers, they were nurses who hadn't taught at other colleges. My friend ended up not pursing a nursing career after she left maric.
On the flip side, my other girlfriend just graduated from Maric last year and is now working at Sharp Medical Center and is really enjoying her new career. She didn't have the same experience and said that Maric has gotten better over the years. She intends to get her BSN from University of Phoenix which has an articulation with Maric.
I checked the NLNAC, and UOP is an accredited college. Either way, I am trying to keep my options open, I've talked to some LVN students at the school and they really like it, I haven't gotten a chance to talk to an RN student at Maric yet, because they go to school during the day.
Anyhoo, any advice anyone can give me would really help, i've done my homework in researching colleges, and its so frusterating....thanks for the quick response mistigerlily. Melissa.
Jenn

casualjim · Sep 23, 2005

Jim:
Does SD mean San Diego?????? $42,000! Oh please let me save you some money. You can get a BSN from Cal State San Marcos for 20% of that - no waiting list, accepting students next semester. Or a ADN-RN from National University in the SAME amount of time for half the price, no waiting list. And National is accredited in case you want to get your BSN later.
I waited a year on the waiting list (while taking prerequisites - lots of people drop off the lists, don't listen when they tell you a 2-3 year wait), went to Palomar College's ADN program, got a BOGW fee waiver (you can apply online, it takes 5 minutes, no proof of income required) so my tuition was FREE. IF I hadn't already have a bachelor's degree (which I do from U.C. Irvine) I would have qualified for EOPS which also takes minutes to apply for on campus and pays for BOOKS plus gives you stipends for food and childcare. My program cost me about $2000 total "all inclusive", I have no loans and I am an RN. Please PM me if you have any more questions, I have researched programs in this area extensively!!! I am now finishing the 10 classes needed for my BSN online at this fantastic little university in Oklahoma - $500 per CLASS not per unit, and they are accredited by WASC and NLNAC. I am a bargain shopper - my ADN cost me nothing and I figure my BSN should cost me about $2000 in the end for books (since my hospital will reimburse I'll get all the $5000 I spent in tuition back)
My husband is taking nursing prereqs at Palomar for his second career - nursing. He is 45 so I know the temptation of wanting to get started. I was 32 when I started my prereqs so I felt the same. But my mother told me, "So - in four years you'll be 36 before you're an RN? Well in 4 years you'll be 36 no matter what? Do it right?" and she was right.
I was tempted to put my husband through National University's accelerated program but we ultimately decided it's too much money. Their tuition is nearly as ridiculous as Maric's (but not quite) but at least they are accredited. Only one of us working, me working on my BSN and three little kids to feed. So he will take the time to wait at Palomar or go to Cal State San Marcos. Since he already has a BSN and is trilingual (Spanish & ASL) it will be easier for him.
I can tell you many hospitals in this area do not look highly on Maric students. They may not say so, but when they learn I'm from Palomar they make comments and always tell me my program was a great one which turns out great nurses. Not saying you won't get a job - in San Diego, they hire anyone with a pulse and no drug convictions - but a good program is worth waiting an extra year or two.
Melissa

I'm taking classes at National right now and the reality is nothing like they advertise. I was told that there was no waiting list and you know what, they were right there is no waiting list. BUT if they look at your package and don't like it (in my case my transcripts from high school 26 years ago) didnt get there in time) they tell you thanks but no thanks and don't bother re-applying for one full year. Technically there isnt a waiting list, but cooling your heals for a year, list or no sucks! Tuition at National for the ADN program was about 29K for the ADN. That is just tuition. It does not include the stuff like books,scantrons, uniforms, equiptment, lab fees, pencils. All of these things are included at Maric. I spend about 100 bucks a class on books alone at national. Maric priced me out at about 32 K for the classes that I'll need in addition to the core curriculum for RN, so all in all the price is a wash. Maric IS accredited and the easy way to tell if a school is accredited is to go to the CA BRN web site http://www.rn.ca.gov/ and look at the list of accredited programs. Maric's numbers are being updated with the next graduating class to 90-somthing percent, and to be real honest with you I really dont care if they've got a 10% pass rate. I will be one of those 10%. I started this thread a long time ago and then made up my mind to go to National. Then after I got jerked around and WASTED all of my Navy tuition assistance (I have no GI bill benefits) on the pre-reqs I found out that I can wait around or I can go to Maric.

Here is the bottom line. I choose not to wait around for the opportunity to do this on the cheap. I have no plan on introducing myself to patients by saying "hi I'm Jim, your nurse, Maric grad." Maric does it's clinicals in the same spots that all the other colleges around here do. What's important to you, getting into and successfully out of a program and being employed as a nurse? OR Doing it on the cheap? I'm going to Maric and hopefully I'll be in the January class with jellybean.

aloha

Jim

mstigerlily · Sep 23, 2005

Jim, you asked our advice and I told you what *I* have heard and know from going through nursing programs, doing nursing clinicals and working as an RN: Maric's reputation is not very good and their program not the best and they are vastly overpriced. You said you were concerned about transferring to a BSN later? If they are not NLNAC or WASC accredited their units don't transfer to most reputable BSN school that IS accredited.

UMMMM...YES....OF COURSE Maric is accredited with the California BON - otherwise no one who graduated from Maric would be allowed to sit for the NCLEX - now that would *really* be a waste of $, wouldn't it? And you should care about a school's pass rate because that gives you an idea of how good their program is and how well it prepares you for NCLEX.

So, to answer your bottom line - do I care about doing it "on the cheap" or getting it done and graduating? Well, neither. Actually, I care about graduating from a quality, well respected and fully accredited program. I also want to do it affordably and relatively quickly at a place where the classes will transfer to nearly any university in the U.S. I managed to do all of those things when I went to nursing school, and I assumed everyone was like me and wanted the best quality for the lowest price.

As far as Jellybean being in your class at Maric - well I guess she found my advice more helpful than you did as she took the time to PM me and thank me. I hope I am able to save her some money and help her find a quality affordable education here in San Diego.

So Jim, I was just giving you some info I thought maybe you didn't know. You asked for advice from people who knew about Maric - I gave it. BUT...I can see you don't really want to hear any negative information or opinions about Maric and have made your decision so I will simply say good luck to you. The profession needs more men in it and I'm sure your military experience will be an asset as well.

Melissa

.

I'm taking classes at National right now and the reality is nothing like they advertise. I was told that there was no waiting list and you know what, they were right there is no waiting list. BUT if they look at your package and don't like it (in my case my transcripts from high school 26 years ago) didnt get there in time) they tell you thanks but no thanks and don't bother re-applying for one full year. Technically there isnt a waiting list, but cooling your heals for a year, list or no sucks! Tuition at National for the ADN program was about 29K for the ADN. That is just tuition. It does not include the stuff like books,scantrons, uniforms, equiptment, lab fees, pencils. All of these things are included at Maric. I spend about 100 bucks a class on books alone at national. Maric priced me out at about 32 K for the classes that I'll need in addition to the core curriculum for RN, so all in all the price is a wash. Maric IS accredited and the easy way to tell if a school is accredited is to go to the CA BRN web site http://www.rn.ca.gov/ and look at the list of accredited programs. Maric's numbers are being updated with the next graduating class to 90-somthing percent, and to be real honest with you I really dont care if they've got a 10% pass rate. I will be one of those 10%. I started this thread a long time ago and then made up my mind to go to National. Then after I got jerked around and WASTED all of my Navy tuition assistance (I have no GI bill benefits) on the pre-reqs I found out that I can wait around or I can go to Maric.
Here is the bottom line. I choose not to wait around for the opportunity to do this on the cheap. I have no plan on introducing myself to patients by saying "hi I'm Jim, your nurse, Maric grad." Maric does it's clinicals in the same spots that all the other colleges around here do. What's important to you, getting into and successfully out of a program and being employed as a nurse? OR Doing it on the cheap? I'm going to Maric and hopefully I'll be in the January class with jellybean.
aloha
Jim

fireflyLPN · Sep 23, 2005

Just a little FYI... It seems like most BSN programs will accept "Diploma" grads, at least in Ohio. This includes grads from schools that are not "accredited" through the higher education councils (I'm not talking about the BON).

FWIW

Best of luck to you two in your decision! For my LPN program I went to a pricey private Vo-Tech, and I have no regrets!

mstigerlily · Sep 23, 2005

By the way Jim, I was curious so I called Maric in San Diego to ask if they would accept my husband as an RN student. I told them he already had a bachelor's degree and was completing his prerequisites at Palomar.

He then informed me my husband needed "prior medical experience" which they could provide by buying their CNA course or MA course for $$$. Of course the MINUTE you finish these courses you have "prior medical experience" and are eligible to do the RN program. What a scam! I don't know of any other RN school (LVN yes, but RN, no) that requires you to have medical experience first - you get points for having it, but not required.

Once I told him that 1) I was an RN and 2) why couldn't I just send my husband to ROP for his MA or CNA for free prior to going to Maric? - well then his salespitch died down considerably. This person (named "Ernesto" told me that they don't like to transfer in credits and that their program is 27 months long and it's a complete program meaning the general ed is blended in with the nursing program and to accept my husband they he would have to wait for someone to "drop from the program halfway through" and that people could not join midway.

I thought you said they were accepting your general ed and you were starting immediately and that the program was only 16 months long?

Melissa

I'm taking classes at National right now and the reality is nothing like they advertise. I was told that there was no waiting list and you know what, they were right there is no waiting list. BUT if they look at your package and don't like it (in my case my transcripts from high school 26 years ago) didnt get there in time) they tell you thanks but no thanks and don't bother re-applying for one full year. Technically there isnt a waiting list, but cooling your heals for a year, list or no sucks! Tuition at National for the ADN program was about 29K for the ADN. That is just tuition. It does not include the stuff like books,scantrons, uniforms, equiptment, lab fees, pencils. All of these things are included at Maric. I spend about 100 bucks a class on books alone at national. Maric priced me out at about 32 K for the classes that I'll need in addition to the core curriculum for RN, so all in all the price is a wash. Maric IS accredited and the easy way to tell if a school is accredited is to go to the CA BRN web site http://www.rn.ca.gov/ and look at the list of accredited programs. Maric's numbers are being updated with the next graduating class to 90-somthing percent, and to be real honest with you I really dont care if they've got a 10% pass rate. I will be one of those 10%. I started this thread a long time ago and then made up my mind to go to National. Then after I got jerked around and WASTED all of my Navy tuition assistance (I have no GI bill benefits) on the pre-reqs I found out that I can wait around or I can go to Maric.
Here is the bottom line. I choose not to wait around for the opportunity to do this on the cheap. I have no plan on introducing myself to patients by saying "hi I'm Jim, your nurse, Maric grad." Maric does it's clinicals in the same spots that all the other colleges around here do. What's important to you, getting into and successfully out of a program and being employed as a nurse? OR Doing it on the cheap? I'm going to Maric and hopefully I'll be in the January class with jellybean.
aloha
Jim

casualjim · Sep 23, 2005

By the way Jim, I was curious so I called Maric in San Diego to ask if they would accept my husband as an RN student. I told them he already had a bachelor's degree and was completing his prerequisites at Palomar.
He then informed me my husband needed "prior medical experience" which they could provide by buying their CNA course or MA course for $$$. Of course the MINUTE you finish these courses you have "prior medical experience" and are eligible to do the RN program. What a scam! I don't know of any other RN school (LVN yes, but RN, no) that requires you to have medical experience first - you get points for having it, but not required.
Once I told him that 1) I was an RN and 2) why couldn't I just send my husband to ROP for his MA or CNA for free prior to going to Maric? - well then his salespitch died down considerably. This person (named "Ernesto" told me that they don't like to transfer in credits and that their program is 27 months long and it's a complete program meaning the general ed is blended in with the nursing program and to accept my husband they he would have to wait for someone to "drop from the program halfway through" and that people could not join midway.
I thought you said they were accepting your general ed and you were starting immediately and that the program was only 16 months long?
Melissa

They were ok with my "prior medical experience" from being a naval special warfare medic and an EMT. So I'm good to hook there. Please dont take any of this personally. I'm really glad that you and lots and lots of other people were able to get what you wanted for the right price. It's not that "I don't want to hear negative information," I'm just really tired of hearing "feel free to wait." I'm 44 years old and 3 weeks ago I finished up 21 years in the Navy. I'm really focused on the finish line. I hear everything you're saying, I appreciate your concern, I'm still not going to cool my heels any longer than I have to.

Again don't take it personally, one day you might be my boss

aloha

Jim