Tired of the wait... considering the private school route

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Hello Board,

As you can see, this is my first post on this board. I've learned quite a bit from reading this board the past few months... so I thought that I would ask for some advice.

I am a former paramedic, have my BS in Psych/Bio, have all of my prereqs, and have been on the waiting list for an MCC program for about six months. I've considered the Banner program and have been to the info session... but it really doesn't seem like something I want to do.

After reading this board, I'm convinced that I'm going to be waiting another year at least before I get in. So now I'm considering the private route. Of course, the money is an issue but not working at that salary point for another year or more is an even bigger issue. I do realize the predatory nature of these schools and also of their subpar reputations... but I'm still going to look into them.

For the most part, I've ruled out EBSN from reading this board alone... but any comments are still welcome. I spoke with PIMA on the phone a few weeks ago and literally laughed out loud when they told me the tuition... so they're out also.

So, I'm down to Everest and Apollo. I haven't yet been to either one of these schools but will probably go in the next week. At least Everest would talk with me on the phone and give me details about the program. With Apollo, I haven't been able to get anything from them... it seems you have to go to their info session before they'll give you any info.

So, I turn to this board for advice... Apollo vs Everest?... can anyone compare/contrast these two schools for me???

thanks for reading...

Boru,

My mistake...they are enrolling in July and again in January of every year. NOT in October. :nuke:

Sassie,

What do you want to know about the HESI test exactly? It is similar to the NET in that it covers basic algebra and reading/grammar. It is a 4 hour timed test however I have never heard that it took anyone that long to complete. Like I said, buy the study guide. It is worth the money and really study it! I took advanced algebra classes at GCC but it was funny how easily you forgot the basic beginnings of algebra. The HESI test covers basic math such as decimals, fractions, measurements/conversions. I am glad I bought the study guide and brushed up on that stuff otherwise I would have not done well. Everest offers the HESI test for free. If you do not pass a section of it you only have to retake that section again. However you have to wait 30 days before you can retest so it is best to pass it the first time! I hope this helps. Let me know what other questions you may have.

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Knit1,

Everest will transfer in all General Education courses such as Math, English Comp, and Psychology. They will also transfer in all sicence courses such as A&P, Microbiology, and Chemistry as long as it has been taken within the past 5 years.

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How long is the test good for....in other words, if I do pass, how long will it be accepted? Math is NOT my strong suit....I detest algebra and am horrible at it. But, if it's basic and the formulas are fresh in my head I may have a better chance at passing it....I will buy the guide before taking the test for sure!!!

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Sassie,

The test results for HESI is good for one year. FYI, I just found out today that they are coming out with a revised/updated new edition of the HESI study guide. It is available for purchase starting March 14th, I would buy the new one at that time. I am also terrible at math but this study guide really helped and I passed! My youngest starts kindergarten this year in August so once she is in school I am ready to start in nursing.

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Sassie,

The test results for HESI is good for one year. FYI, I just found out today that they are coming out with a revised/updated new edition of the HESI study guide. It is available for purchase starting March 14th, I would buy the new one at that time. I am also terrible at math but this study guide really helped and I passed! My youngest starts kindergarten this year in August so once she is in school I am ready to start in nursing.

I have close to 3 years before my youngest one goes to school. Im sure before then I will either take more pre-req's or do an LPN program. This waiting around isn't any fun! But it has taken this long just to get things figured out. Between finances,juggling kids and schedules, I think I may be able to hit the books in some form or another this fall.....Don't get me wrong, I have been blessed to be able to stay home with my children and I have so much joy in raising them, but I need to get my butt in gear for my future ya know!!!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I noticed on the NCLEX pass rate board that everest wasn't listed?? Are they very new?

My husband and I live in california, and we might have some dramatic life changes due to his no longer having a job. I'm currently in an BSN program, but I might have to go the trade school route just to finish quicker.

I was looking at PIMA institute, anyone know about them? And if they give LVN's credit?

Thanks

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NikkiLaughs,

Everest is very new, they just started their first class in February 2008. They will not have their first graduating class until January 2010. I think it will be an excellent school however. The Director of Everest used to be the Director of Pima Medical. Pima is a decent school but very expensive. They have a great pass rate though. I think Everest will excel because the director started the Pima program and their pass rate is good. Everest is cheaper too. Hope this helps!

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Nikki,

here are some private school prices (some of these are approx.) that I've found out in the last few weeks:

- Apollo "College" = 43k :selfbonk: (some pre-reqs will not transfer in cause

of an institution imposed time limit)

- Everest College = 27k (cheaper for me cause all my pre-reqs

transfered in... but requires HESI exam)

- PIMA = 39k (this was a five minute convesation)

- EBSN = 26k (some pre-reqs didn't transfer in but still the most

inexpensive and the shortest of the privates (18m)

Area is a bit scary but hey, there is a liquor store

nearby... *wine )

If you are an LVN, you may have some options the rest of us don't have. Checkout the Maricopa Community College newsletter for advanced placement options... and also Univ. of Phx site for options (PM or email me and I'll send you a link or phone number you can call)

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I must say that I too was very frustrated with the wait, however I applied the beginning of March 2007 and was placed the end of Feb 2008, so just under a year wait to get placed and a little over a year untill I actually start class. They seem to be adding more and more seats to be filled each year and if I were you, I would exhaust your options at other schools, but not give up hope just yet. I actually got into EMCC and am psyched because I live in Goodyear. I was really dreading getting into school because I thought I would have to drive a lot because there are not many programs in the west valley, but all worked out for the best.

So I just wanted to let you know that there still is hope and that I really hope all works out for the best for you, whether you are at a private school or community college!

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I contacted Everest about their school and I spoke with someone today. She said they are having an open house this Sat. 9-1 and their next class starts in July. When I asked if they have an on site daycare she quickly referred me to Ethel Bauer and even went as far as to tell me who to speak with. She abruptly ended the conversation and I decided right then to stay at GCC and continue with my original plan. The only good thing she said before she hung up was micro,a&p etc will now be included in their program and won't be a seperate course like the cc's

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AZMOM,

The Everest Open House is actually this Saturday from 9am-11am NOT 9am-1pm. I spoke with the director yesterday with some more questions I had regarding their program and she told me about the open house. They are having another open house on Monday, March 17 from 10am-noon and then again from 5pm-7pm. It is worth it to check it out and speak directly with the nursing director and not just an admissions rep. I think she will impress you. Everest does not have a daycare but the campus is beautiful. Be careful with Ethel Bauer's daycare, it is not clean or ran by qualified people. I checked it out myself since I have children and I was turned off by it and would not ever leave my kids there. I have two friends in the Ethel Bauer program and they do not recommend the daycare. Ethel Bauer's pass rate is not good either. Just an FYI.

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Thanks militarywife. When I spoke to Joan she assured me it is 9-1, I even asked twice and wrote it down. I am not going to go, nor will I go to Ethel Bauer. I am pretty happy at GCC and don't mind the wait. Plus their daycare is right next to the Nursing and Life Science building . I am in no hurry to rush this along and will finish when I finish. I am working around my kids schedule. I have a very good friend that works at Everest and he told me all about the program and the lab etc. He said the lab is amazing and state of the art. Everest is getting on my nerves tho. They called 15 times today alone. Nearly that many times yesterday. I double checked my caller ID. And they called again just now and when I answered, I was hung up on. It's not a local number tho. Very weird. Oh well. Off to study A&P even though it's spring break. :uhoh3:

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