Torn between MCI and Riverside RN Program in New Newsport

Bob_N_VA · Feb 12, 2012

Tell me what bad things you've heard about Riverside, I've been going there for over 2 years now in the evening program, and I haven't heard anything really critical. It's a well respected program that has been around forever and gives its students a very good clinical experience in addition to the classroom time. If I was to say anything bad about it, its one of the few if not the only diploma program left in the area. If you go through it, eventually you will probably go back and pick up a BSN either from ODU, Sentara or an online program.

MCI is a for profit school, so you are bearing the whole cost which I understand runs somewhere around 40K or more for the whole program. Riverside has been inching up by the tune of a couple hundred per semester and is now about 23 grand before books and uniforms for the whole program.

Tuition costs aside, you want to look at accreditation status and NCLEX pass rates. (last two day classes were around 93%). Riverside also tends to hire a good percentage of its own grads as well. I make it a point not to badmouth other programs so I'll let somebody from MCI sing their praises or sling mud.

NLNAC - National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission

Virginia Board of Nursing Education Programs

as2633 · Feb 25, 2012

I'm an MCI student about half way through the program.

The school is for profit and does cost 40k, but you may transfer in some of your courses. My total program cost is around 25,000 (this includes books, uniforms, etc.). I'm not from Virginia, in my home state associate nursing degrees run around 25k and there are wait lists. I walked into MCI in June, was accepted for August start date. For me, that was pretty amazing.

MCI has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the area. They teach you how to tackle the NCLEX the entire time you're in school.

As for finding a job after graduation, I don't hear of a lot of people have trouble. Again, it's a for profit college- but they do set their students up for success. The people who work in the career counseling office (that's not what it's called, but I'm having a mental block) are really passionate about what they do. In all honesty though, I haven't heard of many students who can't find employment after graduation.

As for the program itself:

You absolutely need to be easy going and flexible in this program. Things change all the time. I highly suggest not working, as it is fast paced. You'll walk into the first mod all bright eyed and bushy tailed, by the end of the program you're spent. We go through an entire text in a five week period and are expected to know everything. I can't stress enough to set yourself up for success by taking into account how fast paced this program is.

Most of the faculty is incredible. One of my current instructors is so on point I began doubting my ability to be a good nurse. She was knowledgeable, articulate, and just amazing (and my new hero). But I'll admit, I've had two instructors that weren't very good. There are good and bad in every program though.

If you want more in depth information message me. If you're flexible and don't have a lot of responsibilities outside of school this may be a great program for you.

Dee2012 · Feb 26, 2012

Hey, thanks for the replies, and I have decided to go to riverside LPN program, what can you tell me about the uniforms and what supplies are really needed?(penlight, hemostats, etc) and what are the classes like?

bluluv4liv · Jun 10, 2012

Im planning to contact MCI this coming week and set up a time to come in and discuss the RN program and costs. I have some general courses taken already ie. A&P1, college algebra, english1 and 2...

I saw you wrote that MCI deducted those courses from your tuition cost so that you are paying less than say, someone who had no prior coursework. Im hoping to start sooner than later so I guess my question is, how much did your bottom line come out to for tuition? I really dont want to spend more than $30,000 otherwise I will finish my prereq's and apply to Riverside. Do you have any input on this? Also, what has been your experience with MCI so far? I read a post about being written up. Sounds silly to me just really a misunderstanding or lack of communication.

bluluv4liv · Jun 10, 2012

To as2633: Im planning to contact MCI this coming week and set up a time to come in and discuss the RN program and costs. I have some general courses taken already ie. A&P1, college algebra, english1 and 2...

I saw you wrote that MCI deducted those courses from your tuition cost so that you are paying less than say, someone who had no prior coursework. Im hoping to start sooner than later so I guess my question is, how much did your bottom line come out to for tuition? I really dont want to spend more than $30,000 otherwise I will finish my prereq's and apply to Riverside. Do you have any input on this? Also, what has been your experience with MCI so far? I read a post about being written up. Sounds silly to me just really a misunderstanding or lack of communication.