UMET @ Interamerican- Fall 2014

[nycgirl305]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the site and looking for other students that will be applying to bilingual nursing programs in Puerto Rico. I am looking at UMET & Interamerican University. I was hoping we could help each other out throughout the application process, provide each other with tips and feedback and/or any advice on applying, relocation, nclex questions, etc..

A little about me: I live in NYC and taking my pre-requisites at a local community college. I submitted my applications to both UMET and Inter. I still need to send them my transcripts and course descriptions. so far I have gotten good responses from the directors at both schools, set up appts for campus tours next month. Will keep everyone posted.

Anyone else applying for next year??

[shinie_star10]

Thanks! So far, I've just submitted my application online. I'm in the process of submitting transcripts and other forms. How's yours coming along?

[resilientnurse]

No matter which program you choose, be absolutely certain to inquire about clinical hours and sites. Are students actually being sent to clinical sites at hospitals? If so, for how many hours each semester? Also, try to inquire with current students to get an accurate response. This has been a BIG issue and will present you problems when you return to the States (mainland) to work as a RN. So, find this information out ahead of time.

[shinie_star10]

That is an excellent point to further investigate on. Thank you.

[dzcafe]

It appears I am getting a better response from UMET than La Intra, I mailed my transcripts last week to UMET and sent them to La Intra in December ( still having issues here). I spoke to the director at UMET two weeks ago, she seems to be very organized and excited about her program and labs, I believe she mentioned that the clinicals are completed at the VA hospital.

[Jen_Jen88]

Hello. I am a UMET graduate and I passed my boards. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

[shinie_star10]

Hey Jen. How long would UMET's BSN program be for second degree students?

[Jen_Jen88]

about 2.5 yrs I did mine in 2 because I took classes in spanish

[dzcafe]

Jen - What coursse did you take in Spanish? Are the classes given in Spanish but the books are in English? Do you know if they accept CLEP credits?

[Jen_Jen88]

I took Health Assessment, Mental Health, Humanities, License Review (they don't take NCLEX so I suggest you take this class in English although it really doesn't matter because I passed the first time), Nursing Research, and finally I also to Practicum in Spanish. The books I bought were in English but the classes were in Spanish (obviously lol). I spoke with the professors before the class started so they understood but in some classes I had to turn stuff in spanish (thank goodness for google translate just be sure to read it before you turn it in because it doesn't always make sense and on word you can choose a language and it will fix it for you and place the accent in the right place). The test were in Spanish but again the professors were very helpful in things I didnt understand. Most likely in certain classes like Maternity your clinical instructor will be Spanish speaking and since its a private hospital not the VA then the nurses may or may not know English. At the VA most of the nurses know English or at least they'll try since they have to document in English.

The only CLEP credits the accept are Spanish, Math and I think English. You have to go to the college board website and go to the CLEP section. I think theres a link somewhere to get a printed document and there you'll fill it out to get your transcripts sent to the school its like $20 I think or less I don't remember.

[resilientnurse]

I finished in 15 months at la Interamericana by taking classes in English and Spanish. Now, I already had a BA and had no general education requirements so it was all nursing classes. No one decided for me which nursing classes in Spanish to take, I just registered depending on if they were convenient for my schedule or not. Now, all the textbooks and related documents are in English regardless of the spoken language of the lecture. That is the one peculiar thing about Puerto Rico nursing education.

[Jen_Jen88]

I started taking Spanish classes late... i wish I would of done it earlier but oh well lol. Oh and technically they can't force you to turn things in Spanish. I did lectures in Spanish so the other students could understand and they saw me as "la gringa" anyway so they would help me when I had trouble pronouncing a word lol.

[resilientnurse]

Yeah, the one nice thing about nursing professors in Puerto Rico is that they really, really want you to be successful. I cannot relate at all to the horror stories from nurses that studied in the mainland about professors that were out to fail them. In my experience they genuinely care about you. Definitely do not rule out taking classes in Spanish.