Unitek College LVN program... good or Bad??

Studentnursex0x0 · Dec 14, 2007

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free_the_info · Jan 18, 2008

The journey into ANY LVN program begins with a decision. I'll share with you what decision my significant other and I made for the journey to begin in the LVN program. In my analysis of this decision, I will compare the colleges that offer the LVN program.

I previously worked as the LVN student recruitment specialist for Western Career College (WCC). WCC has a LVN program that takes approximately 16-18 months (depending on which campus) and costs about 42,000 dollars. Each year, the campus that I worked at is allowed to seat up to 90-120 students. The particular campus I worked at had sub-acute and long term care clinical sites available for the students to use. also offers Federal Financial Aid or use Title IV funds, which means that aid and grants are given to students based on participation factors (US citizenship/residency, income, did you pay your taxes or not, etc.). WCC also features having a Association of Community Colleges and Junior Colleges Western Association of School and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC) accreditation. WCC also offers a LVN-RN bridge program at the Sacramento campus.

Despite all of Western Career College's advantages, what makes an LVN program isn't what the college credentials have, it isn't even about what kind of degree is offered or not, it isn't even about the cost of tuition or what financial aid is available, for me it simply falls down to this: The competency of the LVN Program director and his/her faculty to meet and EXCEED the objectives required and set forth by the State Board of Vocational Nursing.

I would have never said this while working at WCC to prospective students in fear of losing my job, but because I've seen far too many LVN students fail there, most have terrible experiences and all become negative in attitude and disenfranchised at some point during their education. Most of this is to blame on the lack of capabilities and competencies of the LVN program director at WCC. Each WCC has a different director, thus making each WCC campus a different experience.

Gauging from the experience was so far off from competent, that during the time I was researching into what LVN school my significant other was to attend to, I considered WCC my LAST option!

As I researched and compared other schools/colleges/programs, the only one that has amazed me, a former student recruiter for LVN at WCC, was Unitek in Fremont. Despite having run into students who previously attended Unitek in Fremont and were upset with Unitek, the number of upset WCC students far surpassed that number.

What made Unitek stand out was the faculty and staff of the LVN program and the amazing support that its faculty receives to ensure that the program meets and sometimes exceeds the State of California's standards for the LVN licensing requirement. Unitek also has a wide array of clinical sites, sites that WCC has been banned from! Unitek also features having an Acute care facility for clinicals. This is a big one for my significant other, it is important for my significant other not to be stuck only learning at a long term care facility.

With Unitek, I came in understanding that all students are going to be upset with certain tid-bit things and be critical about the program, but the typical stuff is easy to filter through, if you've done your homework. What I had to get over was the fact that Unitek had several disadvantages that WCC has, like Title-IV financial aid, ACCJC-WASC accreditation and a 40 year history and reputation.

The first disadvantage was accreditation. Unitek was a nationally accredited program, unlike WCC which is a regional accreditation and did Unitek not offer its General Education courses that is required for admission into the LVN-RN bridge program. The regional accreditation offers more flexibility to transition more easily into a LVN-RN bridge program. And also WCC offers its pre-requisite courses for the LVN-RN bridge program (currently as I remember only at the Sacramento campus). Upon further research, I found that most community and junior colleges are hesitant to accept any for-profit type education students into the LVN-RN programs, regardless of accreditation being regional or national. There's so much more bureaucracy with these community colleges it translates into one thing: waiting lists. And so with the long long LONG impacted waiting lists, it impede any possibility of attending a junior college as a reality. As for the pre-requisites, taking them at WCC is 3.5-5 times more expensive per unit than it would be to take them at a Junior College.

The common mis-conception with any LVN-RN bridge program is that you can jump straight into one RIGHT after you finish your LVN. The thing is that all LVN-RN bridge program students MUST MUST MUST have a VALID and UNRESTRICTED license prior to even being considered. This can take up to 6 months or even longer to obtain after completing a LVN program. Mostly all the people who I interviewed with for the LVN program at WCC wanted to get into an RN program and some have waited for a couple years on the waiting list at some community college. The career path as an LVN was not their first choice. For my significant other, the story is the same, my significant other wants to be an RN. The faster path to LVN, the better. The cheaper path, the better. Therefore, in order to stop wasting time and hope things will come cheap and easy, which they rarely ever do (I stopped living in a fairytale a long time ago) whatever loans we had to make we would do it. Title-IV financial aid is ideal because if you don't have credit, the government will co-sign a portion of the amount you need. Also, if you poor as in-hella-broke-kind-of-poor, you'll be able to qualify for certain types of grants. Grants are free money and they don't have to be repaid. Since WCC offers Title-IV, they're admissions guidlines and a lot of other practices get put under the microscope. They are more regulated because they get money from the government. With Unitek, they are less regulated. But does this mean Unitek lowers their standards? Absolutely not, Unitek has a tuition refund policy which is not mandatory for them to have, but they have one anyway! Unitek actually could technically screw every student and fraud them a bunch of times over and over by just leaving and walking away with their money but they don't and haven't. It's a strange fact, a for-profit college actually tries to comply with consumer protection standards. Also, their loan disclosure is much more elaborate than WCC's. Prior to me leaving, WCC never disclosed the amount of Interest that the loans would accrue during the term of the loan. Prior to even CONSIDERING enrolling, Unitek made full disclosure of this.

I was impressed, 11 months at Unitek vs. 16-18 months at WCC, right there was the big bell that rang in my head. If my significant other gets down with school faster than the WCC grad who gets the same opportunity to get a license, doesn't it make sense to get the training done faster and cheaper? When I looked into the other schools, none had the training equipment or even the clinical sites like WCC or Unitek did. Really the only close option that came in mind was NCP, but their staff and faculty didn't seem competent at all. Most were trained and educated abroad in a foreign country, which means that there would be a huge language and communication barrier for the students. I wasn't impressed with the director there either.

As far as WCC's 40 years of reputation goes, I heard that 20 students are suing the college for fraud. See the clip on YouTube Here:

Most or all LVN programs in the Bay area at WCC are less than 5 years old. Currently, the San Jose campus does not even have the license to have a program as they are on probation (see www.bvnpt.ca.gov)

My previous job with WCC as a LVN student recruiter was basically a sales-based position. It was my job then to advise anyone who inquired about the program why they should attend WCC. Being that I have over a decade of experience in this field, I had to use creative methods and tactics to convince people into liking me and trusting me about the advice I gave them. My reason for doing this was so that I could get a promotion and advance my salary. I would never say the things I'm saying now, but what I am saying is that Unitek is the better option and investment for my significant other and I. Does this make it a good school? I don't know yet because my significant other hasn't even started the program.

My advice for anyone who wants to get into an LVN program is to research for yourself and critically think about these things:

Program Director: who is the LVN program director, how many years of experience does he/she have, where did he/she previously work, did YOU meet this person, what is he/she like, did you get to talk to students about her leadership skills/competencies?

Staff/Faculty: Where did the instructors get their education, training and are they full-time or part-time? What is the student to teacher ratio? What equipment are they capable of using? What are their teaching styles? Did you meet a teacher? What's he/she like?

Admissions rep: Did he/she fully disclose ALL of the following during the first meeting and before your test: The cost tuition, how long the program is, what time you will need to be in class, how far you might need to drive for clinical, where SPECIFICALLY are your clinical sites (don't take a vague answer for this one either), types of financial aid available?

Just a reminder: I've talked with hundreds of students and I've learned from their experiences, regret in an eduction decision tends to make the journey towards finishing SO MUCH MORE A PAIN IN THE @$$. Don't make the wrong choice, but don't just take my word for it.

ok.. enough for now. I hope this helps anyone trying to make a tough decision. =)

Free the information!!

HannaBee · Jan 30, 2008

I graduated from Unitek last year, from the LVN program. A lot of people complained and complained, rightfully so. However, it fulfilled what I wanted - a FAST entry, a FAST program, a FAST way into the work force. I never sat on a waiting list, I didn't sit through 1-1.5 years of prereqs at a community college. I have a BA but it wasn't in science and I needed all the anatomy/physiology/chem classes - so I was looking at one year minimum, probably longer, finishing prereqs! I had to WORK ASAP!

Nursing school is a struggle, and I think what is most dependent on success is YOU! because, yes, I could have had better teachers, they don't all suck at Unitek - most of mine did, but it does depend on which campus you choose. I chose the "first available opening" campus! I didn't want to wait even 3 months - I was motivated and wanted to go! And the teachers are only part of the whole criteria, the other is being able to go home and study study study, forgo too much of a social life, wake early to study before class sometimes. Pulling all-nighters when I had an exam (sometimes) - suffering sleep deprivation, stress etc. It was mostly up to US to get through the program.

No they don't hold your hand, they don't always prepare you well for the exam, but I didn't complain I just got through it with my eyes firmly on the goal of finishing an LVN program in 11 months - when I would have been still finishing prereqs at a community college if I hadn't - and on some waiting list. I still would have been a long way from becoming a nurse. I am now looking into the LVN-RN program at Unitek, once again because it is only 8 months and it says the prereqs are done at the campus, if that's true it's great - but I am not sure about the prereqs!

http://www.unitekcollege.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=554

If I wasn't a single parent and I had time on my hands maybe I would have done things different but as I never expected to be a single mom and suddenly found myself one, taking years to become a nurse when I have kids to feed/clothe/etc would have been very hard! Studying that intensely was very hard, as it's an impacted program, but my kids are so young that I doubt they will remember or be affected too much! My kids are both proud and my little girl says she wants to be a nurse when she grows up :redpinkhe

The RN program, I believe, as I spoke with some of the students, is 8 months with class/clinicals Mon-Thur - most of the students work as LVNs Fri, Sat and Sun - the ones I spoke to were all working at least 24 hours a week. On the site though it says class is Mon-Fri so I am unsure, maybe I am remembering incorrectly. But you still have the weekend to work - and yes, it would be hard - but it's only 8 months.

I'm NOT an advocate for the school. I'm impartial. I mean it worked for me because I achieved what I wanted to achieve and nowhere else could I have done it as quickly.

But if you're young, no kids, live with parents, life is much different and maybe I would be taking my time with all this nursing education!

Hope this helps!

free_the_info · Jan 31, 2008

I graduated from Unitek last year, from the LVN program. A lot of people complained and complained, rightfully so. However, it fulfilled what I wanted - a FAST entry, a FAST program, a FAST way into the work force. I never sat on a waiting list, I didn't sit through 1-1.5 years of prereqs at a community college. I have a BA but it wasn't in science and I needed all the anatomy/physiology/chem classes - so I was looking at one year minimum, probably longer, finishing prereqs! I had to WORK ASAP!
Nursing school is a struggle, and I think what is most dependent on success is YOU! because, yes, I could have had better teachers, they don't all suck at Unitek - most of mine did, but it does depend on which campus you choose. I chose the "first available opening" campus! I didn't want to wait even 3 months - I was motivated and wanted to go! And the teachers are only part of the whole criteria, the other is being able to go home and study study study, forgo too much of a social life, wake early to study before class sometimes. Pulling all-nighters when I had an exam (sometimes) - suffering sleep deprivation, stress etc. It was mostly up to US to get through the program.
No they don't hold your hand, they don't always prepare you well for the exam, but I didn't complain I just got through it with my eyes firmly on the goal of finishing an LVN program in 11 months - when I would have been still finishing prereqs at a community college if I hadn't - and on some waiting list. I still would have been a long way from becoming a nurse. I am now looking into the LVN-RN program at Unitek, once again because it is only 8 months and it says the prereqs are done at the campus, if that's true it's great - but I am not sure about the prereqs!
http://www.unitekcollege.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=554
If I wasn't a single parent and I had time on my hands maybe I would have done things different but as I never expected to be a single mom and suddenly found myself one, taking years to become a nurse when I have kids to feed/clothe/etc would have been very hard! Studying that intensely was very hard, as it's an impacted program, but my kids are so young that I doubt they will remember or be affected too much! My kids are both proud and my little girl says she wants to be a nurse when she grows up :redpinkhe
The RN program, I believe, as I spoke with some of the students, is 8 months with class/clinicals Mon-Thur - most of the students work as LVNs Fri, Sat and Sun - the ones I spoke to were all working at least 24 hours a week. On the site though it says class is Mon-Fri so I am unsure, maybe I am remembering incorrectly. But you still have the weekend to work - and yes, it would be hard - but it's only 8 months.
I'm NOT an advocate for the school. I'm impartial. I mean it worked for me because I achieved what I wanted to achieve and nowhere else could I have done it as quickly.
But if you're young, no kids, live with parents, life is much different and maybe I would be taking my time with all this nursing education!
Hope this helps!

I find that most people who are weighing their options for nursing colleges find that its both time and money that ends up being heavily invested to. Today's colleges give you the choice to invest heavily in each with the same result and opportunity in a great career field. For me personally, I am a firm believer on getting in on the opportunity as soon as possible and as quick as possible - especially if the opportunity is a real gold mine.

With college choices, cheaper tends to be the more prudent choice for many, which can typically blind them to the benefits of what happens when things get done faster. My favorite analogy to something like this would be one choosing to pay less for Internet service by signing up for dial-up internet access instead of a cable modem, but all the while wanting all the features of being able to download music, watch videos and browse many pages at once. It does work, but its not as effective and the whole experience can be frustrating.

With college, its simply not just a black and white or good vs. evil matter. You have to really understand the situation you're in and be willing to risk your own investment of time and money. Everyone easily understands what's at stake, but its the lack of action that gets people into deeper holes. Everyone's circumstance is different, A single mother who want to be in a better situation to take care of their kids but are too affraid to risk the money; a high school graduate still living at home with the folks; a 40 something career changer burnt by the daily grind - all have something to risk and have something to gain in the game to getting their nursing license. Some will take their time or keep their money or do both.

straitfan52 · Feb 23, 2008

To freeinfo: I cannot speak to your experience at WCC. However, you presented incorrect information about the San Jose campus. It was NEVER on probation. It was a new program and had received PROVISIONAL accreditation from the BVNPT, the same as all new programs. Full, unconditional accreditation was awarded in Nov. 2007. Anyone wishing to verify this statement should contact the BVNPT directly.

straitfan52 · Feb 23, 2008

You may verify the status of any nurse's license by logging onto their website and selecting the option "License Verification". You only need their name or the partial spelling. The site will provide information about whether it is current, on probation, or if there is any action taken against the license. For LVNs, log onto http://www.BVNPT.ca.gov and for RNs, http://www.rn.ca.gov.

dannibee · Mar 1, 2008

I went to a Unitek meeting and walked out after they told me the price. Are you kidding me? There is no way I'm paying $33,000 just to become an LVN. They don't have the LVN to RN option up here in Sacramento yet but I asked about the cost of that program and the rep told me $38,000. Be serious now! I could go out and get my Master's for that price because I already have a Bachelor's in Health Science. How can one even pay back a loan that big with an LVN's salary? I'm not putting down LVN's and I don't mean to offend anyone at all but think about the logistics of the situation. There are plenty of low cost LVN programs out there. The classes offered in this program are from 9am-4pm, M-F. How are you supposed to work and support this $68,000+ bill with these hours. I don't know. I decided to take my chances with the schools I've been applying to and the waitlist I'm already on for the RN program. Good luck to everyone trying to get into a school.

mvang · Mar 4, 2008

I finally made a reservation to attend an informational meeting on the 22nd here in the sacramento campus. I'm really nervous because of the PRICE. Every college in the area has a lottery waiting list. I can't wait forever. I'm hoping that they don't require a lot pe-req's. I haven't been in school in a couple of years so I know that I need to take some courses.

Has anyone graduated from Sacramento or is currently attending the Sacramento campus??? I know that this campus is fairly new. Most importantly, how are the instructors? Also was the entrance exams hard/diffucult? :uhoh21:

NICUrn2B · Mar 8, 2008

i know a couple of people who dropped out because they said that the class moves at an extremely fast pace and a lot of students barely pass (C's).

I wouldn't want to go to a school that was cramming in everything just so they can keep their title of '11 month LVN program...'

This,however, is just my opinion

MysticalSeeker · Mar 8, 2008

I just wanted to add my 2 cents....Last week I graduated from Unitek's fast-paced LVN nursing.

And I wouldnt have done it any other way.

Is the program perfect? No. But is it worth the investment? Yes.

11 months is extremely fast, but in other aspects its extremely slow. Western Career has a 15 month program and I am glad I didnt go there, not to mention Western Career is around 10-15,000 more expensive than Unitek.

The price is not as bad as many think. For one thing, in California, LVNs in Northern California make around $22-28 starting out, which means if you are fiscally responsible you can pay off the loan in a fast amount of time. The best thing to do is consolidate the loan, that way you pay it off early and you don't have to worry about paying off the high interest as well.

It's an investment.

But let me tell you, if you are looking to go into nursing because of the money or because of "job security" dont. Dont pick this program because you will turn into my classmates, who ******* and moaned the whole way through because it is a fast-paced program, but it is also doable if you have the passion and motivation, if you have the calling to become a nurse.

That is what carries you through nursing school, no matter if its 11 months or 11 years.

That said....the course work isnt that hard. It really isnt. But it just is at a faster rate, so you have to develop good study habits early on. They dont expect you to know everything, but they do want you to know the basics.

Not to mention once you graduate Unitek's LVN program, you automatically have a seat in the LVN-RN bridge program, which takes 8 months and you are now an RN.

I would go into Unitek, yes it has its problems and has areas of improvement, but its far better than Western Career and other schools.

Just my two and a half cents

MysticalSeeker · Mar 8, 2008

I am a recent grad of Unitek, and I wholeheartedly believe that if you have a passion for nursing, and not just see it as income, then you will do fine at Unitek. Unitek's price is actually cheaper than Western Career, and it is about the same cost of going to nursing school at a 2-4 year university, only you are paying the cost all up front instead of over semesters.

It isn't necessary hard, but it is at a fast-paced, so as long as you develop good study habits early on and take the courses seriously, you will pass. But if you dont study or only put the least amount of time into the program, then you will do bad.

MysticalSeeker · Mar 8, 2008

OOps, I didnt realize my first posting went through, I thought I lost it and had to remember what I wrote all over again, argh. Sorry =)