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

leelee7 · Apr 20, 2009

This is a very fast paced class. I wouldn't recommend this class for someone without prior experience. If you have some clinical experience you should be OK. I plan on taking the class in September and I hope to do well since I am already a pharmacy technician and MA. As for the teachers, you will run into that at any technical school you go to, trust me. They are all LVN's about being a good LVN does not make you a good teacher. Just be proactive and report your grivences to the program director or school president. I'll let you guys know how it goes..........

baynurse10 · May 12, 2009

anyone planning to enroll for their upcoming program starting in July?

ylyl · May 14, 2009

Im planning to enroll in july at the fremont campus.. but some of the comments sound scary..

ylyl · May 14, 2009

anyone planning to enroll for their upcoming program starting in July?

are you planning to enroll too?

baynurse10 · May 14, 2009

I'm really thinking about it, I have to make a decision between Unitek or this new LVN school in Concord but I'm leaning towards Unitek because of their bridge to RN. Have you gone to talk to someone at Unitek?

ylyl · May 14, 2009

Yes, I have talked to one of their advisors, and I'm going to take the admission test soon.

straitfan52 · May 25, 2009

This is a very fast paced class. I wouldn't recommend this class for someone without prior experience. If you have some clinical experience you should be OK. I plan on taking the class in September and I hope to do well since I am already a pharmacy technician and MA. As for the teachers, you will run into that at any technical school you go to, trust me. They are all LVN's about being a good LVN does not make you a good teacher. Just be proactive and report your grivences to the program director or school president. I'll let you guys know how it goes..........

Unitek in Fremont has 5 RNs teaching in their LVN program. But you are right, a good nurse does not equal a good teacher and you need to let the program director know when things are not right.

L2daAO · Jul 7, 2009

Hi all-

I have read a lot of your comments and would just like to add some of my own.

First, I'm from Fremont and I too considered the LVN and LVN-to-RN Program. Here are some of my thoughts on the subject.

Pros:

1. Accellerated Pace, LVN-11, LVN-to-RN-8

2. Class Schedule

3. Great for people who are self-learners (great observers and those who take advantage of their clinical experiences)

4. Gets you on the job market!

Cons

1. Tuition / Fees (Yes, it is a con because compared to state funded and community colleges, private institutions will always rank here with me. Even with other private institutions being higher, the return for cost ratio is still quite high for years.) Please see the average LVN salary in the US: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm#earnings. Keep in mind that most, not all start below average salary.

2. After completing the Nationally Accredited ADN program, it may be difficult to advance further in education without attending other high-cost private institutions since most state programs will only take regionally accredited units. Even that, is not entirely accurate 100% of the time as some of you have pointed out with WCC.

3. Like many technical institutes, instructor quality may be questionable. Many will feel that they are paying for access to resources for a self learning environment than they are being instructed. Your instructor may not have had any formal teaching experience or formal teaching education.

Bottom line is your personal goals.

If you plan to go for a BSN or MSN or to specialize later in life, a state institution may provide an easier transition from one step to another. However, if a personal situation needs you on the job market quick, a private instition may be better suited for you.

All nurses at all levels deserves their fair share of respect. So for those of you who wonders, "Why am I doing CNA work?" Sorry, when you become an RN, MSN, specialist or whatever, please do not ask anyone to do what you are not willing to do yourself. That means without the complaining. I'm pretty sure everyone has been in that shoe as a nurse one time or another. Someone has to do it. That means you newbs! :)

Last, I would like to add that I know many of you dissapprove of the foundation courses, aka pre-req's. But these foundations give a better understanding of why things are done the way they are. You have to ask yourself, "How much and at what quality of education do I want that nurse to be that is taking care of my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc."

A Marine Corps. saying will end this perfectly: Its not the pay, it's the pride!

jodesis · Jul 31, 2009

Wow! Of all the postings I have read this was the best and most current.

Thanks a bunch! :yeah: :yeah:

Ginny Weasley · Sep 15, 2009

Why would anyone WANT to waste over 30 grand on such a crappy school? I almost went there, and I'm glad I didn't! I've heard from a lot of nurses that the LVN's that graduate from the 11 month program have absolutely no skills, and are no where near ready to begin working in a nursing facility. 11 months is NOT enough time to learn how to do anything. Also, Unitek is one of those schools that will take your money and run, like Boston Reed. I'm going to St. Francis Career college in San Jose, and let me tell you, those people teaching the classes actually KNOW how to teach. Their guide lines are extremely strict, but they have a 100% pass rate at the boards. It's considered to be the best LPN/LVN program in the country, and people come from all over to attend it. They even have a capping ceremony, which most school do not have anymore. It's a Catholic school, so it's non-profit, so you know the staff and administration are not after your money. Does Unitek have a 100% pass rate? I think not! Bleh! Sorry if I'm bashing anyone, but I'd hate to see someone waste over $30,0000 on such crappy education. I guess the saying about how a fool is easily parted with his money is true. : )

Elorraine11 · Sep 20, 2009

so I am thinking about attending the Unitek LVN program on the fremont campus in January. Does anyone think that there is a specific Unitek campus that is the best as far as the teachers go?Also, does Unitek have Clinical hours? And do hospitals hire RN's who get thier degree from Unitek?

I have an information session planned with an advisor there but i want to know what people think.

Thanks!

Sensoria17 · Sep 20, 2009

so I am thinking about attending the Unitek LVN program on the fremont campus in January. Does anyone think that there is a specific Unitek campus that is the best as far as the teachers go?Also, does Unitek have Clinical hours? And do hospitals hire RN's who get thier degree from Unitek?
I have an information session planned with an advisor there but i want to know what people think.
Thanks!

I mentioned this in another thread but I'll also mention it here. I had an instructor who's wife was part of the hiring team at Kaiser and he said they strongly prefer that applicants come from a reputable school. Unfortunately, I don't believe Unitek fits this criteria. It is probably fine for the LVN program but not for the RN bridge program.