hi i'm interested in applying to the expensive private school unitek college in fremont, ca. i am trying to get to closer to becoming an rn much quicker because i would like to be done with school while my son is young. i have read other topics, and have been looking into other's opinion. i would just like to see if there are any recent graduates of the 2-stage adn (which includes lvn & lvn to rn) i know it's a lot of work and study compressed into 11 months lvn, 3 weeks pre-req, and 8 months for lvn to rn. but i want to get your opinion of you experience, and was it worth it?
i am most likely going to see if i can attend, but i just want a reassurance that there are people who have done well.
unitek college (fremont)--2005 (75%) --2006 (74%) --2007 (72%) -western career in sl did slightly better...but nothing outstanding.
then on the brn (for nclex rn pass rates):
unitek college (fremont)--2007/2008 (69.44%) of the 36 ppl that took it passed...
those of you that passed (good job ) and hopefully those that didn't have already gotten a chance to retake it and pass. i just want someone to let me know that there is a good chance of passing.
oh and one post i read said that the teachers may change the days to weekends for classes? and that they have different places they do clinicals...where are some places so i am prepared for this?
is there anything else i need to know before i apply?
also, have you started repaying your loan? is it really a lot monthly?
i mean i could be done with the program and be a rn and have a to repay a $76,000 consolidated loan from 2 stage adn over 10-15 years.... gosh... it sounds like sooooo much. well it is.... but i hope it's truly worth it.....
i heard that one of the hospitals may not be doing the loan forgiveness for much longer... but i'm not for sure sure...i just want to get a real perspective on it...
the only options i have is either waiting on lottery system at chabot, ohlone, sfsu, csu east bay, etc... or paying a huge amount of money to get in and out and on with my life and be in debt for a minute...
i just want the pros and cons for all this.... if you have an opinion about anything i said here, please do tell!!!:plsebeg: i would like a better perspective on what i am really getting myself into...
i know it's long but if you can help... it would truly be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thankya:
I went to Unitek and I do think it's worth it because I couldn't stand the waiting lists at regular colleges. I finished all my prereqs and just got sick of waiting to get into an RN program. I definitely recommend you doing your prereqs at a regular college and then going to an LPN program and then you are free to enter the RN program whenever you like.
I think there's alot of valuable information from everyone that posted, what I want to mention is that I am going to graduate from LVN school in about 3weeks, I went to our local JC college.. I was originally an RN major but because of the "stupid" lottery system ended up waiting 3yrs before applying for the LVN program.
I currently work as a Medical Assistant - the year before i started LVN program my annual income was $47k, the program is 3semesters long, it didn't cost as much as the private schools do - however I had to go part-time - so for those of you looking at the money that you will invest think about this;- this year working part time my annual income was barely $29k that is a whooping $18k drop of income, so yeah the JC college program is not expensive but if you break it down it actually cost me $20k.
I graduate in 3weeks and luckily for me I went into an agreement with my manager that once I will be done, I can work full time again, so looking at what it will cost you is scary.. but I honestly feel that it's worth the money whichever route you take especially if you have alot of working years.. and if especially if you are still young.
I mentioned before that it took me 5yrs to get all my pre-reqs done, 3yrs of waiting, 1.5yrs doing the LVN and then another 3yrs to get my RN ( I will be doing the ISU program) thats alot of years - whereas had I paid like I see some my co-workers or friends they are almost done and some are even graduating from RN school this year..
So you really have to look at ALL of your options, don't worry about the money as much as getting into a good school.. and there is no price on education.
Wish you all the best and good luck in making the right choice because I know it's not easy!
Are you enrolled in ISU? I am considering all my options, I'm in the same boat as you. My last option really is ISU. My first option is WCU in Los Angeles to take the RN BSN. It's gonna cost me 80k+ and that's with all general prereq's and they do not accept your LVN credits, so it's almost like starting over but you will get your BSN. Unitek is another option but the passing rate for the NCLEX bothers me. ISU is online which is difficult for me. I learn better in a classroom or at least with instructors who are available for discussions. But it is affordable, cant beat the tuition. If my finances do not allow me, ISU is a more likely route to go. I dont know anyone who actually graduated or who's in the program. Any info or input would be greatly appreciated!!
Are you enrolled in ISU? I am considering all my options, I'm in the same boat as you. My last option really is ISU. My first option is WCU in Los Angeles to take the RN BSN. It's gonna cost me 80k+ and that's with all general prereq's and they do not accept your LVN credits, so it's almost like starting over but you will get your BSN. Unitek is another option but the passing rate for the NCLEX bothers me. ISU is online which is difficult for me. I learn better in a classroom or at least with instructors who are available for discussions. But it is affordable, cant beat the tuition. If my finances do not allow me, ISU is a more likely route to go. I dont know anyone who actually graduated or who's in the program. Any info or input would be greatly appreciated!!
I personally do not know anyone that is in the program or has started it however on this forum there is a whole section labelled ISU student and there is a few members whom are in the program and I think not sure of the sp but "chaxmom" is getting ready to graduate and she has a wealth of information since she is in the program, i would recommend talking/messaging her.
The other thing that I found is just posting here your location, I met a couple of people in my area who are starting the same time as I am and hopefully will be linking with them as resources, you should try that - you never know you may meet somebody that is in your vicinity.
I would definetly look around and see if there is any other option for you cause I hate to say this but $80k is alot of money, but then on the same note if you are still young and have alot of working years ahead of you then it's definetly worth it.
Hi Cmami, I am very new to this and I am wondering if you are in the LVN program at Unitek. How do you like it? I am considering going there. I requested to be your friend, so hopefully we can k.i.t :)
Hi Cmami, I am very new to this and I am wondering if you are in the LVN program at Unitek. How do you like it? I am considering going there. I requested to be your friend, so hopefully we can k.i.t :)
Hi Tigerlily1910,
I know it would seem like I am in the program or went there, but I'm haven't been. I was going to go, but I am feeling a little reluctant. I took the entrance test, and took a tour of the school...and all that I needed to do was sign up and get that LOAN.
I've also done A LOT of research because I wanted to make sure that this huge commitment to debt would be for the best. I mean it's a LOT OF MONEY to give up for 8 months + 11 months is like $40,000 or just a little under it for EACH program so it's like $80,000 debt. Not to put down those that have finished the program, you guys are real troopers. It's just a lot for me. I've researched a bunch of programs from WCC to AP Nursing to NCP. I mean they all have their various costs, and it's lower than UNITEK. I've looked up at all the UNITEK related threads as well as threads and posts for all the bay area nursing schools that was near me.
Overall, I would say to check out other schools, and if worse comes to worse, go to UNITEK...If you have no other options... I know the lottery system at the colleges here suck. Some I've known got in the first app...or if someone dropped when the class started... others waiting 3+ years strong...
There are other private schools and programs, it's all about how you can deal with the staff, people, lack of interested teachers, and can you finish the program, even if you have to study a whole bunch of hours on your own... Because I would hate to be enroll into the program and put my credit at risk and then drop out/fail out the program and now owe this huge debt still.
I'm not sure where you live, but I'm from the Bay Area around the San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland area. So the Fremont Unitek isn't that far, it's as if you're going to Ohlone College. There are also those other schools I've mentioned above. They aren't as pricey as Unitek (EXCEPT Western Career College) though still will cut a deep hole in your pockets. I think that it really helped me to slow down and do my research. I'm finishing my prereqs for the program, and will try the lottery system. If I don't get in, I will try one of the programs. It seems like a long process, but I hope that the info helps you in your goal to become a nurse!
And also THANKS for the post, and I've added you as a friend so just let me know what you decided or if you find some new information!!! Good Luck with everything and God Bless.
Thanks so much for the reply, I am sort of lost right now when it comes to the nursing program. I scheduled an appt with one of the admissions advisors at the Santa Clara campus (Unitek) this Tues, but I feel like canceling. I have just seem too many negative threads on here about Unitek. If I am going to fork out all that money I want a quality education. I have many of the pre-requisites finished from Mission College in Santa Clara. The thing is I have been out of school for about 2 years now. It looks like I should make an appt with the Admissions counselor there.
I live in Sunnyvale, so Mission is very convenient, but of course they are the lottery system as well.. I am 24 right now and I already feel like I have wasted a few years working full-time. I just want to get the ball rolling with my goals and aspirations already...
I see on here a lot of information about WCC. They do offer financial aid/ Grants if I am not mistaken. I was wondering if i qualify, maybe the tuition will not be as pricey, what are your thoughts on that?
Well, thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. When I saw your older posts It was exactly what I was wondering about Unitek, is it good, is it bad? do people recommend it or not?
Well lets keep in touch, my name is Amanda. I am sort of new to this website so I am figuring out how to use it still. How can I e-mail you directly? I now that is a funny question.. lol
Thanks so much for the reply, I am sort of lost right now when it comes to the nursing program. I scheduled an appt with one of the admissions advisors at the Santa Clara campus (Unitek) this Tues, but I feel like canceling. I have just seem too many negative threads on here about Unitek. If I am going to fork out all that money I want a quality education. I have many of the pre-requisites finished from Mission College in Santa Clara. The thing is I have been out of school for about 2 years now. It looks like I should make an appt with the Admissions counselor there.
I live in Sunnyvale, so Mission is very convenient, but of course they are the lottery system as well.. I am 24 right now and I already feel like I have wasted a few years working full-time. I just want to get the ball rolling with my goals and aspirations already...
I see on here a lot of information about WCC. They do offer financial aid/ Grants if I am not mistaken. I was wondering if i qualify, maybe the tuition will not be as pricey, what are your thoughts on that?
Well, thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. When I saw your older posts It was exactly what I was wondering about Unitek, is it good, is it bad? do people recommend it or not?
Well lets keep in touch, my name is Amanda. I am sort of new to this website so I am figuring out how to use it still. How can I e-mail you directly? I now that is a funny question.. lol
:welcome: TO THE SITE since you're new!
Thanks Amanda! Honestly I started this post in hopes of not only getting new info, but hopefully combining all the info I gathered so someone else doesn't have to feel like me when I started researching. I wanted it to be a one stop shop =)
I feel the same way about feeling like I wasted so much time...I mean technically, I should have graduated... I'm like in my 5th year... I'm 22 and having a child means I got to get my stuff together ASAP. My first 2/3 years of college I was in so many majors and took so many classes that are in so many fields, from business classes to Egyptian language to random writing classes to science classes for non science majors (oh the pain I felt knowing I needed to retake Chemistry for the Allied Health Field again and Bio.) I mean I have so many general ed classes that probably don't even help with my Nursing BSN for the future, so I know what you mean by wasting time... Plus I work Full Time. I only switched to Nursing b/c I know it's more reliable than Business and faster than becoming a Doctor, especially since my son was born last year. I mean to me it's like every Filipino is a Nurse, and I just didn't want to be part of it, but after my son, it seems like the most responsible choice to make for stability.
If you like the campus at Unitek, then maybe you should check it out, but my experience was that they were very pushy. They get some nice commissions when you sign up. My guy just kept telling me "To be honest, You are basically giving up your life and will have no life during this program. Can you handle that?" (encouraging right?) I mean seriously? It's being realistic, but don't you want to say it just a little differently? I thought my guy was uninterested, fast, and a pushy salesman. I might as well have done this over the phone.
Yes, WCC does offer Financial Aid and Grants, but keep in mind the total cost:
Certificate in Vocational Nursing (67 weeks): tuition, $42,770; books, uniform and supplies, $1,676. (FALL 2009)
just look at the last line in that long paragraph of programs and costs... So when you get a grant like the PELL GRANT, it's only about maybe $5,350 at most (depending on how/if you qualify and they sometimes distribute it on different times of the year i.e. Fall/Spring), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pell_Grant ] and there still will be a huge cost, unless you find an abundance of financial aid.
I think the silliest thing is that most colleges don't provide their cost till you go to the school and "check it out" so they can hook you on their sales pitch.
This should help avoid all that pressure first hand. It's the list of CA Eligible Training Program List from the CA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
You can click on the previous pages to see the other colleges' LVN programs...
when you click the links to each school it will show you if they allow Pell Grant and/or Financial Aid. It also gives some breakdowns of the program like costs, curriculum, description, when offered, etc.
It's seems like a long road ahead, but you're one step closer than you think! Hope the above helps! I will send you my e-mail add.
I too feel like the rest of the people here. I really don't like Unitek's program. And I too agree that the advisors are very "pushy". They just want you to hurry up and get your information in to them so they can process your check and then move on to the next person!
The way Unitek structures their program is all wrong, I wish I new better before starting the program
i am trying to get to closer to becoming an rn much quicker because i would like to be done with school while my son is young. i have read other topics, and have been looking into other's opinion. i would just like to see if there are any recent graduates of the 2-stage adn (which includes lvn & lvn to rn) i know it's a lot of work and study compressed into 11 months lvn, 3 weeks pre-req, and 8 months for lvn to rn. 
but i want to get your opinion of you experience, and 
) and hopefully those that didn't have already gotten a chance to retake it and pass. i just want someone to let me know that there is a good chance of passing.
Vaby1984
7 Posts
I went to Unitek and I do think it's worth it because I couldn't stand the waiting lists at regular colleges. I finished all my prereqs and just got sick of waiting to get into an RN program. I definitely recommend you doing your prereqs at a regular college and then going to an LPN program and then you are free to enter the RN program whenever you like.