UT-Pan Am Spring 2011

While I did not go to school there, I have MANY friends who graduated from their BSN program. They all got GREAT paying jobs in the valley after graduation.

From what I've heard they have a high NCLEX passing rate, and all of my friends LOVED the program. It's a small program where everyone takes the same classes so everyone is extremely close.

UTPA is also a very inexpensive school, and the cost of living in the valley is very low. Every one I know was able to rent spacious houses for very low rent. And I think most of them graduated with ZERO student loan debt because of scholarships. Even if you get student loans, if you stay to work in the valley, you will more than likely be offered a sign-on bonus or loan repayment.

If you're not familiar with the valley or do not speak Spanish, I suggest spending a weekend in Edinburg, getting to know the campus and the town. I would say that 90% of the student population is of hispanic origin, and Spanish (actually "Rio Grande Valley spanglish") is the predominant language spoken there. Plus, it's very clique-ish - it feels like a small town, even though Edinburg really isn't that small compared to other towns in the area. The valley isn't for everyone. I'm from there, and I do not plan on returning.

Overall my friends were very pleased with the program. They did say it was tough, but I think every nursing program is going to be difficult.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

thanks alot for the reply i was kinda losing hope. this was pretty much what i needed to make up my mind. so ill be there this fall to finish some pre-req's and get a feel of the place whilst applying for spring11.

one more question; its not racist out there is it? & should i be worried about the whole cartel stuff down in Mexico? because i hear its pretty close to the boarder.

I don't think you should be worried about the cartels. Edinburg isn't along the border the way other cities are. It's safe there. I don't think it'll become like Juarez and El Paso. My hometown is connected to a city across the border (I used to walk across the bridge to eat tacos), and the violence hasn't really spilled into my town UNLESS those people were involved with the cartels. Reynosa is the Mexican city that would be closest to you, so if you did a search on it you might find the information. Also, the newspaper in the valley is called The Monitor, fyi. I personally would not go to Reynosa, but I have friends who still go there and even go to Monterrey frequently. I guess my advice would be to not do anything stupid.

Also far as racism goes, there aren't hate crimes or anything like that. And there are other races in the area, but the numbers are small. I seriously doubt anybody would be outwardly rude. Most of the time it'll just be the older people looking at you a little weird, (depending on where you go), but Edinburg is a college town so I assume everyone is used to it by now. I myself hadn't really been around anybody outside of my race until college. Culture shock! LOL. But I've been out of the valley for more than 5 years now so I've been "socialized".

Oh, and be prepared to gain weight since there is a taqueria on every corner. And Mexican food in the valley is extra greasy, meaty, and delicious. Mmmm.

I always tell people that the valley feels like another country. I hope you enjoy it and I wish you the best.

I can totally relate to wanting to get away to focus, I live in the DFW area, and I really just want something new. Liver of Lie, did you decide to go there this fall? If so, how are you liking it?

Hi, I'm currently doing pre-reqs before starting the nursing program at STC and am looking at my options for an eventual RN to BSN program. I was just wondering what your experience at Pan Am was like. Thanks.

DId anyone get in the BSN program for Spring or is planning to get in this upcoming Fall 2014, if so what are your stats if you don't mind me asking

Hello, I just have a few questions about the nursing program at UTPA. Do they accept transfer nursing student from a different nursing school? Is it too late to apply for the Fall of 2014 when I have not taken the required nursing course, I think its Nursing Wellness or something like that. I am from Houston, TX but I am currently attending nursing school in a different state.

I believe it is too late to apply for fall 2014, the deadline was march 1st and the class needs to be taken beforehand, why is it that you want to move to UTPA when you are already in a nursing school, if I may ask

It was more of being close to home. But I think I am going to stay at my nursing school since I talked to the secretary and he said that they do not accept any transfer nursing credits. I was looking for a less expensive nursing school. I plan to go to graduate school and UTPA is not up there with the other top nursing programs...so my choice has changed. I was just being curious.