Uta online rn/bsn fast track program

[Ccooper74]

I called to get more information about the UTA online program yesterday. The enrollment specialist told me that I would "not" be allowed in the program if I worked full-time. I will be graduating with my LVN certification in December, so I feel I have a good base of nursing knowledge. Has anyone gone through this program? Did you work? What is the point of an online program, other than for working professionals?! Are there any online RN/BSN programs in the Dallas, TX area you could recommend? I have all of my RN pre-reqs. Dallas is a major metroplex with zero solutions to obtaining your RN if you are a working professional. Grr..

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello Ccooper74,

I'm not from Texas, but I took a quick glance of their requirements...

http://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/documents/Nursing_BSN_Flyer_2011.pdf

I have never heard of any institution barring you from admission if you work full-time. However, I must say it is extremely difficult to getting through the program if you do. The reason being is the clinicals. They will not accommodate your clinicals to your work schedule (no institution does), so you would have to have your employer adjust your schedule around the clinicals. Which by the way, they change every semester. Part-timers usually have more flexibility with work schedules.

UTA probably has had their share of problems in this area and evidently has decided to ban Full-Time workers from the program. Fair or not, it is an issue. Each institution strives to keep their graduation rates and, most importantly, their NCLEX-RN passing rates high; otherwise it can create problems with accreditation and the viability/longevity of the program. They seem to want their students dedicate as much time as possible studying and be successful. Not just graduation, but pass the NCLEX-RN on the first try.

[K1203]

You can still apply. They don't accept based on work. I know they advise students to not work more than 20 hours / week. Not only is nursing school intense (much more so than my previous degree!) but it's also an accelerated program - squeezing 24 months into 15. I know there are people who successfully worked full time. I worked part time, but also have kids and a family which made for a full time job. Everyone has a different circumstance. But you can definitely apply. I'm not sure why they would have told you otherwise.