What do you like/dislike about your program?

i like that my program is integrated as opposed to front-loaded - additional things that i like about my program are : that it is actually a 30 month program - we start clinical right away (at least our class did - now i hear they are starting the 2nd month) and are finished clinical in month 27/28 - the last month and a half/ two months are for studying for boards - which we consider a luxury -

find out how many clinical sites your program has - and talk to students from each to see which one will most suit your needs/wants. also something some forget is parking costs etc.. at certain clinical sites... there are a few in philly where you will pay 9-12 dollars/day (at least) even as a student - and that adds up.

good luck

As opposed to the other poster I like that my program is front loaded. We do most all of our classroom work in the first 12 months. I want to be going into clinicals with at least some knowledge of the things that I will be seeing and doing. I like to know the reasoning behind the things I will be doing and then having my knowledge tested. This includes the physiology and pathophysiological effects, etc. Just a thought.

I agree with TexasCCRN. I can't imagine having class monday through wed. then have clinical thursday and friday. Having to study for tests in the classroom then having to prepare for cases all in the same week seems like a headache (no disrespect to those who are in the programs). That's why I chose a front-loaded program.

I agree with TexasCCRN. I can't imagine having class monday through wed. then have clinical thursday and friday. Having to study for tests in the classroom then having to prepare for cases all in the same week seems like a headache (no disrespect to those who are in the programs). That's why I chose a front-loaded program.

It is a headache; however, the "high" or feeling of elation/accomplishment after completing a case is definitely a motivational tool! Yes, it is frustrating to encounter things you haven't studied yet, but I really am pleased with my choice.

GCShore:wink2:

There is also the flipside to integrated programs, which I am currently am in as well. You get to integrate the knowledge while you are learning it, and ask questions of things you learned in class. Plus, my particular program prepares you for a couple of months before they send you into clinical, which is two days/wk during the first semester. Two days/week does not amount to much, and will be just enough to get oriented to the OR, learn the anesthesia machines, pt. positioning, and basic OR equipment. Although, we are orienting to these things while doing cases, I think we will be getting a dose of what anesthesia is all about early on in the program, and we will discover whether we really want to be in anesthesia. Hard for some people in front loaded programs to change their mind a year in to the program, and you get into the clinical area, and discover it is not for you.

There are other arguments on this board on front loaded vs. integrated programs, so you can visit those threads as well.

Another thought regarding integrated vs. front loaded programs. If you are a marginal student or are worried about being overloaded with full-time class work, an integrated may benefit you. It cuts down on the class room credit hours per week, filling out your semester time with clinicals.

I was accepted to both an integrated and front-loaded program and chose the front loaded program.