What is MCC's Nursing Program really like?

ORoxyO · Jan 31, 2009

When you have your welcome seminar, they tell you how you won't be able to get laundry done, study 24/7, and really shouldn't work. But it depends on the person. If you have kids, never previously went to college, or just really need need to study, it will be harder. If you are used to school and a schedule, you will be just fine.

So this is just my opinion as a single person with a previous BS degree. It's really not bad. I am in the program, work ~20 hours a week, have an active social life, have been taking extra classes, and yes even wear clean clothes. I'm not saying the program is easy by any means...there is a lot of content and I spend plenty of time doing homework and studying, but if you are efficient then it is not a problem.

But then....I know many people who do not work at all and are completely overwhelmed. I wonder what they do all day! Some people just plain need to study more and you need to know what kind of person you are. There's nothing wrong with either scenario.

Good luck with your application!

John20 · Jan 31, 2009

There is a lot of material. I haven't heard of any divorces caused by going through the program. After the 1600s, you'll be in class or clinical 4 days a week (unless you sign up for a clinical that is the afternoon of lecture). I think it would be very difficult to squeeze 40 hours of work into one of those weeks unless you have a job that lets you sit and study most of the time. I hung out with my friends still so that wasn't an issue.

If you go into it expecting to work hard you'll be ok. Very few people fail out so that's a testament that everyone adjusts to whatever time they need to put in to get through the program.

ToxicShock · Jan 31, 2009

I am not in MCC's nursing program, I am just a pre-nursing student. However, I think it's pretty safe to say that ALL nursing programs are going to be very difficult and time consuming.

Some people are naturally studious and don't have a problem absorbing academics, others have to devote extra time because of their learning style. I think the difficulty depends on your learning style as well as the material.

I, too, am hoping to get into MCC for the fall, but I have back ups in case I don't. If you don't have back ups in mind, get them. Don't hang all your hopes on one school, just in case you don't get accepted. Ok that went off topic a bit! Whatever you choose to do, I wish you luck :)

michigansstudent · Jan 31, 2009

I am currently in the program. Work two twelves a week and have a family. The first semester was not a problem. Now that class is four days a week, I do find some stress in trying to get all of the assignments done. I am thinking of cutting back to one day of work a week. The material comes at you fast. The tests are crazy, unlike any tests taken before, but also not impossible. I had to give up my 4.0 status to accept an occasional B without freaking out. I still think the hardest part was waiting for that darn acceptance letter. Good luck!! PS save your pennies because the cost of books will shock you, then you will want all the nice extra stuff like Made Easy flip books, and NCLEX study guides. Pretty pricey but totally worth it. When I find myself thinking this is just too much, I remember how many days I almost cried when "the letter" wasnt in my mailbox. You have to keep the joy of acceptance in the fore thought of your mind sometimes. We have lost some along the way, but I believe it is possible for anyone who wants it bad enough. I still see my freinds and go out sometimes. Nursing school at macomb does require some sacrifice, but no more than can be handled. Good luck watching the mail man everyday. I do not miss that feeling

NoviceRN10 · Feb 1, 2009

I'm in the program (second year) and I think MCC is probably one of the best programs around :up: . I don't think they make us learn an insane amount of material; they only teach us what is relevant to doing our jobs. I don't think they assign too much homework. The instructors are all great; friendly and helpful. I think it is very doable to have a life outside of class while doing this program. I read other people's posts about their nursing schools and cringe. I think I'm very lucky to be at MCC! I am married with a few young kids and still manage to cook dinner, do laundry (when I feel like it ), and I am not overly stressed. I was scared to start nursing school after reading the discussions hear, but it isn't half as bad as I imagined it was going to be. Good luck, I hope you get your letter !

jabraham99 · Feb 1, 2009

I am currently in the program. Work two twelves a week and have a family. The first semester was not a problem. Now that class is four days a week, I do find some stress in trying to get all of the assignments done. I am thinking of cutting back to one day of work a week. The material comes at you fast. The tests are crazy, unlike any tests taken before, but also not impossible. I had to give up my 4.0 status to accept an occasional B without freaking out. I still think the hardest part was waiting for that darn acceptance letter. Good luck!! PS save your pennies because the cost of books will shock you, then you will want all the nice extra stuff like Made Easy flip books, and NCLEX study guides. Pretty pricey but totally worth it. When I find myself thinking this is just too much, I remember how many days I almost cried when "the letter" wasnt in my mailbox. You have to keep the joy of acceptance in the fore thought of your mind sometimes. We have lost some along the way, but I believe it is possible for anyone who wants it bad enough. I still see my freinds and go out sometimes. Nursing school at macomb does require some sacrifice, but no more than can be handled. Good luck watching the mail man everyday. I do not miss that feeling

What great advice, Thank You!!

CorazonDeOro · Feb 2, 2009

Another question for MCC students....How much do you have to spend on books and other supplies each semester? I am worried I will be denied student loans because I have a BA already (macomb has some ridiculous new rules on LOANS) and I need to know what kind of money I should be prepared to pay!

SnowStar4 · Feb 2, 2009

I think for the 1500s it was at least $500. Then for the 1600s $200. That was from the bookstore though. I think some people found them cheaper online. We do use most of the books for several classes though so much of the cost is up front. I just hear that many of them are coming out with new editions this year so finding used ones will be even harder.

inspire · Feb 2, 2009

Some of the books I bought we haven't used yet, so you might not have to run out & buy them all. I spent at least $700 before the 1500's and bought used when I could. Plus, I got them from the bookmark which is cheaper than MCC. I also heard some will change next Aug. Some are a must, but others you might not need at least in the beginning.

CorazonDeOro · Feb 2, 2009

I think for the 1500s it was at least $500. Then for the 1600s $200. That was from the bookstore though. I think some people found them cheaper online. We do use most of the books for several classes though so much of the cost is up front. I just hear that many of them are coming out with new editions this year so finding used ones will be even harder.

Thanks for the info! I hope I can somehow swing it all, I guess I gotta SAVE SAVE SAVE! (oh and get accepted too!)

SnowStar4 · Feb 2, 2009

Some of the books I bought we haven't used yet, so you might not have to run out & buy them all. I spent at least $700 before the 1500's and bought used when I could. Plus, I got them from the bookmark which is cheaper than MCC. I also heard some will change next Aug. Some are a must, but others you might not need at least in the beginning.

Did you buy the "recommended" books? Because I have used all mine.

Oh, CorazonDeOro, don't forget about the cost of uniforms. That will add on like $130 for one set plus lab coat. Then there is a lab pack for ~&80 and other supplies like stethoscope and BP cuff.