I am thinking about going into nursing at the ripe old age of 41. I have a four-year degree in English, which I earned almost 20 years ago (WOW) and ended with a GPA of 3.0. I am wondering if any of you have applied to, are currently attending, or have attended FKCC in Key West or Marathon, FL?
Any info you have on how competitive it is there, what it is like...and also, any info on the TEAS would be great. I read one thread on here about FKCC but it did not really go into how hard it is to get in or anything like that. I know the college has had its ups and downs. I spoke to the department that handles applications. They told me I needed to apply to the general part of the college first, which I have just done. It's so hard to get anyone in the nursing dept. to call back that I haven't been able to discuss whether they would accept a 3.0, how far their waiting list goes, etc. They say they require a 2.8 as of this year. I have read that often that still means you need a much higher GPA if there are lots of students with good GPAs.
I have the basic prerequisites they require (math, english, psych), but just about the only health-related courses I took were medical terminology, and a couple of biology courses. I have very little chemistry knowledge, but pick up everything quickly and am hoping I can memorize enough of the basics to score high on the TEAS. I love learning and look forward to the challenge of taking on something new. My grandfather was a doctor and had his office in south Florida while I was growing up (my mom worked in his office)...I always loved being around that and the hospital, and hearing about his experiences.
My goal is to attend FKCC and then ultimately find a nursing job in the Lower Keys, as we live here and my husband owns a bait and tackle shop here which I can guarantee he is not planning on leaving. :-)
Thanks in advance for any information, tips, advice. I just bought the ATI study guide for the TEAS, and have been brushing up on my math and science online.
P.S. If you are a nurse in the Florida Keys, I'd love to hear what you think of it -- good or bad.
I know this is an old post, but I'm putting this out there in case anyone else is interested. I attend FKCC Nursing and it is a challenge to get in. To set the record straight, their NCLEX pass rate is extremely high (higher than MDC, BCC, etc). Due to this high pass rate we find the level of difficulty for the tests to be high, probably for the school to maintain the pass rate. I live in Miami and it is tough to drive down, but the material learned in school seems to prepare you to be a good Nurse. Some things are unorganized, but the school is working on fixing these issues. The most frustrating thing is many classes are done via VideoConference. If you are a person that can study independently you shouldnt have a problem.
wow! I'm sure that the NCLEX pass rate is extremely high because not very many people graduate from the program. It reminds me of BC, when we had a 97% pass rate... but that't because 18 people took the test out of the 50 students that started.
when you look at the site where they tell you the pass rate, they tell you how many students took the test as well.
the drive from miami to the keys is tough, I go there just for the day to enjoy the boats and beautiful scenery. I am so happy BCC took me in, because it was a safer drive than just one road as in the keys.
that videoconference is the thing that I disliked about the school so I never applied. My friend got in the program, she said there were only 24 people in the class, and about 10 or 9 people failed the first semester, including her. she said that they told her that not very many people applied to the program either, so it was not a difficult program for her to get in, as comparing to MDC.
but anyways Caring4Others, just the best wishes for you and the program . Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career.
I know your post is old but I just joined this website b/c I am also applying for the Nursing Program at FKCC right now. I read your post and I am totally shocked that you didn't get in with such a good GPA and TEAS score. I meant to ask if you made it the 2nd time around and how you liked it? It does make sense to have all the core reqs since the program itself is so difficult. After this semester I will still need A&PII and microbiology so I doubt I will make it this time either. I thought it won't hurt to apply anyway, so I did.
I'm from key west! Hi everyone! I heard its a tough school, but have high nclex rates. I did all if my core after graduating from key west high in '02. Now I'm about to start an LPN program in broward. Was just so hard to get in in key west.
If I may ask, how many times have you applied there? Yes, they certainly do have the best NCLEX rater (EVER). Mainly because so many students drop out, I believe. I don't know what to do since FKCC is the only College on the entire island, I doubt I will move to miami to attend another school. I just wish I knew someone who got accepted there and would be willing to share his/ her experience with me. It mus be accredited if you are transferring to broward for your LPN, right?
labrador4122, RN
1,921 Posts
wow! I'm sure that the NCLEX pass rate is extremely high because not very many people graduate from the program. It reminds me of BC, when we had a 97% pass rate... but that't because 18 people took the test out of the 50 students that started.
when you look at the site where they tell you the pass rate, they tell you how many students took the test as well.
the drive from miami to the keys is tough, I go there just for the day to enjoy the boats and beautiful scenery. I am so happy BCC took me in, because it was a safer drive than just one road as in the keys.
that videoconference is the thing that I disliked about the school so I never applied. My friend got in the program, she said there were only 24 people in the class, and about 10 or 9 people failed the first semester, including her. she said that they told her that not very many people applied to the program either, so it was not a difficult program for her to get in, as comparing to MDC.
but anyways Caring4Others, just the best wishes for you and the program
. Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career.