The new administration seems to be doing a good job at handling the new set of Practical nursing students. I'm going to outline the pros and cons of the school so future students can benefit and help make their own decision.
Pros of the school:
- It is one of the cheaper nursing schools in PBC, with financial aid my total tuition cost was 15K.
- This school utilizes ATI, which is a platform where nursing classes can practice questions and take final exams. I really loved ATI because it prepared me so well for NCLEX.
- The clinical sites were closer to the school, so there wasn't much traveling far.
- The teacher we had, Mr. D, was a good teacher, well enough for you to understand the material.
- When it comes to getting the green light to take the NCLEX, you just have to pass ATI FINAL EXIT EXAM. If you do great, you're on to the NCLEX. (So use the ATI given to you!)
Cons of the school: (Most of the cons were with the last administration)
- When my class was taking the pharmacology module, the school was under the previous administration, so for us, that was one of the only courses that wasn't taught so well to us. But for the newer students, you probably won't have to worry as the new administration is making changes to that.
- The labs were not so good with my class, as the last administration did not make updates to them. So labs weren't so good. (Updates are being made with the new admin)
- Like most nursing schools, you will have to teach yourself the material. Don't go into nursing school expecting to learn everything in class. You will have to go home and study!
- The school isn't going to pay for your NCLEX. It's not included in tuition, so in total, expect to spend around $500 for NCLEX costs after graduation.
- The clinical sites aren't the best. Most are long-term care facilities, and they won't allow you to do much other than CNA work, some injections, maybe an NG tube here and there.
Overall, it's doable if you really want the degree. I passed my NCLEX recently, and that's with everything stated above. There isn't going to be a perfect