Monday, April 14, 2014

Students compete for nursing spots at LBCC

In recent years, the increasing applicants caused more competition to apply nursing program at LBCC. Many of them are strong candidates and it's difficult to distinguish them based on GPA. Experiences play the second important role for those who urge to get in.

Photo from LBCC web
Wendy Wong, who got in the program on the first time she applied, described her application process as exciting and patient. “I retook one anatomy physiology, and I volunteered for a few years within the community to strengthen my knowledge and skills. I worked as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) and I have my previous bachelor. On top of all these, I was excited to apply LBCC nursing program. Even though I was wait-listed, I waited patiently and eventually I got in,” she said.  

Wait list means a second chance. The admission takes a further step to consider the qualifications of wait-listed  applicants. This time, there were nine students in line and they were all accepted in the end. However, each year is different. In 2012, the program only accepted one wait-listed student.

“It is a very competitive program. When I applied LBCC, I didn’t get in the first year. My GPA wasn’t super high. So I decided to retake two of the three anatomy and physiology courses. Then I was more competitive, and got in the second time I applied,” said Eliza gar Side, a transferred student from Utah.

In addition to the high GPA requirements, LBCC nursing program also requires CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) for admission. CNA defines people who are eligible to help licensed nurses in nursing care.

“Nursing is not an easy job," Wong said. "A lot of other programs don’t require this, and many students regret and struggle when they realize nursing is not what they want later on.”

Wong pointed out that the CNA acts as a filter so the rest of students stay for the right reasons, not just for money. Also, students who survived the CNA exam are more likely to be a nurse with their persistence. Competition also creates a more mature group of students, she said.

LBCC nursing program has the same high standards and quality like other colleges, but it costs much less.

Photo from LBCC web
There are three roads when students are approaching to be a registered nurse. A three-year diploma, a three-year associate degree, and a four-year baccalaureate degree. Graduates who accomplish any of the three programs are qualified to take the NCLEX, the National Council Licensure Examination.

LBCC nursing program is for students to earn an associate degree, but instead of three years, it is designed as a two-year associate degree program. This saves student time and it saves money.

“Our program is very competitive and intense, but this will prepare students for real jobs once they graduate,” said Sheryl Oakes Caddy, the department Chair of Nursing Program at LBCC. Caddy was proud to show the stats: the national rate of passing NCLEX dropped to 84 percent during 2011 to 2013, but the rate at LBCC increased to 94.61 percent.

LBCC nursing program has an articulation agreement with Linfield School of Nursing. This allows students to pursue Bachelor degrees or Masters of Science degrees with less transition difficulties.

For those who are looking for nursing jobs, Amanda Morris who work for the HR department of Samaritan Health Services advised “Start applying right away when you see an opportunity posted. Make sure your application is complete, and includes information relevant to the nursing position such as clinical experiences, certifications, or relevant courses you have taken above and beyond what is required for your program.”

Morris also suggested including work history that is not necessarily related to nursing. “Even though it may not be directly related, employers want to see what kind of work you have done and what other skills you may bring to the work space.”

At a glance:

LBCC Nursing Program
Website: www.linnbenton.edu/nursing
Admission: admissions@linnbenton.edu
Phone: 541-917-4811
Fax: 541-917-4868
Tuition: $65,000-$7,500
Application forms: https://www.linnbenton.edu/go/admission-forms-and-applications

No comments:

Post a Comment