Diman LPN Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the Program?
The full-time Day Program is 10 months long starting the middle of August and running through the middle of June. It follows the Greater Fall River School District calendar off with approximately one week vacations in December, February and April.
The Part-time Evening Program is 20 months long starting the middle of August and running through the middle of June. It then restarts for the second year running the same schedule. It also follows the Greater Fall River School District calendar.
The Evening Program only starts in even years (i.e., 2008, 2010).
You are required to attend all scheduled classes to stay in the Program.
2. Where are the classes located?
The Fall River classes (both Full time Day and Part-time Evening) are held at our main campus at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, MA.
A Full-time Day Satellite Program is held at the UMass/Dartmouth Continuing Education building in downtown New Bedford. There is no Part-time Evening program in New Bedford.
3. Where are the clinical experiences located?
Clinical experiences are held at a variety of different agencies. The school uses various nursing homes, sub acute units, community agencies, Veterans Administration health care facilities, schools and doctor offices.
4. How many hours of class are there each day?
Day classes are normally held from 7:45AM- 2:25PM and clinical from 7:00AM-3:00PM.
Evening classes are normally held from 3:45-8:00PM and clinical from approximately 3:30- 10:00PM.
Times may vary according to availability of clinical agencies.
5. How many of hours of study are there every day?
This is hard to answer because each student and their educational background are different. Several chapters of reading are assigned each day. There are multiple tests usually every week as well as written assignments and group projects. It is generally recommended that you plan 1-1 ½ hours of study time each evening for each hour of class you have had that day.
6. Is the Program difficult?
In a word, yes. It is very intense with few breaks in the schedule. As it is considered to be a work training program, it is very different than taking one or two college level courses each semester. A passing grade of 75 must be maintained in each subject area, including clinical, in order to progress to the next term. Many students find science based courses, such as Anatomy and Physiology or Nutrition, more difficult as, if not more than nursing courses. If you can put your life "on hold" while you are in the Program, it will be well worth it because you will have a rewarding career when you are finished.
7. Can I work while I am in the Program?
It is recommended that students plan on working no more than 8-16 hours/week while in the Day Program and no more than 16-24 hours/week in the Evening Program. Most students find anything more than this difficult to manage. Have people made it through the Program working fulltime? Only a few, they do not recommend it, and strongly wish they did not have to.
8. Will I need a car?
Students are required to arrange their own transportation for class and clinical. The school does not assume responsibility. The location of the school, time of class, and location of clinical sites do not make it conducive to use of public transportation.
9. Is there financial aid available?
Yes, the school participates in several forms of financial assistance; however, students should note that most financial aid can not be used to pay tuition. Students are required to pay up front for their tuition according to published payment schedule. Most financial disbursements are two times/year, usually towards the end of January and the end of June. Students in good standing will receive ½ of their allotment at this time and are actually reimbursing themselves for education expenses they have paid. Questions regarding financial aid may be directed to Mrs.Letendre x1320.
10. Is there day care available?
There is no daycare available; students are required to make their own arrangements.
11. How do I apply?
Applications, brochures and Pre-Admission test date information may be downloaded from this website, printed and mailed to our office upon completion. Applicants may also request these forms to be mailed, but should allow 2-3 weeks to receive them. Preference is given to applications received prior to January 31st of the year you are applying for.
Completed applications should include essay as requested, copy of official high school transcript (not diploma) or GED test score sheet (not certificate). These are required by state regulations regardless of college coursework taken or degrees attained. Most high schools will mail the official transcript directly to our Program. If you receive an official copy it must be in a sealed institution envelope and forwarded to us unopened. Application fee should be paid at the time application is mailed.
Applicants educated outside of the U.S. for high school must supply an official copy of evaluation (not translation) of education in their country by a certifying agency. Information on acceptable agencies may be obtained through our office.
Completed applications will not be acknowledged. Information regarding the next available Pre-Admission test dates will be mailed to the applicant if this form is not received with paid application.
Applications are kept on file for one year from date of receipt.
12. What are the admission requirements?
You must either have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition applicants must meet minimum standards on a standardized Pre-Admission test, attend an interview, and after meeting the minimum standards submit three references on school forms.
A pre-entrance health examination is required of all incoming students. This includes blood and urine test, urine drug screen, immunizations and dental.
13. When do I find out if I'm admitted?
Applicants, who meet the minimum standard, are interviewed and supply required references are put a pool of acceptable applicants. Admission reviews begin in April. In-district applicants (Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport) are usually notified in April/May. Out-of-district applicants whose tuition is being paid for by a qualified agency usually are notified in May/June. Out-of district who are paying on their own will not be considered until after June 1.
14. What are my financial obligations once I'm notified of admission?
Applicants notified of admission have 30 days to submit a $350.00 non-refundable seat fee payment.
Tuition payments for the Day Program are due June 1, September 1, October1 and November 1. Each payment is ¼ of the school year tuition.
Tuition payments for the Evening program are on the same payment schedule, the amount is 1/8 of the total amount, four payments in the first year and four payments the second year.
Students not paying in a timely manner will be removed from the acceptable list and placed on the waiting list for further consideration.
15. Can I transfer previous college credits to this Program?
Applicants who have previously attended a college or university must follow the same admissions procedure. If a applicant is accepted into the Program they are able to seek transfer of credit provided a grade of 75 (C) or better has been attained. A complete policy for this procedure will be mailed to the applicant upon request or may be viewed online.
16. Is it possible to get my RN later, if I decide to get my LPN now?
Yes it is. Many of our graduates have successfully gone on to institutions of higher education. You should inquire to the school you are considering, as to what their admission or advance placement policy is in this matter.
