1. How long is the Program?

The Full-time Day Program is 10 months long, starting at the end of August and running through the end of June. It follows the Greater Fall River School District calendar off with approximately one-week vacations in December, February and April.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Part-Time programs are subject to adequate enrollment

The Part-time Evening Program is 20 months long, starting at the end of August and running through the end of June. It then restarts for the second year running the same schedule. It also follows the Greater Fall River School District calendar.
This Program would start in even years (i.e., 2024, 2026) if there is sufficient enrollment.

The Part-time Day Program is 20 months long, starting at the end of August and running through the end of June. It then restarts for the second year running the same schedule. It also follows the Greater Fall River School District calendar.
This Program only starts in odd years (i.e., 2023, 2025).


2. Where are the classes located?

All classes (both Full-time and Part-time) are held at our school of nursing facility located at 1082 Davol Street, 2nd Floor in Fall River, MA.

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, schools and doctor-offices.

4. How many hours of class are there each day?

FT Day classes run Monday through Friday and are normally held from 7:45AM - 2:45PM and clinical from 6:00AM - 3:30PM. Some evening rotations may be necessary to meet clinical objectives.

PT Day classes run Monday through Wednesday and are normally held from 7:45AM - 12:00PM and clinical from 6:00AM - 3:30PM. Some evening rotations may be necessary to meet clinical objectives.

Evening classes are normally held from 3:45 - 8:00PM and clinical from approximately 2:30- 10:00PM. Some day rotations may be necessary to meet clinical objectives.

Times may vary according to the availability of clinical agencies.

5. How many 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 for each hour of class taken.

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, in order to progress to the next term. Many students find science-based courses, such as Anatomy and Physiology or Nutrition, difficult, 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 Full-time Program and no more than 16-24 hours/week in the Part-time Program. Most students find anything more than this difficult to manage. Have people made it through the Program working fulltime? Only a few 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 the use of public transportation.

9. Is there financial aid available?

Yes, the school participates in several forms of Title IV financial assistance: Pell grants, state grants, and Federal loans. Questions regarding financial aid may be directed to Mrs. Lucy Thompsen at: finaid@dimanregional.org

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 and Pre-Admission test date information may be downloaded from our website, printed and mailed to our office upon completion. 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 keep it in the sealed institution envelope and forward 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 found on the website. Applications are kept on file for only the current year the Program is testing for.

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 test standards submit three references on school forms that will be provided at the time of interview.

A pre-entrance health examination is required of all accepted students. This includes a urine drug screen, immunizations and a dental exam. This documentation must be completed prior to the first day of school.

13. When do I find out if I’m admitted?

Applicants, who meet the minimum test standard, are interviewed and supply required references may be accepted beginning October 1 until the program is full. Applicants meeting criteria after the program is full will be kept on a wait list until July 30 only. Applicants not accepted or not taken from the wait list must reapply/retest.

14. What are my financial obligations once I am notified of admission?

Applicants notified of admission have 30 days to submit a $350.00 ($100.00 non-refundable) seat/orientation payment.
Tuition payment schedule is according to the Program Tuition and Fees Schedule.

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 receive credit for previous college credits when I enter 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 credit provided a grade of 75 (C) or better has been attained. A complete policy for this procedure may be viewed online in the Student Guidelines. (Advance Placement Policies/Transfer of Credit).

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.

Last Updated: 10/2022