My experience at High Desert Medical College was definitely challenging, but I am incredibly…read moregrateful that I chose to follow through with the program. I attended the Temecula location before the school moved to Wildomar, and I am now happy to say that I have my LVN license!
I want to give a special shoutout to Ms. Jacquie, ADON Nancy, Mr. Spencer, and DON Stephanie. I learned SO much from Jacquie and Nancy, and I truly appreciate everything they taught me. They were instructors who I will genuinely remember because of the knowledge and skills they helped me develop. Spencer and DON Stephanie also deserve recognition for the role they played in my education and helping me get through the program.
I will say that the curriculum is challenging and, at times, it did not necessarily match my personal learning style. I had to learn how to adapt, teach myself outside of class, spend a lot of extra time studying, and ask for tutoring when I needed it. The instructors were available to help, and learning how to advocate for myself and find the resources I needed became an important part of my experience.
Most importantly, prospective students NEED to understand that this is an **ACCELERATED program**. It is fast-paced and it is not going to stop or slow down because life gets busy or difficult. You have to be ready to dedicate yourself to the program for roughly 15 months. That means skills, clinicals, studying, exams, fast-paced learning, teaching yourself, and honestly, some mental breakdowns along the way. It is not an easy program, but completing it made me incredibly proud of myself.
If you are someone who is ready to completely commit to an accelerated program and can handle a very fast pace, I would recommend HDMC. If you know that you need more time to process information or prefer a slower-paced learning environment, I would consider looking into community colleges or universities with longer programs.
I also really appreciate that HDMC offers an IV/blood draw class after you receive your license, which gives graduates an opportunity to continue developing hands-on skills.
Also, the Career Services helped students with their resumes and making connections with employers to land interviews for the students!!
At the end of the day, I'm proud of myself for not giving up. There were definitely difficult days, there were days where I had no faith in the school or myself. You learn to adjust and learn to let things go. You have to know that this is for YOU and you can do anything, regardless.
I can't speak for others, though I had the BEST time making friends and trauma bonding at clinicals and after every exam! I get emotional for my time here because it really changed my life. I got through the most difficult personal times with people I spent my weeks with, I got through the best times with the same people. Nursing school really is life changing and such a fun and rewarding experience.
Be ready to bond, and grow in every aspect of your life. Make the most of your time here. It really is a great program and the instructors do want you to pass.
Ms. ABBY is, also, a great instructor!!!!
Thank you to everyone at HDMC who played a part in getting me here, especially Jacquie, Nancy, Spencer, and DON Stephanie. I will always appreciate the knowledge and skills you helped me gain.
I am THAT NURSE (thanks Ms Jacquie lol)
