Davenport University

Date: Mar 26 2009
Major: Nursing (This Major's Salary over time)
I am currently in the pre-health track at Davenport University, Warren, preparing for entry into the LPN program.

I am pretty shocked by all the negative comments towards this school. Then again, I didn't see any comments from anyone in the health program. It is not true that anyone who takes these classes will get an A. It is true that a lot of exams are graded on a slight curve, but still, this does not mean everyone ends up with an A. I heard from a faculty member that about 120 people apply to the LPN program, but only 60 are accepted. I also personally know someone who had a 3.5 GPA from DU and was denied entry into the nursing program at DU—she changed her major to something else health-related as a result.

I am not in the nursing program yet, but I find my Biology, A&P I and A&P II professors to be quite knowledgeable on the material they teach. It is true that they don't seem to be the Gods of their subject though, but they are well-versed in the material one needs to understand to do well on the exam. If you throw the profs a curve-ball question on the subject matter, they are probably not going to know the answer. That is true. I don't think they are all up to date on the latest research, tests, and minute intricacies of the chemical workings of the human body, but they know perfectly well all the material one needs to know to get an A on the exam. They also are very good at teaching this material to the students. They make use of powerpoint slides posted onto online websites, plastic anatomy models, miscroscope slides, diagrams, pictures, study guides are given before exams, homework is assigned, quizzes are given, and papers are assigned so that students thoroughly understand the material. I think they do an excellent job of teaching the necessary pre-health information.

The pace of the classes is also slower than at most schools, so that more students can thoroughly grasp the material. The teachers seem to really care that everyone learns the material well and they teach the material using multiple methods (e.g., quizzes, homework, case studies, papers, study guides, powerpoint handouts; see above). Exams are also mostly multiple choice to help students prepare for the HESI A2 exam.

I love this school and how it teaches this material. Perhaps the other majors at this school aren't as strong. I can speak confidently as to the quality of MY education though, because I know I am learning more about A&P and Bio from this school. The A&PII prof even is holding extra weekend classes to prepare students for the HESI A2 exam. It's rare for professors to go out of their way like that. There is also student access to many journals, magazines, and periodicals through the online library information center service (called LInC). The classes are equipped with very new desks, chairs, computers, and powerpoint screen setups. The buildings themselves are fairly new too and kept clean. I also attended Macomb Community College and can say that the teachers at DU teach the material more thoroughly.

I know someone who graduated with a BSN from DU and she was promoted to the Director of Nursing position at the nursing home where she worked and she also works as a contingent RN at a hospital. I think this degree will be respected. My GPA scores and NCLEX scores should prove that too.

There also is no waiting list for this school like there is at Oakland University.