2015-2016 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill Application Thread

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Easonred57 said:
A couple years ago I interviewed at UNC and was not accepted. I was told, quite specifically by someone at the UNC admissions office, that although patient contact is good, they want patient contact with commitment and responsibility. To show this commitment, it looks very very good if you have some sort of certification and work in that field directly with patients. She strongly suggested getting a CNA or EMT certification. Another person who is on the admissions committee also told me that the certification doesn't really impress them unless you utilize it.

So there you have it. Though I'm sure if you have an otherwise strong application, you can sort of get away with shadowing and indirect medical volunteering. But for those of us who are throwing a hail mary in terms of GPA or MCAT, touching/smelling/getting thrown up on by patients is necessary (and will be necessary at some point anyway). 🙂
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Ugh..yes, that's what I've been told as well 🙁 those certifications are sooo expensive though!! I just don't have the money for it, and time will run out until the next cycle starts..I may be able to get a certificate, but like you mentioned, what is its worth with no experience?! I think I have an "okay" app (3.8sGPA and 3.7cGPA, URM, 200+ shadowing, 200+volunteering and 300+ research) but this is a top school..I'm afraid it won't be enough 🙁
 
MrsSheperd said:
Ugh..yes, that's what I've been told as well 🙁 those certifications are sooo expensive though!! I just don't have the money for it, and time will run out until the next cycle starts..I may be able to get a certificate, but like you mentioned, what is its worth with no experience?! I think I have an "okay" app (3.8sGPA and 3.7cGPA, URM, 200+ shadowing, 200+volunteering and 300+ research) but this is a top school..I'm afraid it won't be enough 🙁
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If you're instate, I think your chances are probably great if you have a decent mcat score to go with all of that.
 
MrsSheperd said:
Ugh..yes, that's what I've been told as well 🙁 those certifications are sooo expensive though!!
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If you're interested in becoming a CNA, North Carolina is one of the few states where you can just challenge the test. The test, administered by the state, costs around $70 and it consists of a written examination (you could likely pass this without any prep whatsoever) and a skills examination (watch some Youtube videos). Just like that you have your CNA license and your name is on the NC CNA registry.
 
282NC said:
If you're interested in becoming a CNA, North Carolina is one of the few states where you can just challenge the test. The test, administered by the state, costs around $70 and it consists of a written examination (you could likely pass this without any prep whatsoever) and a skills examination (watch some Youtube videos). Just like that you have your CNA license and your name is on the NC CNA registry.
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This is what I did at the beginning of my gap year. I ended up never using my CNA license but it was nice to know that I had it, just incase.
 
282NC said:
If you're interested in becoming a CNA, North Carolina is one of the few states where you can just challenge the test. The test, administered by the state, costs around $70 and it consists of a written examination (you could likely pass this without any prep whatsoever) and a skills examination (watch some Youtube videos). Just like that you have your CNA license and your name is on the NC CNA registry.
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Keeping that in mind, be very wary of how you'd approach challenging the test. I'd recommend a nurse aide study book, along with the official skills test study pamphlet (YouTube helps but they're usually not accurate in terms of the exact steps, which they will grade harshly). In my cna testing group, 80% failed the skills test. As long as you know what they're looking for, you can do fine though.
 
Herewego5 said:
This is what I did at the beginning of my gap year. I ended up never using my CNA license but it was nice to know that I had it, just incase.
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Same. It was actually kind of scary to see how easy (and fast) it was to get the license. I mean, for 70 bucks and a couple of hours out of your Saturday you can be a CNA. It was an odd feeling taking the exam with people who had spent months and hundreds of dollars on legitimate CNA programs at community colleges. Those are the CNAs that you want, but I guess there are plenty of people working out there that just show up on test day like I did.

Easonred57 said:
Keeping that in mind, be very wary of how you'd approach challenging the test. I'd recommend a nurse aide study book, along with the official skills test study pamphlet (YouTube helps but they're usually not accurate in terms of the exact steps, which they will grade harshly). In my cna testing group, 80% failed the skills test. As long as you know what they're looking for, you can do fine though.
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Good point, I would definitely suggest finding an official outline of the steps. It's probably online somewhere for free.
 
282NC said:
If you're interested in becoming a CNA, North Carolina is one of the few states where you can just challenge the test. The test, administered by the state, costs around $70 and it consists of a written examination (you could likely pass this without any prep whatsoever) and a skills examination (watch some Youtube videos). Just like that you have your CNA license and your name is on the NC CNA registry.
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Are you serious??? I will research that, if that is the case, that would be amazing and I'd definitely do it! Thank you so much for that info, you guys are great!!
 
Easonred57 said:
Keeping that in mind, be very wary of how you'd approach challenging the test. I'd recommend a nurse aide study book, along with the official skills test study pamphlet (YouTube helps but they're usually not accurate in terms of the exact steps, which they will grade harshly). In my cna testing group, 80% failed the skills test. As long as you know what they're looking for, you can do fine though.
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Thank you @Easonred57 !
 
MrsSheperd said:
Are you serious??? I will research that, if that is the case, that would be amazing and I'd definitely do it! Thank you so much for that info, you guys are great!!
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Current CNA here. Bear in mind though that, as @282NC suggested, many places like to see CNAs that were trained by an accredited program before taking the test. It's a pain, but it's already difficult enough to get a good CNA job (starting CNAs usually have to put in the time at nursing homes and the like before moving on to a hospital) and having that training makes you a more competitive prospect. However, others may have had a different experience and there are probably parts of the state where CNAs are in greater demand and a better job will be easier to find. That's just my two cents.

Also, if you haven't I'd recommend going ahead and getting your BLS certification when you can if you're interested in CNA. Only takes an afternoon and is required everywhere.
 
Have my interview this week! So excited but so nervous...anyone who has already interviewed, how was it like? More casual getting to know you, talk thoroughly about your CV, or hard off the wall questions? Much appreciated, thanks!!
 
chillout547 said:
Have my interview this week! So excited but so nervous...anyone who has already interviewed, how was it like? More casual getting to know you, talk thoroughly about your CV, or hard off the wall questions? Much appreciated, thanks!!
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My interviews were both casual get to know you and were very conversational. It was a very nice and relaxed day. It's the waiting afterwards that stinks
 
yeah, im assuming since i'm interviewing so late i'm going to be waiting until a crazy time like April or something...
 
a later interview isnt a disadvantage on chances is it bc of a lot of early acceptances? or do they evenly accept throughout the cycle?
 
FullmetalDuck said:
Current CNA here. Bear in mind though that, as @282NC suggested, many places like to see CNAs that were trained by an accredited program before taking the test. It's a pain, but it's already difficult enough to get a good CNA job (starting CNAs usually have to put in the time at nursing homes and the like before moving on to a hospital) and having that training makes you a more competitive prospect. However, others may have had a different experience and there are probably parts of the state where CNAs are in greater demand and a better job will be easier to find. That's just my two cents.

Also, if you haven't I'd recommend going ahead and getting your BLS certification when you can if you're interested in CNA. Only takes an afternoon and is required everywhere.
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Thank you, @FullmetalDuck ! I think I will make some phone calls to local hospitals and ask how well accepted CNA certifications without the course are..I guess that's the only way to know!
 
MrsSheperd said:
Thank you, @FullmetalDuck ! I think I will make some phone calls to local hospitals and ask how well accepted CNA certifications without the course are..I guess that's the only way to know!
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It probably depends on how much on-the-job training they plan to give you. Some places will give you tons of training, so the course may not matter as much. Other places, like the one I where I work, give you zero training and expect you to hit the ground running. Determine clearly the expectations before beginning 🙂
 
Easonred57 said:
It probably depends on how much on-the-job training they plan to give you. Some places will give you tons of training, so the course may not matter as much. Other places, like the one I where I work, give you zero training and expect you to hit the ground running. Determine clearly the expectations before beginning 🙂
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That's what I liked about taking a formal course. You're essentially well trained save for any facility demands that vary from employer to employer. If you have the time and aren't pinching pennies, I feel a course is worth it. Time is the key, not the cost. Community college was not expensive especially considering what you gain.

I work full time and had plenty of months ahead of me so I was in no rush. I wanted the experience and soft skills that a course/instructor would give me so I could do everything well once I had the time to use the cert (and for when I'm a doc!). I'm glad I did it now and if you can be a full time student you can knock out the class fast. Not so much when it's night classes 2 times a week lol. Even so, it kept me and my mind training and in the healthcare setting which is what I wanted.
 
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13 weeks here. I guess this is my life now.
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Meese2000 said:
so I guess they just didn't meet at all this week? I thought that they might make up their missed Monday this week... womp womp wompppppp
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Hopefully they will meet this upcoming Monday!

Also, does anyone know when/final date UNC will accept students (not from the waitlist)? March 21/28?
 
Sorry, I found it: By March 15 of the matriculation year, each school or program have issued a number of offers of acceptance at least equal to the expected number of students in its first-year entering class and have reported those acceptance actions to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

https://www.aamc.org/download/364264/data/2014trafficrules.pdf
 
Also, the way I worded my question was bad. But what you're saying makes sense!
 
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Since you guys have been super helpful last time I posted, I have another question 🙂 I will have one more bio class pending at the time I submit my AMCAS in May. Is UNC still going to consider me? On their web page it says they'll review apps once ALL pre-reqs are completed...which won't happen before December the way I've planned out my classes so far... 🙁 Has anyone been considered without completed pre-reqs?? Thank you all for your help!!
 
Petrichor1 said:
if you mean medical technologist, abs no, I highly doubt that is the case.
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Yes, Petrichor1, that is in fact the case in NY State where I am from. "Medical technologists" (those who perform EKGs, take vitals, restock rooms, etc.) require either CNA or EMT certification in NY State.

A medical technologist is not the same as a medical laboratory technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) or a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). These are the individuals who work in the lab, performing analysis on fluid specimens. The latter two of those designations are equivalent, CLT is the NY State designation and MLS the national. This position requires far more training and certification than the medical technologist I was referring to in my post. They are not the same.

So, yes, I meant medical technologist.
 
Medbound40 said:
Yes, Petrichor1, that is in fact the case in NY State where I am from. "Medical technologists" (those who perform EKGs, take vitals, restock rooms, etc.) require either CNA or EMT certification in NY State.

A medical technologist is not the same as a medical laboratory technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) or a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). These are the individuals who work in the lab, performing analysis on fluid specimens. The latter two of those designations are equivalent, CLT is the NY State designation and MLS the national. This position requires far more training and certification than the medical technologist I was referring to in my post. They are not the same.

So, yes, I meant medical technologist.
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Here in NC, specifically at UNC hospitals, the job you are referring to is titled "Clinical Support Technician." You can work as a CST with a CPR-BLS certification, an NA-I certification, and 6 months of experience.
 
Easonred57 said:
Here in NC, specifically at UNC hospitals, the job you are referring to is titled "Clinical Support Technician." You can work as a CST with a CPR-BLS certification, an NA-I certification, and 6 months of experience.
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Thanks for clarifying that as it pertains to NC, and UNC Hospitals specifically. Hopefully that is helpful for MrsShepard. Each state has their own requirements, NY just happens to require EMT instead of the CPR-BLS cert., making it a little more involved. Sounds like it would be even more accessible to MrsShepard down there at UNC Hospitals.
 
Medbound40 said:
Yes, Petrichor1, that is in fact the case in NY State where I am from. "Medical technologists" (those who perform EKGs, take vitals, restock rooms, etc.) require either CNA or EMT certification in NY State.

A medical technologist is not the same as a medical laboratory technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT) or a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). These are the individuals who work in the lab, performing analysis on fluid specimens. The latter two of those designations are equivalent, CLT is the NY State designation and MLS the national. This position requires far more training and certification than the medical technologist I was referring to in my post. They are not the same.

So, yes, I meant medical technologist.
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Your post drips with condescension...when in fact you weren't correct. MLS/MT is the designation given by the ASCP board certification once you complete the required curriculum/pass the board.
Oh, and good luck everyone...hope to see you all here in the fall!
 
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