I applied for dental hygiene program at Pima medical institute, Seattle. Today I received a letter telling me that I didn’t make it to the first 50 applicants that are to be interviewed initially. It also said that I may receive a call by the end of February if someone from the selected applicants drop. I called and asked them what number am I in the list but they said they can’t tell me that exactly. What are my chances here?? I was so hopeful but now I’m very disappointed.
Pima is a for-profit school, and the tuition will reflect that. Look at their employment placement rates, plus how many students are still in the program after one year. If you toured their facility and clinics, would you know what determines a great program? Ask where you get hands-on patient treatment hours–at the school or in a dentist’s office? Ask to talk to graduates who have been in the field for several years and have them tell you about their experience. Have you looked at any community colleges that have dental hygiene programs?
Make sure you really want to be a hygienist before you commit to the field. Visit several dental offices and observe what hygienists do during a typical day. Ask them where they received their training.
Your chances? Possibly better than you think, once applicants find out the cost.
Thank you so much for your comment… well I’m a dentist from my country and have almost a three years experience as a dental assistant. All the other schools need prerequisites. My prerequisites expired and can’t waste two more years on that. I have no other option except for Pima. I’m not qualified for financial aid and I’m paying out of pocket and I don’t know what else they need…