Getting an RN in Phoenix Metro

MsBruiser · May 8, 2008

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what programs they would reccomend for getting a degree in Nursing.. either a BSN or RN. I have checked in to all the schools that I know of (Grand Canyon, Chamberlin, ASU, Ethal Bauer, Everest, Maricopa Community Colleges) but I would really like to hear from some real nurses that have gone though the programs rather than just hearing the stats from the colleges. Any reccomendations?
I have a BA in psychology and would like to become an RN.
Thanks,
Sharon

There are two variables you need to consider: time and money.

Time - some programs having varying amounts of pre-reqs. If you want the BSN - you will need more pre-reqs which take more time. Some programs are accelerated (16 month or 14 month) - others are part-time or traditional. Depending on time, you chose.

Money - I think you would have to be insane to go to a private nursing school like Ethel Bauer. The pay is the same for all graduates and the return on investment not so wonderful that it warrants a huge outlay of money.

I would go with the cheapest and quickest option - for example, Banner Nurse Fellows where Banner pays for your education is a good example. As for RN v BSN - who cares? Makes no difference unless you want administration and even then if you have a degree in another field and are competent you can probably launch yourself in administration without the BSN. I see associates and bachelor students all the time at my hospital - there is no difference. I work with bachelors and associate nurses too - no difference.

Get in - get out - get to work. Those are my thoughts.

sharonLeighc · May 9, 2008

Thanks for the advise :-)

I know that there are cheaper programs out there but I'm hearing some very discouraging things about the wait list for those. Is it really a year long wait for any of the Maricopa Community Colleges?

MsBruiser · May 9, 2008

Thanks for the advise :-)
I know that there are cheaper programs out there but I'm hearing some very discouraging things about the wait list for those. Is it really a year long wait for any of the Maricopa Community Colleges?

Yes, but you can do pre-reqs for a chunk of that time once you have the basics done. If you feel like paying $30,000 for a job that pays $50,000 that is your perogative, of course. Just doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to me. Banner has no wait list - once you have the pre-reqs done, you can apply.

chocolateskye · May 9, 2008

I agree with the other posters It is all about how much time and money you have. If it is all about getting in and getting out then a private school my be for you. You just have to consider how the different programs will benefit you and your situation and narrow it down from there.

andimp00 · May 25, 2008

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what programs they would reccomend for getting a degree in Nursing.. either a BSN or RN. I have checked in to all the schools that I know of (Grand Canyon, Chamberlin, ASU, Ethal Bauer, Everest, Maricopa Community Colleges) but I would really like to hear from some real nurses that have gone though the programs rather than just hearing the stats from the colleges. Any reccomendations?
I have a BA in psychology and would like to become an RN.
Thanks,
Sharon

I am in the first class at Everest and would be happy to give you any info on the school from my point of view. Just let me know what info you are looking for!

kirs · May 25, 2008

If you're flexible, the University of Arizona, in Tucson, has a great second Bachelor's program. I finished my pre-reqs (took about a year and a half), I applied in January, and got in to this summer's class. It's 14 months long, and the program is sponsored, meaning we don't pay tuition. For me, it was the fastest, cheapest option, so I am stoked to have gotten this opportunity. Good luck!

sharonLeighc · Jun 5, 2008

Hi,

How are you liking Everest? I am going to go take tests there Friday and Tuesday for the July class. It seems nice, I just worry because it is so new. Appollo and Ethal Bauer have such bad NCLEX scores that I am feeling like they just aren't good options. And I really am not wanting to risk a really long wait with MCC.

andimp00 · Jun 5, 2008

Things are going well. I am pleased with the program and really do not have any negative comments. It is far for me, but several of us carpool from the East Valley, so it makes things much easier. The school even has a carpool incentive that they give to each group of carpoolers. They increased it from $20 per month to $30. It may not sound like much, but at least they are concerned that the price of gas is increasing and felt the need to help us out a little more.

We have finished midterms and are gearing up for finals and clinicals which start later this month. I am GLAD that I made the choiceto start this program instead of continuing to wait!

Good luck to all of you!

tferdaise · Jun 6, 2008

Hello Sharon regarding your post, about ADN or BSN.

Time is a factor, BUT, the wait list to get into a RN program at ANY of the community collages as well as PVT school is 2+ yrs wait. So this stuff the other poster said about time is not the issue. Since you already have a undergrad degree, you might need some of the Pre Reqs the same at the Universitys and get in the BSN program. The cost at the PVT RN schools is the same or more then getting a BSN.

I suggest you go to the Community Collages with transcrips in hand and have a talk wtih them and see what they will require from you to get into the ADN programs. I would do the same wtih the Universitys... But, I would stay away from the PVT RN schools..... Bauer, Apollos etc...

Tony

Thanks for the advise :-)
I know that there are cheaper programs out there but I'm hearing some very discouraging things about the wait list for those. Is it really a year long wait for any of the Maricopa Community Colleges?

andimp00 · Jun 6, 2008

Hello Sharon regarding your post, about ADN or BSN.
Time is a factor, BUT, the wait list to get into a RN program at ANY of the community collages as well as PVT school is 2+ yrs wait. So this stuff the other poster said about time is not the issue. Since you already have a undergrad degree, you might need some of the Pre Reqs the same at the Universitys and get in the BSN program. The cost at the PVT RN schools is the same or more then getting a BSN.
I suggest you go to the Community Collages with transcrips in hand and have a talk wtih them and see what they will require from you to get into the ADN programs. I would do the same wtih the Universitys... But, I would stay away from the PVT RN schools..... Bauer, Apollos etc...
Tony

There is no wait list at Everest. They do require higher scores on the HESI than the other programs, but as of now, there is no wait list for the program that starts in July because they have not started advertising it yet.

I do appreciate the hesitation people have about the private colleges because those that you mentioned had bad NCLEX pass rates. However, there are other private schools that have NCLEX passing rates higher than those of the community colleges. Check out the AZBON website for quarter 4 of last year and you will see how everyone did for the entire year. PIMA medical institute had a 90% while some of the CCs only had 70-80%.

I just ask that people not put down other programs or tell people to "stay away" from other programs that they may know little or nothing about apart from the price tag.

For me the private route was the way to go because I will have my degree and be on the job before I would have been off the wait list at the CCs. I factored that in to the price of the education and my time IS valuable. And Everest has been a great program for me. I cannot imagine a program taking more interest in the success of their students. It's a shame that people lump ALL private schools together and give them a bad name.

tferdaise · Jun 7, 2008

Whats the cost at Everett to get your ADN RN ?

There is no wait list at Everest. They do require higher scores on the HESI than the other programs, but as of now, there is no wait list for the program that starts in July because they have not started advertising it yet.
I do appreciate the hesitation people have about the private colleges because those that you mentioned had bad NCLEX pass rates. However, there are other private schools that have NCLEX passing rates higher than those of the community colleges. Check out the AZBON website for quarter 4 of last year and you will see how everyone did for the entire year. PIMA medical institute had a 90% while some of the CCs only had 70-80%.
I just ask that people not put down other programs or tell people to "stay away" from other programs that they may know little or nothing about apart from the price tag.
For me the private route was the way to go because I will have my degree and be on the job before I would have been off the wait list at the CCs. I factored that in to the price of the education and my time IS valuable. And Everest has been a great program for me. I cannot imagine a program taking more interest in the success of their students. It's a shame that people lump ALL private schools together and give them a bad name.