UAMS vs. UCA at Conway

chioma829 · Jun 9, 2006

I really appreciate all the information given on this forum. I have one more question though. I ran into a friend yesterday and she told me that UCA in Conway has the best BSN program in Arkansas. I had been pretty much just looking at UAMS since I know I want a BSN. I was looking on the web site and couldn't find much info but I did see that UCA is a three year nursing program while UAMS is 2 year (I already have a degree and will have all my pre-reqs). What is the difference? Does three years mean you cover more material, or go slower or what? I would really appreciate some input.
Thanks again.

UCA is 3yrs because of the time they start Example UCA is a 4yr BSN program but the last 3yrs is all nursing. It really depends on the sequence. Most people who go to UAMS transfer from other schools two complete their final 2yrs at UAMs nursing. Hope this helps

Jo Dirt · Jun 24, 2006

I am a Conway native and have heard the same thing about UCA for as long as I can remember. I'd be interested in getting a BSN through UCA but not if it takes 3 yrs. after your prerequisites are done. Far too many shorter routes.

Marleybsnrn · Apr 16, 2012

I got all my pre reqs at UCA and wanted to apply to their nursing program and both of the nursing advisors I had were downright rude. The one told me that maybe I should think about doing something else because I wasn't cut out for nursing. So I applied to the UAMS program. I graduated from UAMS in 2010. I am a Registered Nurse and I am constantly getting compliments from patients and peers saying what a great nurse I am. Ha ha to the advisors at UCA. All of the instructors at UAMS were so great. Very understanding with family issues and work schedules and they all really go out of their way to help you if they know you are really trying. It's not an easy program and they will definitely test your abilities, but if you are serious and work hard you can do it. I still keep in contact with several of my instructors and the teaching staff. I will never regret my decision to go to UAMS over UCA. Not sure if that helps any but just wanted to give my input. Good luck with whichever you choose.

Witty3RN · Apr 17, 2012

I live in Conway and and I'm currently attending nursing school at UALR I will graduate next year May 2013 with ASN but will continue with online classes at UALR to get my BSN should take about a year and half (part-time). But the thing I heard about UCA is that their nursing program is smaller (maybe around 50 students accepted a year) and if you haven't took all your pre-reqs at UCA you will not be accepted. I took most of my pre-reqs at PTC and just transferred them to UALR. But as far as who has the BEST program I don't know - I think it's just a matter of opinion. I have been on the same floor as UCA student nurses and all I can say is that the "real" nurses that work the floor do not prefer them. But I know that Hardy has a nursing program (BSN) and have also been on the same floor with the Hardy student nurses; never heard anyone complain about a Hardy student.

I actually witness a UCA student nurses explaining to her nursing instructor that she gave a blood pressure med WITHOUT checking the blood pressure first and the nursing instructor acted like it wasn't a big deal. If a UALR nursing students would have made that mistake we would have been removed from the program.

So over all I heard nothing but good things about UAMS and that is actually where I wanted to go but didn't want to spend an extra year taking required classes before applying to their program and applied to UALR's ASN program. Good luck!!