Which is a better school. UCA, UALR,or Baptist.

[RNvision]

Hello guys, I am wanting to go to nursing school but I need some help on choosing a school. I am 27 (Male). I already have a B.S. degree in Safety management. I worked as a safety manager for two years and decided that wasn't for me.

I don't know to much about any of the schools I listed. I am going to UCA right now to get some of the pre-req's out of the way. I still have to take chem and A&P 1&2.

I got some info on baptist and it says that it is a RN program with a diploma.

What are the pros and cons of each school? Does it really make a difference out in the nursing profession if you have a BSN?

1. UCA- BSN.

2. UALR- Associate

3. Baptist- Diploma

I thought this would be the best place to post this since it is state specific.

Do hospitals/employers look down on nurses with an associate or diploma RN?

Sorry for all of the questions, I just want to make the right decision the first time around.

Thanks for all your help.

[RNMBA]

All of the schools you list turn out good graduates. I have an Associate's from UALR and finished my BSN at UAMS. I've worked with, trained, and hired graduates from many programs over the years and it doesn't matter what kind of degree you have or where you got it. Everyone comes out of school at pretty much the same level and starts to gain experience.

In choosing a program there are many considerations but these two should be the first ones you resolve:

1. All post-graduate nursing programs (APN, CRNA, etc.) will accept a BSN while many do not recognize diplomas or non-nursing BS degrees. If you plan to continue your education into post-graduate work then a BSN will make live easier. Many schools have a bridge option for RN's who have a non-nursing BS or BA but it cuts down on your options. The vast majority of CRNA programs will accept only a BSN. Probably not fair but it is a reality.

2. BSN programs are intrinsically longer and don't, in my opinion, include much more clinical experience than the AD or diploma programs. If finishing school fast is important then UALR or Baptist are good choices.

You might consider talking to advisors from the different schools to get a better insight on admission requirements, time committment, etc.

Nursing is a great career with almost limitless opportunities. I've worked in several specialties, worked as a pharmaceutical rep, and now I'm in a CRNA program. The fun never stops.

Good luck with your decision and your education.

Brian

[RNvision]

Thanks for your help Brian. Eventually I plan on getting my MSN. I want to be a pediatric nurse practitioner. I have narrowed it down to UCA or UALR. I plan on applying to both schools in Jan. I also plan to stay at UCA next semester and continue my pre-rec's.

Thanks Again,

Jeremy

[kimhaw]

I attend UALR and I really love it I am going into my second sem. It is very intense but I really like that its only 4 sem. After I graduate and work for a year, I will enter a RN to MSN program. I stay in Conway also so UCA would have been more convenient (done prereq's there) but its 6 sem.