Keiser (Lakeland) versus Polk

[my3mracles]

Hi everyone,

I just found this forum and have already learned so much! I am considering enrollment at either Keiser or PSC here in Lakeland. I was wondering if anyone has experience with choosing between these two programs?

Obviously, there is a big price difference between them, but I am more inclined to chose Keiser over PSC so that I can graduate sooner. I've heard about (and read here on the forum) of people taking pre-reqs at Polk and waiting, waiting, waiting to get into the nursing program. And I don't want to go through that.

Is there a stigma against Keiser students/grads? Keiser's adviser told me that they had an 89% job placement success with their last graduating class. And I already work for a local hospital, which I hope would give me a leg-up when I graduate. I just don't want to waste time and money on an inferior nursing program and not be able to get a job as Keiser grad (if there is that stigma?).

I'd love any advice you could offer!

Also, I've read about the NCLEX pass/fail rates for different schools. Where can I find that info for these 2 particular schools?

Thanks so much in advance. :)

[NICU_Nurse_Casti, BSN, RN]

Hello there!

First, I want to say that you probably can't go wrong with either program. I am not aware of Keiser's reputation in Lakeland, but I have heard good things about the Sarasota campus. I have also done research into Polk because I had thought about applying there myself. I have heard very good things about their program. As for their NCLEX pass rates, they can be found here:

Keiser - Lakeland: FL DOH MQA Search Portal | Compare Florida Prelicensure Nursing Education Programs

Polk State College: FL DOH MQA Search Portal | Compare Florida Prelicensure Nursing Education Programs

It shows Keiser as having a 100% pass rate for 7 straight quarters, which is pretty impressive if it is accurate. And they have scored well above the national average (for ADN programs) over the last few years. Polk State College seems to have more consistent NCLEX pass rates over the last 7 years and they have also scored well above the national average. I don't think you can go wrong with either school. I definitely see your point regarding graduating sooner. Even though it costs more up front, to be able to get into the workforce sooner as an RN may be worth the price. I myself just got accepted to Keiser Sarasota for their BSN-Fast Track program. It'll cost about twice as much as an ADN at a state school, but I'll finish with a BSN in half the time. And ultimately, may only cost me $10k extra when all is said and done. To me, it will be well worth it. But you have to figure out what is best for you.