I'm debating with my husband on which school I should attend when I'm ready to go from my RN to BSN. Both ECU (East Carolina University) and UNC-Chapel Hill offer the program.

Because I despise math I opted for ECU (they require fewer math pre-reqs). My husband wants me to go to UNC b/c he feels it's more pretigious and I'll have a chance at better opportunities.

Are there any ECU/UNC-CH grads out there that can attest to his claims?

Hi - I am a graduate from ECU (B.S. in biology) and I am applying to UNC-CH for nursing. I faced this same problem when I started looking into nursing schools. Luckily, my decision was a little easier because it came down to: UNC offered an accelerated program and required fewer pre-reqs than ECU.

Having attend ECU I know the nursing program here is fantastic. Yes, the name "Chapel Hill" does carry some notiriety with it, but both schools will help you become a great nurse. Since you are already a RN, you may have different desires for the next level of your education. Also, since you already have experience, will the school you go to really matter when your applying for jobs? I would say, either one would be a great experience - personally I would choose CH. I love the area, the history, and the opportunities there!

I'm not an RN yet. I'm doing one of those mid-life career changes. I'm burnt out on Corporate America and need to do work that's good for my soul.

I'm currently attending DTCC and I'm in the pre-nursing classes. You have to take Algebra, Chemistry, and Biology again if it's been more than 7 years since you last took one of the classes. It's been over 15 for me.

I also thought ECU required less pre-reqs than CH. Maybe they're less for you because you already have a degree in Biology??

The reason I'm asking this question so early on is because I'm trying to plot what the next 5-10 years of my life will look like. I want to be a forensic nurse and I know I'll need an advanced degree in order to do the type of work I'm interested in. Just wasn't sure which university would offer the best visibility upon graduation.

Thanks so much for your reply and insight into both schools. It's much appreciated. Good luck with your application to UNC!

Hi - I am a graduate from ECU (B.S. in biology) and I am applying to UNC-CH for nursing. I faced this same problem when I started looking into nursing schools. Luckily, my decision was a little easier because it came down to: UNC offered an accelerated program and required fewer pre-reqs than ECU.

Having attend ECU I know the nursing program here is fantastic. Yes, the name "Chapel Hill" does carry some notiriety with it, but both schools will help you become a great nurse. Since you are already a RN, you may have different desires for the next level of your education. Also, since you already have experience, will the school you go to really matter when your applying for jobs? I would say, either one would be a great experience - personally I would choose CH. I love the area, the history, and the opportunities there!

Hey, I was wondering if you could possibly send me a PM...I have alot of questions I would like to ask you about ECU! Thanks!

I don't think it matters which program you choose. I myself will be choosing UNC for my RN-BSN/RN-MSN (haven't decided yet) only because I have talked to them and they seemed more likely to answer my questions compared to other schools. Some won't talk to you unless your already in the nursing program or are an RN. Plus I plan to get a minor in biochemistry and they said that would be no problem.

If you plan to stay in the triangle area and don't want to exclusively take all your courses online then figure out the cost of transportation once your an RN. I plan to take most online but the science courses at the school so I do not want to go to a school where I will be traveling.

An RN is an RN. I went to Duke because they accepted me first and because their tuition payback was better through the Duke Health System than Carolina's.

I think that would be a choice. If you live here in the Park, Chapel Hill might be a better way to go d/t the shorter commute. But if you'd prefer online, then ECU might be a good choice. If you don't live here in the area, the cost of living is MUCH lower in Greenville (my undergrad came from ECU) and the area there has changed drastically since I lived there in the early 1990s. Chapel Hill is quite expensive for what it is (and isn't, in my opinion).

ECU is no slouch school; you'd do well there. As for "opportunities" with a UNC degree? It seems that no one really cares where your degree came from - just like the rest of the real world.