[ImASuckyCMA87]

I'm looking for a good nursing school, and I'm having such a hard time finding one. Anyone here from the Philadelphia area? Plz help me out. Where'd you go to school? How long was the program? Would you recommend it? Thanks in advance!

[catnip]

I had a friend who went to Holy Family University, she said that the program was wonderful. Hope this helps.

[dialysis12041999]

Originally Posted by catnip

I had a friend who went to Holy Family University, she said that the program was wonderful. Hope this helps.

I graduated from Holy Family College in 1997-now its Holly Family University. It was REALLY hard, but looking back on it, I would not have done it any other way. You will be prepared to PASS your boards on the first try. I remember taking my boards and thinking" Wow, I had harder exams then this". They taught me how to really think why nurses do what ever it is that we do.
Best of Luck!

[Pediatric4077]

I went to Gwynedd-Mercy college. It was great! The professors are passionate about nursing and nursing students. It was only two years and then you continue on to get your BSN (another two years). They also offer weekend programs. I feel like I came out as prepared as I could be, and much better prepared than some other schools in the area.

Also a close friend of mine is at LaSalle, finishing up her first year in nursing school. She loves it and from the sound of things to me it is similar to Gwynedd-Mercy. Both are rigorous great schools.

If you have any specific questions about Gwynedd-Mercy, let me know!

Good Luck!

[ImASuckyCMA87]

Thanks for the help, guys! But let me ask...

Pediatric4077 - the Gwynedd-Mercy program is two years total? Or do you have to take pre-req's first, and then be admitted into the nursing program for an additional two years? What's the admission's criteria like? I've heard a lot about Gwynedd-Mercy, but where exactly is the school located?

Dialysis12041999 - is the Holy Family program 4 years? Although I do want to pursue my BSN one day soon, I'd first like to obtain my associate's, since I'm so eager to get into the field. And what in the world happens if you don't pass your boards the first time? You fail the program? Spooky.

[dialysis12041999]

Originally Posted by ImASuckyCMA87

Thanks for the help, guys! But let me ask...

Pediatric4077 - the Gwynedd-Mercy program is two years total? Or do you have to take pre-req's first, and then be admitted into the nursing program for an additional two years? What's the admission's criteria like? I've heard a lot about Gwynedd-Mercy, but where exactly is the school located?

Dialysis12041999 - is the Holy Family program 4 years? Although I do want to pursue my BSN one day soon, I'd first like to obtain my associate's, since I'm so eager to get into the field. And what in the world happens if you don't pass your boards the first time? You fail the program? Spooky.

Holy Family University BSN Program is 4 years. They do have a full time/part time program. I started part time in the evening BSN Nursing Program until it was time to begin the clinical program. This program really taught me about the importance of Nursing history and Nursing Pride(passion).
Don't worry about not passing your boards. By time you get to that point HFU will have you prepared to enter the nursing field and taking your boards. Check them out and take a tour. They have made a lot of positive changes.
Best of Luck to you!

[imenid37]

My daughter just finished the Thomas Jefferson ASN program at Geisinger. It was two years, including the gen eds. I think her experience was good, esp. compared to co-workers and friends who have attended our local community college. They also have a campus at Methodist Hospital in Philly too. It was really hard. I thought she couldn't do it when she started, but she did. I don't know about the Philly campus, but Geisinger had no waiting list. Good luck!

[Pediatric4077]

ImASuckyCMA87: Gwynedd-Mercy is 2 years total for nursing program with the gen eds (all done at the same time). You get in and get into nursing right away! You walk out with an ASN and can go right on for the BSN. Instead of taking a year or more to do gen eds then another two years all for the same degree. Granted Gwynedd will cost more than a community college but you are out and done that much faster and making money. I know girls who were doing their gen eds when I started at Gwynedd who still have another year to go while I'll be entering my 2nd year of being a nurse. I think there is no question on what the better option is there.. The faster you get out in the field the better. (it's where you REALLY learn everything anyhow!!!)

As for admission criteria.. I can't remember. I came in with a BA degree already so I guess I had everything. Check the website for that info www.gmc.edu. It is located in Gwynedd Valley PA off of 309. in Montgomery County.

[NRSKarenRN]

Moved to PA forums...check out numerous threads here.

[ImASuckyCMA87]

Thanks for the responses, guys! They've helped a ton.