[Lilme04]

Hi there everyone, hope your holiday was nice!

I've got about 4 more classes and then I'm done with my pre-reqs.

Originally, I was planning to enroll in just ADN programs here in California (I am am currently at Sierra College), but I was thinking that maybe I should broaden my horizons a little. Has/Is anyone planning to attend a diploma school?

They seem like a good option for me, but I need some input, especially since I can't easily visit one (most seem to be in the midwest or in the east).

I'm an older student(38; a career-changer), and am used to smaller class sizes, and have grown accustomed to living in a small town.

Any feedback from anybody would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks bunches!

[luv2yoga]

Hi LilMe,

I'm appying to a diploma school and I think it will be a great education. I already have a degree, I'm a second-career older student, so the diploma only is not a drawback. And it's easy to finish to get the BSN here (they have several schools that offer that) if I want to later. I have talked to people who went the diploma route and it sounds like what I'd like. It's very hands on. It emphasizes clinicals. It is more hours in general, I've been told to expect to be either in class or in the hospital from 8 to 4 every day, some days earlier if the specific clinicals start early. Their NCLEX pass rate is almost 100% - I think they've only had one student fail in the last several years. Now, their drop-out/fail-out rate is higher because they tend to draw students like me who have many other responsibilities (kids, etc.) and things happen. When I toured, I was very impressed with what I saw. The biggest appeal to me is that they admit based soley on merit - it's GPA and NET score, period. The admissions committee doesn't even know age, sex, ethnicity etc. of the applicants. I expect a solid set of classmates who have their act together academically and that's a plus. And it's small - the class size is 40, I think that's an advantage as well. Lots of individual attention. Good luck on your decision.

[jennheidkamp]

Hi,

I am currently attending a diploma school. I am so happy with my decision. All of my classes are strictly based on preparing you to be the best nurse possible. Here in Pittsburgh Diploma schools are very popular.

Jenn

[yeepers]

I'm starting a a diploma school in Jan although I will be in the last class for which the diploma program will be open. Starting the following semester the school is switching to an ADN program (I think in response to pressure to offer at least a degree of some sort).

At first I was skeptical about only receiving a diploma but since I already have a previous university degree I tried to keep in mind that the goal is to get my RN as quickly as possible and not about the letters after my name If I choose to go back to school after I'm done I'll most likely take the RN-MSN or some other similar route.

The program I'm entering is hospital-based so there is definitely more emphasis and access to the clinical portions of the program. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the practical aspects of nursing as opposed to the theoretical.

I would say that the process of getting admitted to an diploma program is much quicker than and ADN or otherwise. Mainly because most people don't think to look for diploma programs and therefore there is less competition. In my case, I think cost was also a limiting factor for many people. The program is a private one and tuition over 4 semesters will run over $20K. Nevertheless, I'm just happy to be in a program and am looking forward to starting and finishing much earlier than my peers at the local community colleges who are still waiting to get in even though we have the same prereqs etc.

In the end...no matter where you go the most important thing is that you come out with an RN (hopefully!).

[Lilme04]

Thanks to everyone who answered my question about possibly appying to a diploma school or two. Your information was quite helpful and thought-provoking. I still can't decide If I want to do it, but at least I now have a clearer picture!

Thanks again all,

Laura