[jzzy88]

I looked at the site http://www.thejobresource.com/jobseekers/jobsearch.asp
to see what programs offered tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness and many of them do. You'd probably at least be able to pay of half of it. I decided to do SMC's ABSN program though the debt scares me too, but it's a time thing for me also, so I'm just going to go for it. I've heard good things about the program also and that we get really good training. There's some good students in the program so I think we make the best out of the training. Good luck.

[ifyouwereme]

SMC is definitely well-represented, at least on this board. I guess my questions were more if students felt that they got a good education for the money. Is it an automatic job door opener?

I will check out that site. Thanks jzzy

[bsn2b09]

How long is the accelerated BSN program?? Besides, is that about the cost of a traditional 4yr. college degree these days? I think you should do it. It's worth it - it's a BSN. Living here in the Bay with our pay rate, you can pay that back in a few years. Good luck to you and congrats!

[jzzy88]

If you do a search for Samuel Merritt College in the allnurses engine, you can check out some old threads that relate to that school in particular. I asked the same question before and I got mixed reviews. One person told me (who did the SF ABSN program) that she loved it and that it was well worth it, that the professors were good, good clinical experiences, and that SMC students are well regarded in the communities in which they work. She said that it took time to find work and that it was a good idea to apply to new grad training programs before graduating. I don't think she mentioned if SMC will automatically give you a job just through clinicals and being associate with the program. I wouldn't count on it. On the bad side, I heard some bad things from other students in the regular BSN program, that professors were unfair and discriminated against students, etc. But the professors are different for each program, I think. I believe that the faculty is different for the accelerated program than from the regular BSN program. Also, from what I read, it seems like SMCs masters program is excellent and probably better than the accelerated BSN program. Hope that helps for now.