Deciding which accelerated nursing program to go to

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I got into University of Massachusetts and the University of Miami accelerated nursing programs. They are both great programs. However, obviously I have to decide on one. I'm trying to weigh my pros and cons and am having a very hard time. Someone help. :-(

University of Miami has great weather. Program offers great resources to its students. However, the program is 12 months. In one semester I believe there are like 3 clinicals and 3 courses. This program is more expensive than UMass. However, program does have this scholarship where if you work for them for 3 years they pay your whole tuition, even though I don't know whether that's a good or bad thing. Because, if you get the scholarship you have to follow and maintain a 3.0GPA as well. This program offers things like sending out students to other countries for research, which seems pretty cool.

University of Massachusetts- Amherst has cold weather during the winter. The program is 17 months as opposed to 12 months. Seems like the curriculum has a better structure in their courses. Program is cheaper than University of Miami. Program also has a month off after the fall semester and University of Miami probably get like a week or 2 off, not sure on this considering it's 12 months.

I would also assume that the clinical setting in University of Miami are probably better due to the reason that it's in a city, but I could be wrong.

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Specializes in PACU.

How long do you have before you decide? Can you ask for names of some alumni so you can reach out and ask them about their experiences?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

We moved your thread to our Student forum.

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Specializes in Critical care.

You need to find out if either of them participate in high stakes testing.

I did a different ABSN that was 11 months long. We had 2-3 clinicals a semester. It was a lot of work, but it was manageable in my opinion. I finished with a GPA above 3.8.

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I would do University of Miami all the way. It has a beautiful campus, its a highly reputable school, and the program is only 12 months long! What more could you ask for?

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You need to find out if either of them participate in high stakes testing.

I did a different ABSN that was 11 months long. We had 2-3 clinicals a semester. It was a lot of work, but it was manageable in my opinion. I finished with a GPA above 3.8.

So I called both programs, in which both seemed a little confused with my question. However, I think they knew what I meant. University of Miami stated they have a HESC C exam, not sure if I am writing this correctly.

University of Massachusetts has a kaplan exam towards the end of the program, and ATI exam.

Also, how important should NCLEX pass rates be? considering both schools are great schools.

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We moved your thread to our Student forum.

Umm. Whats is the name of the forum?

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University of Miami wants a deposit in the next 2 weeks- rather soon. University of Massachusetts is deposit is due in May.

I tried reaching out to 3 people on social media and they haven't responded. Seems a little weird, i don't know.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I would do University of Miami all the way. It has a beautiful campus, its a highly reputable school, and the program is only 12 months long! What more could you ask for?
You could ask for less debt to pay back once you start working at their hospital at a substandard wage.
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You could ask for less debt to pay back once you start working at their hospital at a substandard wage.

Well at least she would already have a job lined up for her.

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So I also found out that University of Miami has an HESI exit exam. University of Massachusetts has ATI exams. Please advise.

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Specializes in Critical care.
So I also found out that University of Miami has an HESI exit exam. University of Massachusetts has ATI exams. Please advise.

That is pretty standard. I took the HESI.

Now that you know that information you need to find out:

1) what happens if you fail? Do you have multiple attempts? What type of remediation is offered

2) how do they prepare you for the exit exam? Do you take ATIs/HESIs throughout the program to get used to their style? Is there a big review before the exam?

3) What percentage of their students pass on the first attempt? How many pass within the allotted number of attempts?

I personally have no issue with the school having an exit exam if they adequately prepare you throughout their program. I took a HESI at the end of almost all my classes that counted as a percentage of my grade. This got me used to the question style and I had no issues passing the exit exam on my first try (well above the minimum too).

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