Does it matter where I complete my ABSN?

[melbalt]

I am in the process of interviewing for ABSN programs in the Philadelphia area (Villanova, holy family, Drexel). I was wondering if there is a real difference in terms of WHERE I acquire my ABSN when I would be applying for jobs. For example, would a Villanova degree be regarded much differently than a Holy Family degree?

[llg, PhD, RN]

In the vast majority of cases, "which school you went to" only matters at the ends of the spectrum. If you attend a school that is not respected (e.g. a diploma mill that will accept anyone willing to pay their bill and give them a degree) ... then that will hurt you. But if you choose a school that is at least "in the middle of the range" when it comes to legitimacy, respect, academic rigor, etc., then it doesn't much matter which one.

Schools at the uppermost edge of the "quality and respect" range can help you a bit ... and schools at the lowest end of the range can hurt you ... but most schools are in the middle and it doesn't matter.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

employers are mainly looking at the license. Since all students take the same NCLEX exam, they consider the exam proof enough that you are competent

[AJJKRN]

And remember: acredidation, NCLEX pass rate, and acredidation...

[caliotter3]

Most of the time, it does not matter. Employers are interested in hearing about your paid nursing work history and the fact that your license is unencumbered. However, if you are able to afford an education from a "respected" name program and they offer you admission, it makes sense to choose that program over the majority of in the middle schools. You never know when the "good name" program might afford you some kind of leg up in your future career.

[jj224]

I'd only say its an issue if your potential employer had bad experiences with new grads from a certain school. The flip side would be if your employer has great experiences with new grads from a different program. Other than that, if its an accredited program and you pass NCLEX, I don't see an issue. As with any school, your skills and knowledge will be directly correlated to how hard you work / study. Good luck and work / study hard!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

No it doesn't. Where it could make a difference is possibly for grad school. The only schools in this country that make an actual difference are ivy league, MIT, and Hopkins. And even those schools it won't make any difference if you just plan to get a BSN and work. I went to school in DC area for ABSN to a really good school..no one cares and no one asks. Just get good grades and get your BSN.