MCPHS vs. Lawrence Memorial

kfarinato · Jun 28, 2009

Congrats on getting into LM/RC! :yeah: I am a student there, and will be starting my last semester in the fall. I love the program. It is hard, but they are great instructors. It is very competetive and they have a high set of standards for the students to achieve.

Somedays I wish I had gone for my BSN, but I am glad I went with the ASN. Once I graduate and hopefully find a job quickly, I want to go back for my BSN and eventually my Masters. My goal is to become a RN and go from there.

I am a Tutor and an Honor student so if you have any specific questions let me know.

A_Simp · Jun 28, 2009

I graduated from LM/RC last year and have been working ever since. I found the LM/RC program to be very good with seasoned instructors. I also have a BS in another field as well as 2 small children. I would ask you what is your situation and study habits.

Nursing school is very challenging on it's own and what I have found, is most accelerated programs go through the material very fast so you will need to be a quick learner. See one, do one, teach one.

I have a friend who was accepted into LM/RC but decided to go to an 18-month, accelerated BSN program but ended up dropping out after the 2nd semester and went back to LM/RC due to the pace.

Where I work, there is not any difference between ASN & BSN in terms of pay, etc. Most downtown hospitals will not hire without a BSN but once you get your ASN you can go on for your BSN or MSN, while working and let your employer help you pay the cost. My hospital offer some courses on site towards your BSN and their is tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.

Lastly, I strongly and highly recommend working as an aide or tech in the hospital as soon as you can for a few reasons... to get your foot in the door, it allows you to see how skills/assessments are performed and practice your skills. If you have time get certified by the red cross over the summer and find something part-time if you can.

Good luck and congrats on your acceptance!

cclem1 · Jun 30, 2009

Hi,

I agree that it really depends on your life right now. I have looked into both accelerated and ASN programs and have decided to go the associate degree route. Right now I have two small children and after a long struggle trying to decide what to do, I decided that there really is no other option for me than to do the associate degree program at night and believe me, I've done my research. You also have to take into consideration how much debt you want to be and how that will affect your life. MCPHS is expensive, but I think worth it to get it done quickly, and it's priced competitively for most accelerated nursing programs. If I didn't have children and was without a lot of debt already, I would prepare myself financially and go the accelerated route.

I don't think you can really go wrong either way, LM/RC will be less expensive, but will be a longer road. MCPHS will be a hard, but quick 16 months.

In the end it all depends on what is realistic for you. Are you able to drop everything else to complete an accelerated program, because from what I hear that is what you really need to do.

Good luck to you and Congratulations on getting into both programs. That is a great accomplishment in and of itself.

lblack126 · Jun 30, 2009

Well I may be the odd person out here - but would suggest that if you already have a BA or BS you go for the BSN or accelerated MSN. Beyond that if you do not already have a bachelors, go for one!

I say that after researching this exact issue for months. The Lawrence Memorial program is excellent, but if you already have a UG degree, it may not make sense - financially or educationally - to take a lesser degree on? In fact most 2nd BSN's take less time, (app 14 months) and offer as high an NCLEX pass rate as ASN programs. And the BSN or direct entry MSN are higher degrees period. I do think this will matter as time goes on.

My own choice is the direct entry masters at Regis - which I will begin in about 8 weeks! After much searching I chose this program for the following reasons:

1) You can sit for the NCLEX after 14 months

2) You can receive your BSN after 17 months

3) You can opt to continue to NP - which will only take 1 more year post your BSN.

Nursing school is tough regardless what you choose, but from my POV it makes sense to go for the higher degree if that is possible for you. And the Mass College of Pharmacy is an excellent program. Although folks here may disagree with me, I would suggest that the additional letters after your name will make a difference in years to come.

Best of luck in your selection!

No disrespect intended for ASN's or LPN's out there!

cclem1 · Jul 1, 2009

I agree that it makes the most sense to go on to the accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN, but it is not always feasible. It took my a long time to even consider applying to ASN programs. Last year I was accepted and about to begin the program at Regis. I loved the idea of it for all the reasons mentioned above. They also have an evening option which was perfect for me with two very small children at home. The one problem with that program; the price tag. Now, I'm planning on starting a community college program where the program itself will cost me less than $10,000 as opposed to the BSN at regis for over $60,000 or the MSN for over $100,000. In the end, that is why I chose not to go. But, I do think it is a great program and if you are willing to accept this debt and prepare yourself for it, then it is right for you.

There are programs here in MA that allow entrance into MSN programs if you have a Bachelors in another field and an RN license, so there are still many opportunities available even without getting the BSN initially.

A_Simp · Jul 1, 2009

I have to agree with CCLEM1 on cost. When I went to school the 1st time, I also did the CC route for my AS then onto my BS. There was considerable $$ savings. Most ASN programs have articulation agreements with BSN programs to ensure a smooth tranisition to getting your BSN or MSN.

Another factor is really the time commitment you can dedicate to the course. When I started nursing school my kids were 4 & 6 months and it was a real grind. During the program, my classmates and I would always ask "how do they do it?" about the accelerated programs to which many of my classmates had been accepted to.

There is alot material covered and a very small amount of time and at a very fast pace. If you fall behind it can snowball very quickly. I know the pace I need to keep covering the material, acquiring my skills and praticing those skills over a 2 yr time period. It was gruelling!

I'm glad there are all sorts of options for people getting into and growing in the nursing field. I guess everyone will need to find the right fit for them. Now after working as an RN for a yr, I'm looking into RN to BSN and with my 1st degree I don't think I'll have too much to do (1-1.5yr part-time). So far, UMass Boston looks like the best $$ deal and most of it can be done online.

bananrob · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am definitely nervous about what the pace of the accelerated program will be. And, I'm obviously very concerned about the cost. ASimp, have you found that most of your LM/RC classmates were able to find jobs?

I agree with you that it's great that there are so many ways for people to become RNs, but it's so overwhelming to try to figure out which route is the best way to go!!!

Also, a quick kudos to all those moms (and dads) out there who were able to juggle being a parent and going back to school. I'm definitely one of those people who wonders how you all do it!!!

A_Simp · Jul 1, 2009

Bananrob, it wasn't my intention to scare you and I feel bad. I finished in May 08 and the majority of my class found jobs. I few people decided to take the summer off and start their job hunt later but I think they are all working now. Since then, the job market has tightened up. I would definately suggest getting a job as an Aide/Tech (as soon as you are qualified to) at a hospital you want to work at so you can get your name on the "New" grad list when you complete school. It will also expose you to the environment and give you plenty to observe.

Going back to school as a parent was definately challenging. Luckily, my husband was very supportive and picked up alot of the "home" duties - laundry, market, kids to school, etc. I also worked 20hr as week as an aide in the hospital - 12hr on Sundays and an evening shift during the week. Looking back, I don't know how I did it.

I think a big part of getting through school is prioritzing, time management and support system (not unlike being an RN). Perhaps the admissions dept could arrange for you to speak with students in the program to get some more insight.

Let me know if you have any other questions I might be able to help you with.

lblack126 · Jul 1, 2009

hi all -

i have a question for you. it has been raised in these postings that the accelerated programs are a lot faster than say Lawrence or Mass Bay. I wanted to ask about curriculum for Lawrence or any other ASN programs that people are attending or have attended.

As I already did all my pre-req's and have another bachelors, my course load isnt looking too crazy. So wondered what the difference was that made the course load tough on people!

For the fall those of us in the General Masters at Regis will take pharmacology, health assessment, nursing practice, a lab and have a clinical rotation. Is this a lot more than what you do at Lawrence?

Yeah the tuition money is ridiculous, and it isn't like I have any cash to spare! So am doing the entire thing on loans. Am really worried about keeping my part time vet tech job and doing well in school! But as I am attending mostly nights am hoping 15 hours a week of working will be manageable!

Is the ASN curriculum that much diff than the BSN? Like I said all of my pre-req sciences are out of the way, and having other BS/BA's I don't have to take English or other basic classes.

Hoping to hear from anyone their thoughts!

kfarinato · Jul 2, 2009

I had all of my pre-reqs done as did most of my classmates, and it is still extremely hard. It takes a lot of time managment skills and creativeness to get through it. I still have 1 semester left, 4 days a week, some weeks 5 days, and on the weekends before exams I do nothing but study.

I picked the LM/RC program because I did not want to wait to get in at a CC. Had I known that the market was going to tank, I would have applied to BSN programs.

bananrob · Jul 2, 2009

A Simp - don't worry, you didn't scare me. I was nervous about everything anyway!!! Thanks for the advice about trying to get an aide job or something like that to get my foot in the door. That's a really great idea and something I will probably look into!

I know LM/RC has a loan forgiveness program if you work in their hospital system. Do you know how many students actually get the opportunity to take advantage of this option? Do you know if many other hospitals offer perks like that?

Does anyone know if MCPHS offers any loan forgiveness through certain hospitals? From what I've read the pace of the accelerated programs are so fast that it's tough to take on a part time job and I'm just wondering how people manage the costs.