Does it matter where you get your ADN to get a job?

U.S.A. Minnesota

Published

I am looking for ADN programs around the St. Paul/Minneapolis/Woodbury areas that are relatively cheap. So far, I've noticed that the community colleges are far cheaper so obviously I'd rather go there. However, I am wondering if it matters where you attain your ADN to find a job right away. For example, if I went to St. Kate's, would there be better opportunities for me to get work right away or should I just go somewhere cheap like Inver Hills Community college? Also, how would it affect my plan to get my BSN afterward to become a CRNA? Would they dismiss my BSN/CRNA application more easily because they assume I had a community college education? Or does it not matter (though I'm thinking it must matter)?

For reference, I recently graduated from a private liberal arts school and have relinquished my MD aspiration. I've been taking my time (stalling, really) in preparing for med school and have also recently realized that it must be because I don't want to become a doctor. I've been volunteering at the hospital and so far, I think nursing is for me. Thanks for your help! :redbeathe

0 Votes

Employers are generally interested in the status of your license, clear versus encumbered, and your work experience. Any interest shown in the interview regarding the school you attended is normally secondary. The quality of the school would come into play should you desire to enter a prestigious program in the future, should the matter come up at all.

0 Votes

From what I have researched, with Nursing it doesn't really matter what your degree is, or what school you graduated from, as long as you are a licensed RN. I've heard of lots of ADN-BSN programs, which aren't too impacted with people, depending on the area and school you apply to. Just be aware of the ADN admissions and how competitive it is to get in. I don't think it affects your goals at all if you plan to get your ADN and you don't stop there.

0 Votes
Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry, Hospice, Home Health.

Doesn't really matter on paper but personally I wonder if some community colleges get poorer clinical opportunites? Academically my school was rigorous but the clinicals were lame and I did not feel very prepared clinically compared to some other nurses I talked to who went to 4 year colleges. Just food for thought although in this climate it is difficult to be choosy. I was fortunate that I got in to MCC my first year of applying in fall of 95.

0 Votes

I just wanted to add that St. Kate's ADN program was just flagged by the MN Board of Nursing for low NCLEX passing rates in 2009 (71.8%--ouch!)--just thought you might want to take that into consideration. NCLEX passing rates aren't everything, but when they're that low it raises a red flag in my mind.

I visited all the schools I was considering and asked lots of questions (including where their graduates are employed) before deciding what route to pursue.

0 Votes
I just wanted to add that St. Kate's ADN program was just flagged by the MN Board of Nursing for low NCLEX passing rates in 2009 (71.8%--ouch!)--just thought you might want to take that into consideration. NCLEX passing rates aren't everything, but when they're that low it raises a red flag in my mind.

I visited all the schools I was considering and asked lots of questions (including where their graduates are employed) before deciding what route to pursue.

Wanted to add to this that in the past Kate's had a lower passing rate for their ADN program and have recently changed it. I believe the low NCLEX passing rate has stimulated this change. I attend Kate's and I've noticed the change in numbers only slightly since they made this change. It's a good change so that they can weed out those that aren't passing at a standard that we can be proud of.

I really don't think it matters though on where you get you're degree as long as you have RN behind it.

0 Votes

Check out an accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN.

MN State-St. Cloud , Metro State and the U all have some variant.

0 Votes

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. I've heard that new grads are having a hard time finding a job because they don't have enough experience (ADN or BSN). If I am going to pay a lot of money, I would want to go to a school that would provide me a lot of clinical experiences. To those who've already graduated or are still in school, do you feel clinically prepared at your school?

0 Votes
Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Check out a accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN.

MN State-St. Cloud , Metro State and the U all have some variant.

Viking is right. If you are interested in becoming a CRNA in the future, you would be better off to get into an accelerated BSN program or a DEMSN than going the AD route. The AD route is not always quicker and many hospitals, particularly those with magnet status, prefer to hire BSNs (or DEMSNs). You will need at least one year of experience in a critical care setting before you can get into a CRNA program.

By the time you are ready for a CRNA program, it is possible that many programs will have transitioned past the master's to the practice doctorate (DNP). You MAY be more competitive for admission to one of these programs if you have a DEMSN.

There are also issues with financial aid. Many people who already have bachelor's degrees have difficulty securing financial aid for a second bachelor's degree but they are able to get aid for a master's.

The U of M's DEMSN is called a MN program (for Master's in Nursing). I believe it is a generalist degree, meant for second degree students who are highly motivated. When one graduates from a generalist DEMSN degree, one usually gets work at the bedside but, because of the extra education, advances more quickly on the job. Again, this degree might make you more competitive, not only for CRNA education but also for getting that prerequisite job in ICU.

While it may seem cheaper in the short run, going the AD then BSN then CRNA route can be costly and time-consuming.

0 Votes
Specializes in LTC.

I went to Century College and felt I had a really good clinical experience. I really can go on for hours about how wonderful the program is.

I will say this though. The current job market sucks, especially as a Associate's nurse. I however have a very sneaky suspicion that this will change 2-3 years down the line when you graduate.

0 Votes
Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

Also went to Century, went through their LPN to RN program and it was great...and when it comes down to it, we're all taking the same NCLEX.

Now the bad news. The job market does indeed SUCK right now. :mad: the song I keep getting sung to me is "we want experienced RN's." Well...how are we supposed to get that experience if you don't hire us because we don't have experience for heavensake!

The good news is that you'll be in a better boat, lets do hope when you graduate. :nurse:

0 Votes
I went to Century College and felt I had a really good clinical experience. I really can go on for hours about how wonderful the program is.

I will say this though. The current job market sucks, especially as a Associate's nurse. I however have a very sneaky suspicion that this will change 2-3 years down the line when you graduate.

Are you having trouble finding a job, I am currently attending Century College and getting ready to apply to the nursing program there. I here the job market is bad in the Twin Cities right now, it worries me.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment