Drexel ACE versus Jefferson FACT

As a graduate of Drexel ACE program I am a little biased toward Drexel. In Philly, it has a good reputation among the hospitals for nursing schools. And they def prepare you for the real world. Drexel also assumes that all their grads will eventually head back to grad school for NP or CNS, so they gear you towards that from the very beginning. Even after moving out of state, Drexel good name is recognized. It was a good choice.

Drexel also has an Early Assurance program if you meet certain academic criteria in 3rd quarter of the ACE program, which allows you to go on for either your MSN/NP/DrNP in various tracks.

"In Philly, it has a good reputation among the hospitals for nursing schools."

Drexel has a good reputation outside of Philly too. DH's aunt works at Mt. Sinai in NYC and my aunt works for a pharmaceutical company in research, and they both know about the program and have good things to say about it. I'm starting in September.

The nice thing about the FACT program is that you get some Master's credits done while you're working on the BSN. If I didn't get in to Drexel I was going to apply there, but got my Drexel acceptance and decided to call it a day.

Check out the Boston forum before deciding to go to school there- it sounds like there is a major nursing glut in Boston and that new grads are not having the easiest time getting jobs.

"And they def prepare you for the real world." FACT does, too.

The FACT program allows you to graduate with 9 MSN credits (I don't know if the ACE program does, too). It's slightly longer than the ACE program (12 months versus 11 months).

I start the FACT program May 19, so if you have questions about applying for that program, just ask!

I'd only been to orientations at Drexel and U Penn. I didn't go to one at Jeff but planned to apply based on the type of program they have (1 year accelerated) and other than that honestly didn't know a whole lot about them.

U Penn's orientation made me really want to go there, but during the application process I thought their requirements were awfully fussy (required a lot of detailed information about my parents' degrees and fields, many essays, etc). I'd started their app really close to the deadline too and was starting to feel rushed so decided to drop it b/c it felt like a longshot in the first place and an even longer-shot with a less polished application.

I also really liked Drexel's orientation. They mentioned a certificate program that's available during the community health unit to get disaster response certification, which really appeals to me. That's the only time I've heard about it though. I don't know how else to explain it but I liked the vibe too. I liked that they didn't expect recommendations because they realize that most people are career changers and won't have anyone who can talk about our potential in healthcare. I've had a few questions during the process leading up to applying and everyone I've been in contact with (with the exception of 1 person on the phone at financial aid) have been pleasant and helpful. The challenge of the program was also appealing and I've heard that HUP likes to hire Drexel grads (I want to do HUP's new grad residency program when I graduate). Plus, the application process was so easy- just transcripts and that was about it.

One thing to think about regarding Jeff is that they are currently on a hiring freeze (last time I checked anyway), so going to school there might be an advantage if you want to work there post graduation but it might not be a guarantee of getting a job there (I'm pessimistic about the economy though- I don't see things turning around in a year in a major way).

Getting the 9 graduate courses done is a huge benefit to the Jeff program, and if you plan to go on to an NP as quickly as possibly might be the more direct route. Also (someone correct me if I'm wrong) I believe that when you are accepted to FACT you are accepted to the MSN program as well.

Just a teensy correction... You get 9 graduate *credits* when you finish your BSN in the ACE program. That's 3 courses. And yes, you are automatically accepted to the MSN program. I think (but I'm not sure) though that you have to start your MSN within a certain time after graduation in order for your acceptance to be automatic. Check me on that, though.

Actually, with the ACE early assurance, you don't have any MSN credits when you finish your BSN. Not sure what the story is with FACT.

I'm an idiot!! I meant to say FACT (which is the program I am starting LOL), but typed ACE. Argh!! Let me see if I can edit an old message.

Thanks for correcting my correction! Back to my morning tea... which I apparently had not had yet when I wrote that! LOL