Does the school matter

[direw0lf, BSN]

I read many say it doesn't because we're all still an RN if we pass the nclex. Is it mostly the interview or does the school weigh in?

[elkpark]

Not as much as it does in a number of other occupations, but, the thing is, you never know when it suddenly is going to matter. In general, there are schools with really poor reputations that are likely to hurt you, and having graduated from one of the top tier nursing school in the country, or one in your area that has a really good reputation, may help you somewhat. The vast herd of schools in between the two extremes aren't going to hurt or help. As long as you avoid the schools that, nationally or locally, have a really poor reputation, it doesn't make a great deal of difference. I would certainly never encourage anyone to go into debt more heavily than necessary in order to attend a school because of the school's name. However, it's always a good idea to go to the best school you can afford and get into.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

There are some indirect advantages to the 'right' school. Those programs have locked down the clinical rotations in the 'best' facilities - leaving other programs with less desirable locations for training their students. When residency programs for new grads are announced, preference is given to students who have completed their clinical rotations in that facility.

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

Honestly I don't think it matters much when you're going for your ASN/BSN. When you're pursuing post bacc it might make more of a difference, but we're all RNs after we pass the NCLEX. Going to a "bad school" might hurt you more in terms of learning the material or passing the NCLEX, but once those are done I doubt the name of the school will make you stand out when you're looking for work.

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[G019, BSN, RN]

Honestly I don't think it matters much when you're going for your ASN/BSN. When you're pursuing post bacc it might make more of a difference, but we're all RNs after we pass the NCLEX. Going to a "bad school" might hurt you more in terms of learning the material or passing the NCLEX, but once those are done I doubt the name of the school will make you stand out when you're looking for work.

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I agree with the poster above. From what I've been told many times, the rest of it depends on how well you can apply your skills, and what you learn along the way in the real world after you're licensed.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I attended a great school in DC. It has made zero difference in my career. If I do grad school maybe it will make a difference. I think the key is your GPA and it being an accredited. Just my opinion. I have a relative who got a masters in EE from MIT. THAT has made a difference. Ivy league schools..for sure can't hurt. 95% of the schools it makes zero difference.

[Mesencephalon, MSN, RN]

It might help you get job interviews if the nursing school has a clinical partnership with a hospital that you want to work at.

Prestige-wise, it doesn't matter where you get your nursing degree.