Moving to Memphis, Canadian Navigating US Nursing Education

[tipping.h]

Hi all!

I was preparing my Fall 2014 application for Canadian Universities here in Toronto and then recently found out my husband is being transferred to Mempis. In Canada there is the option of doing a 2 year diploma program to be a P.RN, or a 4 year University degree to become RN.

I have found 4 year direct entry programs, post grad programs after you complete a 2 year degree and second entry programs in Mempis.

Is there a good option for direct entry nursing? OR are all nursing hopefuls required to have some college? In Canada there is just 'College" which grants 2 year diplomas and "Universities" which are degree granting. But in the US there is Community College, College, University. Very confusing.

Any advice? What's the best program in Memphis? What is the best route to go with for good credentials down the line?

Any advice is awesome, Cheers eh!

Best Wishes,

Uncertain Canadian Noob

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

In the US, unfortunately, there are 3 levels of entry RN. Diploma which is a hospital based program...these schools are being phased out and there are very few left. Second is a college 2 year associate degree (which are actually 3 years because of prerequisites) which is usually is usually community college based. Then we have BSN programs that are university based and are 4 years.

There are accelerated BSN programs that are 2 years in the university setting and allow you to become a RN/BSN if you already have a bachelors degree in another area.

All will allow you to sit for the licensing exam called the NCLEX. US based programs are generalist based and you will be schooled in all areas of nursing....medical/geriatric, surgical, peds, maternal/child, critical care and emergency medicine.

There are LPN (RPN) programs that are tech school/community college based that will allow you to sit for the LPN exam....however, most LPN' are employed in nursing home settings.

The US has a nursing glut right now....and many hospitals are requiring BSN or 4 year grads for hire.

Be sure that whatever program you decide on is approved by the Board of nursing and are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Approves schools in TN......http://health.state.tn.us/boards/Nursing/PDFs/NURSING_SCHOOLS_RN_0913.pdf

I'm sure that is clear as mud....:)

[unionnurse12]

Ok here is the Nursing school run down in Memphis

We do not have any hospital based diploma programs.

Depending on what part of the metro area you end up in here are your choice

Community Colleges "2 year program"

U have to have all ur pre-reqs done to begin the clinical part of the program which is 2 years….they end up being 4 year programs even though they are "2 year" schools

SCHOOLS:

Northwest Mississippi Community College-->Southaven/olive branch area

Southwest Tennessee Community College-->nursing program is located in downtown memphis (it's not really convent if u have kids and wanna live out in the suburbs)

Dyersburg State Community College-->Millington/Munford/Atoka/Covington area (northern shelby county/Tipton county)

UNIVERSITIES:

(traditional programs/ 4year programs) (In reality these only last 1 semester longer than Community College program)

University of Memphis--> located in the heart of Memphis

Baptist College of Health Science--> Located downtown BUT you can apply to have the last 2 yrs paid for through a work agreement with Baptist Hospital

ABSN Programs

(Normally take anywhere from 12-18 months to complete)

Union University--> located in Germantown (suburb of memphis) Cost about $50,000

University of Tennessee Health Science Center--> Located downtown across from Baptist College Cost about $20,000