ABSN Programs secretive about graduation rate

[sunny2]

I am currently making a list of the ABSN programs I am interested in and I believe the attrition rate/graduation rate is important because it shows how much the program wants students to be successful.  I was talking to one program coordinator and they told me that they don't give out that information. Other times, I email a program with a bunch of questions and they tend to skip the graduation rate question. Why don't ABSN programs like to disclose their graduation rate and is that a red flag? 

[amgRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

Usually this is because it their retention rates can be less than traditional nursing programs.  Sometimes it is a reflection on the quality of the nursing program, but even a good ABSN program may have lower retention rates due to the intensity level of the program.  The A in ABSN is for accelerated.  That means everything a nurse needs to learn in nursing school is still taught but at a faster rate.  Students think that is a win because they graduate faster, but they still have to learn all the material.  It is very difficult and many students are not able to keep up with the pace.  

So, is it a red flag?  Maybe.  But it may attributed to many factors.  Another indicator of the quality of the program can be their NCLEX passage rates.  This is something you could inquire about.  If a school will not share retention rates or NCLEX passage rates, I would steer clear.  

Hope that helps a bit,

amg