Accepted to two programs but having trouble deciding which one to attend.

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I have been accepted to two nursing schools, one is at a local community college and the other is a hospital based program. I'm having trouble deciding which one to attend. If I get my ASN through the community college I would'nt have to take out any loans because grants would pay for everything, the only problem is I have a friend who just completed this program and she had a diffucult time, she said the program was very frustrating and disorganized when it came to grading and clinicals. I took all my pre-reqs with this girl and she got A's in everything, so for her to say this makes me nervous. The hospital based program, I would have to take out about 14 k in student loans but this program has been around for over a hundred years and is a well respected program, high nclex pass rate, and because the program is affiliated with all the hospitals in the area I can get a job after graduation. Don't know if I should do the ASN program for free and have issues or do the Diploma program and have to pay loans. I do believe in the saying "You get what you pay for." It's really a tough decision.

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I know people don't like loans, but personally I would go for the hospital program. You will most likely make enough money when you're working in the field that it wouldn't hold you back. When it comes to school, I believe quality is worth the cost.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, Neuro/Trauma, Dialysis.

I guess I would go with the hospital because it seems to be a safer bet as far as respectability, passing the NCLEX and giving you a job afterwards.

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I would post this in your state's forum because all we know is loan vs. no loan. And I'm sure people that are familiar with both schools can give you more insight than we can. Good luck

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Specializes in ED, Medicine, Case Management.

I would be most concerned about the transferability of credits from one institution to another. Does the diploma program allow you to transfer credits to a university in order to bridge to a BSN program? What if you want to pursue an advanced degree?

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Thanks for the replies, both schools I can transfer my credits and transition to a BSN program. I'm leaning towards the hospital based program. I never had to take out loans for school so I'm a little nervous.

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I graduated my undergrad program with 70k in loans (we had no means to pay out of pocket and this was before the financial collapse). I make about half that amount in income and I make my payments just fine. Am I telling you to do this? Heck no. I'm just trying to make you feel better about 14k, which is lower than the average amount of loans out for a student. If I didn't go to school and didn't take that risk, I wouldn't have the job I have now and I wouldn't have the titles I have now. So it was worth it. If you're strategic about the 14k, you can have it pay off in way less than 5 years.

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I am in the minority in that I would go with the community college program and have no loans to pay off, especially if you want to continue your education and obtain a BSN. You would just need to make the decision to commit to studying and making the most of all your resources. But if you have your heart set on the hospital program, which it sounds like you do, then go for it, and don't stress out about your decision.

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Hi, there! :D Did you ask your friend to elaborate on why she believes the program to be disorganized? Have you spoken to former students at the Hospital based program? I would go to both schools and ask to speak to former students and get a better overall representation instead of basing it one person's perspective.

I, myself, narrowed my choice to a hospital based program because like you, the program has been around since the stone ages and the curriculum doesn't make me as nervous as the local community college (even though it's probably the same thing).

I'm assuming you're a mother based on your username, so that's something to factor in before making your decision to attend a program where you'll have to pay 14k. Are you having to pay for daycare, diapers, etc.?

On the other hand, as soon as you graduate you could get two full-time jobs, work 6 days a week, and pay off those loans in no time! Even if it's just for a year. I'm going with the hospital based program because it seems more personal, more tight-knit. But like I said, go poodle around both places and get a better idea and talk to some former students. Nursing school is going to be stressful regardless of which program you choose.

-Holly

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Specializes in OMFS, Dentistry.

I am going to take a shot in the dark here.... Brockton Hospital and Massasoit?

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Thanks for the replies, both schools I can transfer my credits and transition to a BSN program. I'm leaning towards the hospital based program. I never had to take out loans for school so I'm a little nervous.

14K in loans is nothing, im about to do a program for around 50k.

i think you know that the hospital is a better bet. its all about the connections you make and the quality of the education you get. and especially if getting a job is easier as soon as you graduate, then i think thats the biggest PRO ever, especially in this economy.

you can always do a RN to BSN afterwards, (and employers do put money towards it too, so theres always that benefit)

but in the end, do whats best for you, best of luck :)

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