Accreditation Question

"I am going to be starting nursing school in Oct. for my BSN. The school i am going to is new, first class graduated in 2006, and is in the process of getting its NLN accreditation. I am thinking about joining the military after i graduate but was wondering if this would effect me? I am not sure if the school will be accredited by then (2010) but think it should be or very close to it. The school is approved by Colorado State board of higher education (full approval pending accreditation) so we will be able to sit for the NCLEX. would the military accept this??"

Hi Patoyia,

I graduated from a Regis University in Denver (Jesuit). It is NLN and CCNE certified. (Short waiting list but very expensive).

My friend went to Front Range Community College (longer waiting list and much less expensive). We both got jobs within and out of Colorado, after the NCLEX.

However, Front Range's program is a mix---the LPN program is NLN, but not the RN program.

My Friend was told by my recruiter......Dont bother to apply to the Army reserve if the program is not certified. So now, she has to wait until she finishes her BSN from a certified school---if she wants to commission.

So, if you are interested in the Military---go to a certified school.......

(it doesnt matter if it is approved by the state of Colorado).

hope this helps

cindy

:yeahthat:

athena

Shoot!!! I was thinking this much but thought i would ask. The only thing i can think to do is wait until the school gets its accreditation and then go for the military?? The prob is i really don't want to wait anylonger (im not getting any younger!) and i really want to get my BSN not ADN b/c i already have a BA. Geeezzzz i with is wasn't such a pain to get into nursing school!

Hi P,

Where are you at in colorado? If you are close to the front range, there are several programs University of Colorado, Regis, Metro State, N. Colorado (Greeley),etc..... --I am sure you have googled it. Some of these schools have "2 starts" a year. Maybe you can change now, before you start your program in Oct.

cb

I am from Denver, and i have looked into other schools. Regis U, i applied and didn't get in they denied 2/3 of the applicant pool. Metro/CU Denver i couldn't apply for b/c i just finished my pre-reqs and didn't meet the deadline.

I am a grad of UNC, however they are really really competitive!! The acceleraded program only takes like 10 people and you have to work in Norther CO for 2yrs. I dunno maybe going in as a regualr student at UNC??

If you are still interested in pursuing the military, talk to a health care recruiter. I happen to know a great one in Denver, who is very diligent.

SSG Luis Dejesus 303-873-0491. He is really good and can give you accurate advise. No pressure. (tell him cindy from portland referred you)

good luck

cindy

Thanks for your insight and help!!! Will do

Hello Patoyia:

I agree with the other posters. I can only speak for the Army: They will only accept nursing programs that are accredited. You can, as you probably know, enter into the Reserves with your Associates but for the AC you must have your BSN.

Speaking about going for your BSN have you thought about obtaining your degree on-line? Granted the tuition would be higher (unless an on-line BSN program originates from your home state) and I feel there is much more written, required "home work" and yes, you have to obtain a preceptor and those required pesky clinical hours usually on your own, and you have to be a self-motivator and a wee bit anal to complete all the required course work. But the rewards after all is said and done is your BSN. Many of the on-line programs are accredited. IF you think this might be something you would want to further investigate check out www.Petersons.com a web site that lists possibly all the distance and on -site colleges/universities in the United States. Or check out www.allnurses.com :redbeathefor listings of distance programs. I obtained my BSN from California State University, Dominguez Hills on-line and had almost completed my FNP from Stony Brook University (SUNY) again a distance program.

Gosh, did I digress or what? Sorry all, worked last night

athena

I don't have by RN yet, can you do an online BSN w/o RN?? I dunno, i have some decisions to make! Thanks