Accreditation

[LexArsDad]

Hello, This might seem like a weird question(s) ,but I have to ask it:

I went to ITT Breckenridge, graduated, took the boards and passed them this April. At the time that I went to that school-they had "Probationary Accreditation" (We were all told in the recruiting Bee Ess-that this was just an administrative glitch and that they would be accredited soon). I just, recently,(last week) learned that they have been denied accreditation by the Arizona Nursing Board and they are shutting down after the current Group of students graduates...(Great stuff!!) I have a job, but I am trying to get into a hospital. ALL of the hospitals which I am applying to, have this in minimum qualifications:"Graduate of an ACCREDITED Nursing program". So,as ridiculous as this question may sound, I had to ask it: If the school was accredited (probationary) when I graduated-did I graduate from "an accredited Nursing program"( for the sake of these applications) or am I, basically, OUT OF LUCK and stuck in lower end jobs?

Another question would relate to ADN to BSN programs....Is this going to limit my choices for a BSN program? I mean in terms of tansferring credits-Thanks for any help-THIS has truly "thrown me for a loop".

[LexArsDad]

Mavrick,

I think that what these "universities" really do-is that they focus on the fact that they can get you started in your "career" sooner than the other schools out there. For instance in my state there was, at that time,(probably still is?) a 2 year waiting list for the Community colleges which I checked with, and a little bit shorter for the state schools. ITT said that after they received my transcripts and if I passed a few of their admissions/placement tests that I could start in their next term(for me- that meant 3 months-I think) This was the major thing that appealed to me about ITT versus the other schools. I was also impressed by the instructors (One was my, first, advisor)-two who, each, had 20 plus years experience as nurses, one in NICU(if my memory serves me). They (both) left in my first and second term....Another thing which appealed to me was that pitch from ITT about "grants and student loans which would pay for everything" (HA, HA).

BUT I guess that, to answer your question, I would have been more focused on the CURRENT accreditation (and not what was -"soon to be approved") and I would have been more patient-THAT, might make the difference in getting a better job, and in moving forward in your(my) education.

I think these types of programs are appealing to older students and people who are focused on getting into school and not having to wait. I hope that this helps, and that this was the question(s) which you were asking. I am, currently, applying to two BSN programs listed by "THE COMMUTER", above, and hoping for the best.Thanks,again, to everyone for the help/advice.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Dear OP,

Thanks for your reply. Your situation is pretty unique in the accreditation switcheroo lie but it just gets my dander up about these predatory schools.

I have read so many of the sad, sad stories of people who have been ripped off striving to improve themselves and getting saddled with these huge student loans for either a useless certificate or nothing at all because they drop out. I suppose some could say they deserve what they get for not looking beyond the schools' hype and oh-so-informative admissions counselors but really these savvy schools target a population that is ripe for exploitation.

It's the student loan money they are after. In almost any other loan you have to prove you have something of value in exchange for the loan. A car or house for example. If you don't pay back the loan they take the item back. They don't loan someone $50,000 for a $20,000 car. But with student loans you can borrow $120,000 for a BSN that will take you YEARS of prime living time making enormous student loan payments. Just when people want to buy houses and cars and have families etc.

Well, I'm on a tangent now, so back to you. You have an excellent plan to clean up your little mess. Get that BSN (another 2 years from now?) and confidently state on your application you have graduated from an Accredited school and move into the workforce. Looking back (20/20 hindsight) did you save any time?

Best to you and thanks for sharing. Maybe your experience will help save someone the aggravation you have been through.

[Jules A, MSN]

Even before nursing I believed "if it ain't in writing it ain't so". This has served me well. I don't take anyone's word for anything, hoping things will happen that haven't yet happened are worthless to me. In all fairness things can change so I would much rather miss out on something that eventually comes to pass then ever put my eggs in a basket that isn't a basket.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

I am sorry about all this! This is why I warn people off programs like this and tell them to go to a community college and bridge into a BSN. They are just looking for your money, bottom line. I hope you share this with people when they are looking into these types of programs!