ADN vs Diploma

PapaBearRN, BSN · Apr 17, 2015

Definitely want a degree in nursing vs a diploma.

paujos · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you! It is such a hard decision!! St. Luke's School of Nursing in Bethlehem PA is one of the oldest nursing schools in the country, and has a wonderful reputation. It would be 20 mos straight through, and 180 clinical hours per each of 5 14 week semesters. Northampton Area Community College is well known for their ADN program too! St. Luke's has a 96% passing rate for the NCLEX. I think Northampton is 90%. Both have RN to BSN programs.

elkpark · Apr 17, 2015

I would not automatically discount a diploma program. If it is as good as its reputation, you would get an excellent nursing education. If you're planning on staying in the area after graduation, it's likely (although you should investigate this) that local employers are happy to hire the diploma graduates. Be aware, though, that you should plan on finishing a BSN after completing either a diploma or an ADN.

If it were me, I would go for the diploma program. I am a diploma grad, and have never had any regrets. In fact, it has been considered a plus by all my employers over the years (of course, I did return to school and completed a BSN afterwards). There are a couple diploma programs within the large academic medical center system I work for (two of the community hospitals that have been absorbed by the university medical center over time had existing diploma programs and have continued those programs), and the graduates are highly respected and v. employable.

But, having said all that, have you spoken to the folks at both the schools, including some of the current students? I would look closely at both schools, and consider which school is going to work best for you.

PapaBearRN, BSN · Apr 17, 2015

I'm not knocking the diploma program. I've always been told that they were less desirable when it came time to apply for acute care positions, specially in this economy. But as ElkPark said you want that BSN regardless.

paujos · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you both for your input. And, yes, I have fellow students who have graduated from both. St. Luke's would be 5, 14 week semesters straight through for 20 months. I would have 900 clinical hours. I already graduated from Northampton with an AA in General Studies. Their program is 70 credits, of which I already have 36 from Gen Ed classes; therefore, I would just be taking the nursing classes. St. Luke's Hospital is growing, and clinics are popping up all over the place. From what I understand, most get hired within 6 months. Decisions, decisions!! Thank you again!!

paujos · Apr 17, 2015

Just to add... Last year, I was enrolled in the BSN Program at Cedar Crest University. It was just too expensive! It was $853/credit, and about $50 thou a year. As much as I wanted to, I just could not afford it. So, I then decided to just get my ADN, and gradually work on my BSN. It's hard to digress, but so be it.

nurse2be13 · Apr 17, 2015

I would go with st lukes. I went to a diploma program and had no problems finding a job. I found a job within a month after graduating, at a level 1 trauma center. I was not an aide or pct prior to becoming a nurse. I'm currently enrolled in a BSN program now. Do what works best for you. Good luck!!

paujos · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you, nurse2b13! I think I would be more prepared!

elkpark · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you, nurse2b13! I think I would be more prepared!

(If it's a decent diploma program, you definitely would.)

paujos · Apr 17, 2015

Now I am looking at the tuition aspect. I talked to the community college, and it's only $220 a credit. St. Luke's is $22 thou total. I only need like 5 classes at Northampton. Would that money I spend on St. Luke's be better spent on getting my BSN? So much to consider... So many talk about retaking classes too. I don't know how common that is. I know a friend that graduated from Northampton, and she said about half survived. I talked to a girl that went to St. Luke's and she mentioned many dropped out, but don't remember stats. Do they drop out because of grades, or they decide they don't like it? I have A's in all my classes, but I know you are told to forget A's in nursing. Should I be concerned about having to retake classes? I hate major decisions! Luckily, I work all weekend, so I can, hopefully, relax and not think about if for a couple days. Sometimes it is better to breathe, relax, and let it come to you...

pixiestudent2 · Apr 17, 2015

I go to a diploma school, and we have a huge advance of getting hired, because the hospital system trained us... Keep that in mind