Advice needed about Drexel's ACE program

sunray12 · Oct 12, 2008

I'm pretty sure I read a detailed thread here by people in the Drexel Ace program. Try the Pa forum on this board. Drexel programs are challenging across the board. They like things done their way - no improvisation. That in addition to the fact that they're expensive causes people to leave and go elsewhere to cheaper programs with more flex. That said the program should be doable if you put your mind to it. Lots of people have gone through demanding programs with one or more young children - whether or not you can pull it off depends on your support system. If you have trustworthy people in your life who you can delegate some of your care responsibilities to then you will be fine.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2008

Marie,

I've read through some threads here, Drexel ace>, and I have applied for the ACE program.

There were some slots open for this spring...so I've actually applied for this coming spring start and the next fall start.. I am in the same boat as you were time is an issue - I'm willing to study hard and only wanted to ensure the tools to succeed are available. I've read positive things - the only note was the clinicals were at varied positions and a vehicle was recommended. Therefore the cost IMHO is not that bad compared to similar programs..especially the cost to benefit ratio of starting to work as an RN x months earlier - it actually saves me money.

Let me know if you have any questions or find anything else out! thanks.

v/r

AtomicWoman · Oct 14, 2008

One of the reasons their NCLEX pass rate is so high is because they don't let you graduate until you pass the HESI exit exam. No graduation = no NCLEX. I'm not saying anything for or against the HESI exit exam, but potential students should be aware of the fact that they won't graduate until they pass the HESI. A friend of mine took it at Drexel, and she was required to get an 87% on it. It took her 3 tries, but she did pass it.

Good luck in your nursing school career, wherever you decide to go!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

That is great - I wont' want to graduate until I could pass the HESI ---> Nclex!

Seriously - thanks for the info - good to know, thanks~

marie_ash · Oct 14, 2008

Thank you all for your advice. I have done a great deal of research and have decided that Jefferson's FACT program may be a better option. I heard that the program is a bit more flexible and it is with a teaching hospital. The only down side is that I will have to take another chem class. Does anyone know if the science prereqs. have to be completed within a certain time frame. I have also looked into La Salle's part-time BSN program. However, this will take over two years and I'm not sure that the program is as good. I am also considering just getting my ASN. It will cost much less this way. However, since I already have a BA I really wanted to get my BSN so that I can move to my MSN, which is my eventual goal. Does anyone have any insight on which option would be best? It is so difficult to decide.

I am also right in the middle of starting a family. I am not looking to start a program for another few years. I have a nine month old and my husband and I have decided to have our second before I go back to school. This way I can focus on my career and not have to take time off soon after finishing school. Thanks again for the advice.

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

I can empathize with what you're feeling. I just recently graduated with a B.A. and after working as a CNA, I realized that nursing is where I want to be at. I am also torn between attending an ADN program in the fall or attending a program like Drexel's ACE. I've only had one summer off in the last four years since starting college, so I'm kind of burned out on school. The thing is, I want to get it done ASAP, so I think the accelerated program at Drexel may be a better option.

At any rate, it's been great reading everyone's feedback.

marie_ash · Oct 14, 2008

j450n,

It sounds like you are where I was three years ago. I graduated from Temple with a B.A. in history and realized that I belonged in the medical field. I am also a massage therapist. Anyway, as soon as I finished my undergrad I went right into completing three semesters of prerequisites for just about any accelerated program in the area. Then I feel in love, got married, and got pregnant the week I got married. Now I have an amazing nine month old and a husband who can't wait to have another baby. So here I am still wanting to go to nursing school but trying to be the best mom and wife I can be.

I have heard that Drexel's ACE program is the most demanding and challenging accelerated program in the area. I have a friend who knows someone with a degree in chemistry who failed out of the program. I have heard great things about Thomas J's FACT program. I would look into that if I were you. As for the ASN programs, I guess it depends on what we want to do with our nursing degrees in the future. It certainly is cheaper and many hospitals will pay for you to get your BSN, but will we be able to find the job that we want with this degree? I guess this is the question. Also, many two year schools have waiting lists and virtually all make you take some annoying entrance test with math that you haven't done since highschool. I'm pretty sure that I have decided on the BSN. Plus I have taken all the prereqs for a BSN program. I just found out the Jefferson will accept science courses that have been completed within the last ten years. I can not tell you how happy I am about this. This means I can have my second child and stay home for a few more years and still go back to school before my classes expire. Anyway, I have written way too much. Good luck to you!

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 15, 2008

Hi Marie,

Thanks for your response. I currently reside in Seattle, but most of my mother's side of the family lives in Philly and most of them went to school at Temple as well. Two years programs are pretty competitive here in Seattle and I think the University of Washington is the number 1 nursing school in the country, so it's ridiculously hard to get into. I'm thinking about finishing pre-reqs here and then moving to Philly and staying with family there if I am attending Drexel. At least this way, I won't have to pay living expenses.

I was actually in the east coast at the beginning of last month and I liked it there, plus I think it will be a good change of pace. The thing that gets me about the east coast is that everything is so close over there. I didn't realize that NYC is only 2 hours away, which I love. Over here, it takes about a whole day of driving just to get to the tip of northern Cali.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your background. I'm sure you'll excel wherever you go.

Do Or Do Not · Oct 17, 2008

I just completed my application to Drexel a few days back, so I'm kinda curious as to how good the ACE program is. It's rigorous, but I knew that when I dropped off the application. Anyone who's been in the program who could lend some advice? :)

nanagose · Nov 6, 2008

I'm in the first quarter of the program right now, which people say is the easiest. It's really not that bad. If you have good study habits, it is completely doable, and I know many students who have straight As so far with barely any effort. It is second quarter that seems to get a lot of people, since you have class two days a week 8-4, and then clinicals three days a week. It's definitely a time commitment, but people make it work. The most important thing with a program like this is attitude. If you accept beforehand that this will be a difficult year, plan accordingly, and surround yourself with positive people once you get here, it makes it that much easier.

The program can be frustrating at times, but it's been great to me so far and I've learned a ton. There are a lot of faculty members, which means that if I am confused about blood pressures, there are at least five different people I can ask for help. It is rigorous but the faculty really does not want you to fail out, and I've heard that more people end up dropping out by choice than actually failing their classes. If you fail something that you need to pass through the program, they will give you extra help and then another chance. There will always be bad apples, but the faculty I've encountered so far have been caring and fair.

As for clinical skills, we get many opportunities to practice. They gave us big clinical bags with goodies inside so that you can practice blood pressures and assessments at home. There's even a catheter kit in there so that you can go through the motions of setting up a sterile field. In my just first couple trips to clinical, I've seen some of my fellow classmates perform better and more diligent care than some of the nurses there. So I guess it just depends on who you ask.

On the one hand, a BSN is a great investment. Finishing it in a year is amazing. But you have to take an honest look at your individual situation - do you have family in the area to help? Does your husband have a schedule that will work with the rigor of a one-year program? It's also a personality thing - I came to Drexel straight out of my BA program and had no desire to stick around nursing school for very long. I knew I would lose steam after a while if I didn't get through the program quickly. Not to mention, the longer your training, the more nursing pay you are missing out on! The application process is so easy that when the time comes, you can apply to Drexel just to see. All you have to do is fill out a personal information sheet and turn in transcripts.

Do or Do Not - the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to make SURE you call the admissions office to ask if your application is complete. Don't feel bad about pestering them - the nursing school doesn't have its own address so all admissions mail goes to one building and things just get lost in the shuffle.

I could talk for forever about this program! I've talked to many people who have gone through it and people in it now, so if you have any questions, please ask and I will try my best to tell you anything I know.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2008

nanagose-

how are they on financial stuff? do they help you find/get loans to cover tuition? Do they offer the HRSA nursing student loan?

I think the tuition scares me more than the thought of squeezing it all in to 1 year