Any thoughts on Goodwin Colleges ADN and BSN Programs?

[Jmoran82]

Hi everyone I was reading past posts regarding Goodwin's nursing program and there hasn't been anything written about Goodwin that was in depth recently or that gave a lot of insight as to how their program has expanded or improved within the past few years. So I have a couple of questions...

What was your experience like trying to get into the program? How many times did you have to apply to get in? and how was the NLN A&P test?

What did you think about their program? How was your clinical experience? Do you felt that they prepared you for your NCLEX? and do they still have their exit exam and how was that?

Also how was it finding a job after you completed their program? Did you go on to get your BSN if so how long did it take you to complete? Do you feel like Goodwin prepared you for the "real world" of nursing?

Basically any insight would be greatly appreciated. I am starting there as a pre-nursing student in the fall and would love to have some of my questions addressed before then.

My roommate who is a nursing coordinator at a hospital said Goodwin is a good reputable program however some of the community colleges are not and that they are starting to shy away from hiring anyone who isn't perusing their BSN so I intend to do that after I get my ADN degree and I chose Goodwin because they have the RN to BSN program.

[Kate767]

I have a hard time respecting a program where their commercials and billboard lead-in is always what the average nursing salary is, and their application process gives higher evaluation (based on a points system) for classes taken at their school. It's all about making money!

[jan286]

Its all about what YOU put into the program. All program has students that flunk out. It doesn't mean that it's a bad program. All programs have students that turn into bad nurses and students that turn into amazing nurses. I have heard bad things about Goodwin College and I have heard good things. Same with the community colleges...

Your roommates response about Goodwin and the Community Colleges seems very narrow-minded. Has she met ALL of the nurses from all the programs she is talking about?

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

As someone who graduated from the CT-CCNP in 2012, I found that my education was very adequate to prepare me for an entry level nursing position. I did, however, find that the job opportunities for ADN nurses are more limited than in past years. Last fall the hospital where I had hoped to find a position, adopted a BSN only policy for new nurses. I'm happy in my LTC position and going back for further degrees. Financially, you will pay MUCH more for Goodwin than the CCNP program at community colleges, even considering you'd need to finish your BSN. Most of the community college programs have agreements with four-year institutions to get them better resources to complete the BSN. As for Goodwin itself, as someone else mentioned, there are good things and bad things about any program, and good and bad students within any program. Good luck.

[EMTP894]

Goodwin has it's ups and downs, however I will say that I have had great experiences with the on ground educators, not as much online. The courses are flexible, I tend to take hybrid classes for the sciences. I will say, that it seems like you are in my shoes as far as getting into the RN program. I began as a student with a few transfer credits, and have been working as a paramedic for several years. That being said, without any prior college education, with the points system, if you have a 4.0 and take 7 courses at Goodwin and get above a 94 I believe on the NLN, you will have the max you can get 21 points. Now I did take the AP NLN exam this afternoon and unfortunately scored a 72, which I feel pretty poorly about. I did not feel the exam was difficult, but am struggling to figure out where I fell short, the results from the NLN exam itself only list what the exam covered, not necessarily what you need to brush up on. There was a lot of endocrine, muscular skeletal, and several questions about the brain. It was 125 questions and you have 150 minutes to take the test, strictly anatomy and physiology.

[em2384]

Hi, I'm applying to goodwin and plan to start may of 2016. I currently have almost all the preqs done.. I completed these at Manchester Community College. My question is what should I be studying for the NLN? It's just anatomy and physiology, but there's so much content in that course.... Is there anything that the focus on in particular? I'm feeling lost.

Looking for any advice. :)

Thank you

[sara567]

I just graduated from the Adn program, and entering the BSN program. Make sure you look at the point system if most of your gen eds are done. Depending on your grades and some other items you may have little chance to get in without taking at least 7 classes at goodwin. You will need at least 19 points to get in (historically, anyone with a 19 or higher gets in, with a few 18's here and there).

This info can be found on the goodwin website.

If, you still feel worth it to pay and take the entrance exam, the NLN is all a&p. No real focus on any one area. There are study guides online that people have posted.

[AMG654]

Hey Em2384 - You probably know this by now but Goodwin has done away with the NLN and are now adapting to the traditional TEAS style testing that most state/community colleges use. I took the last NLN exam earlier this month and scored an 89 on it. With my other credentials i'm hoping it will be enough to get into the program, but I did also have 7 courses at Goodwin and do think it will be difficult (though not impossible) to get in unless you do have those 7 points for courses at Goodwin.

Good luck with everything!!

[knittygrittyRN, MSN, RN]

I didn't go to Goodwin, although when I was looking at schools I did look into their program. Honestly in my opinion they charge a lot for their program. I did a majority of my prereqs at other schools and would have already started behind in their point system because of that.

With that said I ended up going to a traditional route and getting my BSN. I went to University of Saint Joseph. It looks like a ton of money when you first look up their tuition, however their financial aid really worked with me so I didn't pay nearly that much. No worries about entrance exams (at least when I went not sure if that's changed), and they accept everyone, no fighting or competition for a spot!