Aria, Gwynedd mercy, or Abington Dixion??

BigCWilliams · Jun 24, 2015

I just got accepted into Aria and I start in September. I've heard nothing but good things about Aria. I finished all of my prereqs and it was estimated that it'll take about 2 years and 8 months to get my bsn from Aria and then attend Penn state. When I was looking to transfer to Gwynedd mercy I remember seeing something that said they only were accepting current RNs or something and I never looked back into it.

LovelyLocs, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

Hi!

If you don't mind me asking, where did you see the information that states that diploma graduates from Abington will receive a BSN from Jefferson? While I am aware that there is a merger between both organizations, I do not recall seeing that plan in plain view, as it is with Aria and Penn State.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as that could open up another application opportunity for me .

lowiegrl · Jun 26, 2015

If you go to Jefferson Nursing and print out the nursing brouchure.....It states that they have a "Dual Enrollment" with Dixion where you can earn your RN-BSN in as little as 2 semesters. That is why I am really interested in Dixon because having a degree from Jefferson is better than Penn State. Plus, I don't think Aria has scholarships which kinda stinks. Abington is a longer drive for me, but they are all about the same distances away.

LovelyLocs, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2015

Thanks for the info! :) By the way, I think I asked you this question on another board not realizing that you were the one posting it. I apologize for bothering you twice :shy: .

PhillyRNtoBe · Jul 23, 2015

I would stay away from Aria. I heard from someone who works there that they will be making changes that will negatively impact the Nursing program. Aria Healthcare system as a whole is having major upper management problems. They are the most expensive upfront( $100 application, etc.) but overall not as expensive as other schools.

The thing you need to consider is if you decide to tie your career to a diploma school and have plans to go to grad school you may have problems transitioning classes etc. If you have to pick a diploma program then go with Abington.

I chose Gwynedd because are highly regarded by Nurse Practitioner programs. Gwynedd grads even get accepted into Ivy League institutions like Penn.

Also, Gwynedd gave me an amazing financial aid package and my out of pocket cost was less than Aria and Abington! :)

lowiegrl · Jul 25, 2015

I like how at Aria you can fill your classes in(if you want to take 4 classes at a time)Gwynedd you have to take them when the classes are(in other words you can't speed up your time their) At Aria you get your BSN with Penn State with Aria's Pathways Program with PSU. However, I am really torn as to which school to choose. I got accepted to Aria today. But I do plan on getting my NP/masters in Nursing. I am not sure if PSU has locations to follow my education goal. Also, I would like another year to get more prerequisites out of the way.I hear a lot of people love Aria on this site.I don't hear much about Gwynedd. Where do you take Clinical at Gwynedd? I saw they have potential clinicals at Doyestown Hospital which is right near me. Can you take clinicals where you want based on the list? Sorry for all the questions I just am really trying to figure out witch school I should choose. Thank you so much for your input!

NurseJoReed · Jul 28, 2015

I was just accepted into Arias January cohort and in looking forward to it. I'll be finishing up my associates with Manor College by fall and then transition nicely into the spring semester. I personally have heard good things but I also know that not all situations are the same.

Jo Reed

PhillyRNtoBe · Aug 8, 2015

I don't think that you get to choose which sites you go to. I believe it depends on what class you are taking at that time, you must be with an instructor so the class goes together.

Aria is fine if you want to become a RN. It is not a college (no diploma schools are) so you need to be fully aware that none of your classes will transfer. Only the classes from Penn State will be accepted to most Masters programs. It's just about making the right decisions for what you plan on doing down the road.

It's harder to advance your career from a diploma program. It's not impossible but if you apply to a competitive Masters program it may create an obstacle, that's all I'm saying.

Most GmercyU students seem to use Facebook pages to communicate. I know 5 people who are in the Gwynedd Mercy's BSN program, just graduated or graduated several years ago. They are all doing well. One girl just got accepted in The University of Pennsylvania's FNP program. GMU has a very good reputation in the area.

Pearl83 · Dec 2, 2016

As an Alumni of Aria, it is a great program!! Not sure how it will be like since they are merging with Thomas Jefferson. Its unfortunate that diploma programs are being phased out. Going through Aria prepared me to be the nurse I am today. Lots of hands on training!!! Plus the preceptorship at the end of the program very beneficial. The program at the time 2012 - 2014 only cost about 23,000 in total ...Since it was a collaborative program with Penn State, I graduated with an associates in Liberal Science, Diploma in Nursing and a BSN ( 23,000). Faculty members where very helpful as well, they wanted everyone to do well. Nursing school is not everyone's cup of tea and other students needed more help than others. Aria did a good job in communicating with students what their expectations where during the program. No regrets!!!