Boston-area BSN and RN programs

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

I'd pass on Bunker Hill-- they've been having some very significant problems in the last few years and their survival as a college is not by any means a done deal.

Your grades should get you into all the rest. All are good or great programs. Northeastern has that great co-op program, where it takes you a year longer to get your degree BUT every other semester after freshman year, I think, they place you in a job where you learn your craft. Northeastern grads make great contacts and are almost always at the top of the list for hiring. If it were up to me I'd take Mass College of Phcy and Health Sci over Salem State for better rep and clinical placements.

(My school of nursing is closed, Boston University ... but I went to the UW for grad school! Welcome to the Commonwealth! You'll like it here.)

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

To me, the most important detail to consider is the NCLEX pass rates for any school you are looking into. Two of your top three have pretty low pass percentages, especially when the NCLEX National pass rate is like 89%

2010 Performance Summary for Massachusetts Nursing Education Programs

Something else to think about. Not saying you CAN'T pass from one of these schools, just know they might not prepare you and you might need to take some measures yourself like a Hurst Review or something similar. Good luck! Go Red Sox!

OBrienMP · Jul 12, 2013

Thanks for the feedback. Main reason I am choosing these schools is because they are all within commutable distance from where I will be living. My main reason for moving back is to be close my Mom and my aunt who is very sick. I haven't heard much on BHCC, but I have heard a lot of people recommend Salem State and Northeastern.

I just really have ZERO clue about what my competition is like or what they look for in an applicant...out here it's pretty ridiculous (I live in Washington state right now.) I applied to 5 schools and got into none. (bummer...) Either way, I just really am not interested in spending a ton of money on applications if I don't stand a chance against competition. Sigh...

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jul 12, 2013

2012 Performance Summary for Massachusetts Nursing Education Programs

Just to be fair this is the most recent pass rate. =) and here is 2011:

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/researcher/physical-health/nursing/nclex/2006-performance-summary-for-massachusetts.html#registered

sorry, the link isn't working.. copy/paste. minus the top few... the rest have varying rates over the years.....

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

I understand about not wanted to spend a lot of money. I bet if you called the adviser for each school they would give your their stats "We received X number of applications and admitted Y number of students" - that might give you a clue. Also I am sure they would be able to tell your if your stats were competitive enough for their program.

OBrienMP · Jul 12, 2013

I have been emailing directors/advisors, I spoke with someone at Northeastern and I'm waiting to hear back from a few others. The time difference is killer. They all say the same thing..."our program is very competitive." Sometimes I get calls at 6AM!!

mjo07 · Jul 13, 2013

I would say pass on Bunker Hill as well, I have not heard the best from their Nursing program, they had a hard time getting clinical placements for their students last year (some had to travel almost 2 hours away). I know a few people who said Quincy College's program was good, but I don't know I never went there.

I have heard great things about Northeastern. I applied this year but didn't get accepted Have you looked into Simmons College? Also a great program! I will be starting the 2-yr Nursing program there in the Fall :)

UMass Boston accepted around 10% of their applicants for Fall 2012. I was accepted this year with a GPA of 3.6 (science 4.0) and no background experience. I know a lot of people do apply there since the tuiton is much cheaper. Something new about UMass boston is you now need to submit TEAS exam results when applying, so you should plan on studying and scheduling a date for the exam. (try to get high math and science scores)

You should definitely research as much as possible on each school's website and try to reach out to students from each school. I think you have a good chance of getting accepted at those schools.

Hope I helped :)

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2013

I'd agree to pass on Bunker Hill. You pretty much need a BSN to work as a new grad in the greater Boston area.

Northeastern's program is excellent and, with their co-ops, they really have the best of both worlds and make great connections. A large percentage of the nurses I worked with at one of the Longwood hospitals were Northeastern grads. I went to BC myself and loved it.

OBrienMP · Jul 14, 2013

Thanks for the feedback! I have also heard Simmons has a great program. Their website says they have a really strict retake policy, and I basic ally had to retake and entire years classes. I suppose I could always just pick up the phone and give admissions a call!

allnurses Guide · Jul 14, 2013

Simmons, BC, MGH, MCPHS, Northeastern, Curry, UMass all have excellent reputations and placements as well as high-90s pass rates.

If I were starting, I would consider them in the order listed.

OBrienMP · Jul 25, 2013

Sorry for the delay in response! Simmons apparently has a strict policy about retakes...I basically had to take a year of classes over, which is totally craptastic and my own fault. It's also one of the more expensive schools. I'd really love to get into UMass or Northeastern! Now I just have to take the TEAS test...uhg!