Brightwood San Diego

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Specializes in New Grad.

Hi,

Has anyone had recent experience with the ADN program at Brightwood (previously Kaplan)? I see a lot of rants but they're from people who were never in the program. Looking for things like the helpfulness of the teachers, how financial aid worked for you, class schedules, etc.

Thanks

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I don't have any direct experience with the program, sorry. I'm sure there are members who have attended Brightwood/Kaplan and will be able to help you.

I can tell you that many of the major hospitals in San Diego and the rest of Southern California won't consider you for a job unless you have a BSN. Smaller and non-acute care facilities may be more open to you. You'll have to weigh for yourself whether pursuing the ADN over a BSN is worth the risk, especially if you're going to go the private/for-profit school route.

Nothing wrong with the ADN--I have one myself. But it is going to handicap you in the SoCal job market. Something to keep in mind.

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Brightwood/Kaplan grad here. I have nothing good or bad to say about my experience at the school. To me it was just a vehicle to get me where I wanted to end up. I would say if you plan to go the ADN route that the local city colleges are a much cheaper option. The only advantage that Brightwood offers is that it is much easier to get into than the city colleges. As far as the job comment I think something needs to be clarified. The job market in San Diego for new grad nurses is difficult period regardless if your name has ADN or BSN behind it. There are limited new grad slots at any given hospital with a ridiculous amount applicants. That said I do know of classmates who were hired into acute care facilities and also different environments(SNF, Subacute, LTACH, etc.). I would take a wild guess that new graduates from SDSU, National University and Point Loma with BSN degrees probably have the same situation. Maybe any new grad BSNs from San Diego can chime in.

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Specializes in New Grad.

Thanks guys! Definitely not stopping at an ADN so no issues there. Some of the regionally accredited schools will take a Brightwood ADN for their step-up program so no limitations there either. I just wanted some opinions from people about their experience with the school. Cc is definitely cheaper but we can't all go that route. Thanks for your help!

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Well for specific details yes at times the school can be very disorganized. I can see why people would rant and whine because for the cost you would expect more. However, as I said just use it as a vehicle to get where you are going and ignore the drama you will undoubtedly see during your time there.

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I graduated from Brightwood. Passed nclex first try. Got hired a month later a hospital in SoCal. Also started my BSN program at a really good fully accredited university in SoCal.

Like the poster before me said, it's a means to an end. It will get you where you need to go. Financial aid department screws up a lot, but they had some really amazing teachers that I'll never forget. The cost is definitely a lot, but for people like me, it was my only option because I had already waited too long and had no more time left to wait.

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All of these answers are very helpful. Thank you. I hope to start at Brightwood soon.. like you stated.. my time for waiting to just get into the prerequisite courses is crazy. I hope to go for my BSN after getting my RN.

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Hello! May I ask what University you transferred to for your BSN?

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Hi! May I ask if you did indeed take the ADN program at Brightwood?

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Specializes in New Grad.
On 12/5/2018 at 2:13 PM, meanmaryjean said:

Brightwood College to shut down all campuses - TheIndyChannel.com Indianapolis, IN

Not sure if this was meant to be mean spirited or what but just FYI, we were picked up by another school, I've graduated and passed the NCLEX. Thanks for the "concerned" comment.?

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Specializes in New Grad.
On 7/14/2018 at 3:36 PM, Amyx593 said:

Hi! May I ask if you did indeed take the ADN program at Brightwood?

IDK if you ever found another school, Brightwood closed, Glendale Career College took over (and started a new school), I'm going to Point Loma Nazarene for my BSN. It's mostly private universities that take credits from "career" schools but a few public will, like UTA. Hope you found a school!

On 2/19/2017 at 6:09 PM, jcmpilch said:

All of these answers are very helpful. Thank you. I hope to start at Brightwood soon.. like you stated.. my time for waiting to just get into the prerequisite courses is crazy. I hope to go for my BSN after getting my RN.

Where did you end up going? Luckily, I was able to finish after the closure when Glendale picked us up.

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