bsn at CSUB or adn at saddleback

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Hi everyone, I have quite a decision to make.

I have been accepted into CSUB bsn program, but they just told me that it will switching to the three year traditional curriculum instead of the 18month program.

so my question is should I go to CSUB's program for three years or go to Saddleback's ADN program (which I have also been accepted to) and then work while getting my bsn from somewhere else. I may also have the choice of Pasadena's or Cuesta's program too (haven't heard from them yet), but my ultimate goal is to get a bsn.

any recomendations?

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I'm going into 4th (and final) semester of nursing school at Saddleback in the fall. I can only tell you what I have experienced there, but here goes:

  • I have never before been in such a positive and supportive environment where instructors and other students will bend over backwards to see your growth and success.
  • NCLEX pass rates (first attempt) are in the high 90's - have been for years
  • I hear a lot of positive feedback during clinicals from other nurses in regards to Saddleback student's clinical performance. A good reputation in the local job market couldn't hurt
  • I have yet to meet an instructor that wasn't supportive (even if they aren't your clinical instructor). Understand that this does not mean they will coddle you. They do have very high expectations of every student.
  • I have been able to keep my job and still do nursing school - and the whole journey (prereqs - grad) has cost me about $5,000.00. That's all self pay w/o scholarships, grants, or loans.
  • First semester students get a 3 week book camp style skills lab to learn basic safety, basic care, isolation precautions, body mechanics, vitals, assessment skills, med passing (including G Tube meds), foley caths, NT tubes and injections...and more. It's grueling, but you go into clinicals feeling prepared.

There a hundred (+) great reasons to go to Saddleback, but then again, it is my school so I am biased:heartbeat . I do want to continue on with an ADN-BSN bridge. But, I'm taking my time.

I think (hope) that other students will chime in with equally glowing reviews of their schools too. In the end, you have to choose the right school and the right path for you. I understand that CSUB has a fantastic reputation as well - and you end up with your BSN. Saddleback only offers an ADN , but you can transfer and the clinical experience may be worthwhile. Congratulations :yeah:and best wishes in making your choice ;)

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By CSUB do you mean Cal State Bakersfield?

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Thanks jaded jane for replying, I am going to look into Saddleback this week inbetween my finals. but so far pasadena is ruled out and I am calling rn-bsn programs and seeing how hard impacted those programs are. Reguardless i think it will take 3 years anyway for a bachelors.

CSUB is cal state Bakersfield

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Where did you get the information about them switching back to a 3 year program? I currently attend CSUB and am entering the nursing program this fall and have not heard this. They just switched to the 21 month program like a year or two ago.

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Saddleback is my 1st choice

Jane: did you get into saddlebacks program after or before they enlisted their multi-criteria entrance requirements?

btw ---- is an awesome teacher!! i had her this past semester for ACLS and Cardiac Dysrythmias

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CSUB have decided to change their program to a three yr traditional program because of budget cuts, as told to me by one of the nursing advisors. starting fall 2011, it doesn't seem right to pitch an 18 month program only to change it half way to a program that is twice as long.

she said that 50 people are going to be accepted instead of 36, but that the program will run spring,fall and winter only. no summer sessions.

saddleback's point system is on their website in case you want to know music emt, i think they give you extra points for being an emt

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Im really confused as to why I haven't heard about this at school. You'd think they would let the applicants know that the program is changing.

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MusicEMT,

I got in before they switched reqs. I start my last semester in August, and I took ----'s class for IV therapies. I'm hoping she'll have another ACLS / CD class before I start, but I might have to take her class at lifeline. She is but one example of the MANY great instructors at saddleback

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Specializes in CVICU, education.
Im really confused as to why I haven't heard about this at school. You'd think they would let the applicants know that the program is changing.

I'm at CSUB in the 21 month program & haven't heard anything! I'm goning to be UPSET:uhoh3: if they cancel our summers!! Heck, summer quarter starts in a 3 weeks!!!!

To the OP, I would strongly consider the BSN to be a competitive new grad. I'm not sure hospitals are going to continue to fund the RN-BSN. A few years ago hospitals were paying for the entire ADN program & requiring employees to work 20hrs a week and get a 40hr a week paycheck with full benefits, which has all stopped.

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I'm at CSUB in the 21 month program & haven't heard anything! I'm goning to be UPSET:uhoh3: if they cancel our summers!! Heck, summer quarter starts in a 3 weeks!!!!

Even though they are changing back to the three year program, your program will remain the 21 month program since thats what you started in.

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Specializes in CVICU, education.

Not always true, the last MSN program that graduated was change in the middle of their program...due to budget cuts, and now the MSN program is on moratorium. I just have my fingers crossed awaiting something "official".

Honestly for me it won't make a difference, I would just have to do it. Its not like I would quit and go somewhere else at this point. :cool:

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