CCAC vs. UPMC

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I am almost sure that the only school that I hope to attend is UPMC Shadyside. BUT I still want to keep CCAC open as an option.

So which school would you choose and why? Pros and cons?

Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

I didn't have a choice. Applied to both but because most of my college credits are too old, CCAC wouldn't accept them. They took one look and said "There's no way you can start this Fall". Since I'm a late 2nd career person I don't have a lot of time to spare and didn't want to spend a whole year taking a bunch of prereqs. Shadyside had me take their entrance exam and I did really well so will be starting there 8/28.

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Specializes in hospice, ortho,clinical review.

I agree with Danh in that it depends how much time you have.

I am just completing my last pre req at CCAC for chem. From my understanding you don't need the pre req's per se for UPMC but it would help you in the classes...plus passing the NET. Even though I can now go full time to school next fall, I didn't want to have to take electives, things like dance or pottery when I want to be a nurse. (although what senior wouldn't like a dancing nurse? :D) I'm applying to West Penn, b/c it's a much better fit for me in many ways.

Wow DANH...that's great you got in to UPMC so fast. I'm wondering if there's a waiting list for the PGH area schools, but it seems to take forever to get answers on this PA board...half the time I end up answering my own questions! WPAGHS cut off is in May, so I'm not sure when they advise when you're accepted.

I'm coming to this later in life too...but I can't wait to start.

Good luck and God bless to all.

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Specializes in Mental Health and MR/DD.

I heard that the CCAC North Hills Campus no longer has a Nursing Program. Does any one if this is true?????

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

It did in the spring. I'd give them a call.

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Specializes in hospice, ortho,clinical review.

Hi Mark,

CCAC North is actually where I did a good deal of my pre reqs. I had heard back in spring '04 that there finances weren't in the greatest shape and they weren't sure if they would continue much longer. I've also heard if they decide midway through the program that they will shut it down, they would transfer those students to the Allegheny campus.

The one thing that I've also heard repeatedly is for the CCAC campuses, South is the best for the nursing program. I don't know how true that is, b/c I don't personally know anyone that graduated from the other CCAC's but I've heard that South will prepare you the best for the NCLEX and in general.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

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Specializes in Mental Health and MR/DD.

Kittyhawk, I graduated from CCAC North campus myself in 2003 and there were rumors even then about the program closing. I was asking because I heard rumors that the north campus had already shut down thier program and already transfered everyone to the North side campus.

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