Choosing the right school

[BritanyForgey]

Help! I am so confused about which schools to apply for and which schools are the best. I currently go to Clark College in Vancouver, and am taking my pre-requisites for nursing. But I am almost done and will soon have to decide where to go next.

As of December I will be finished with my Pre-nursing AAS/MRP and I do not know if I should continue at Clark's nursing school or transfer to a 4 year program.

My major goal is to become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist) and will probably go to OHSU since it is local. And I also know that Portland Community College has the same OCNE curriculum that OHSU has, so I wonder of going there would be advantageous.

So in everyone's opinions, which direction is best:

1. Stay at Clark for AARN ---> Get BSN through WSUV ---> Get CRNA through OHSU

2. Transfer to PCC for AARN ---> Get BSN and CRNA through OHSU

OR

3. Transfer straight into OHSU's BSN program ---> Get CRNA through OHSU

4. Transfer to Concordia's BSN program ---> Get CRNA through OHSU

5. Transfer to University of Portland's BSN program --->CRNA through OHSU

There are just SO many options and I feel lost in a sea of colleges.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[efda2rn]

Portland Community College is just one of 3 Portland area community colleges that belong to the OCNE program, so you should also consider Clackamas Community College and Mt. Hood Community College.

[L&DinOregon]

Go to a BSN program. In the long run if you go ADN +BSN it would be more expensive because it would be more time. You will get to your goal of CRNA quicker also.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

The nursing schools in the Portland area are highly competitive. You would be wise to apply to all schools you are considering and if you get in the first time you apply and if you get into more than one school.....then worry about which school you are going to attend

[Student Mom to Three]

Well....I agree with "go with whichever school you can get into". However, if finances are a concern, I would definitely consider doing Clark/WSUV. I am a Clark grad and nursing school cost less than $10k. There is a new RN I work with who is also a Clark grad who then went on to earn her BSN at WSUV in one year while working. So....that is three years total. Don't know how that compares timeline wise to UP or OHSU- but I can almost guarantee it is a whole lot cheaper!

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Agree on the ADN the bridge to RN-BSN route being cheaper.

I got my ADN at PCC then did WGU while working and I only had $15,000 in student loans for both degrees.