Community College Versus University

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Hi there!

I am almost finished with my prerequisites to apply for a nursing program. Originally I thought I would go the ABSN (accelerated program) route, but I have since discovered other pathways to reach my BSN including, attending an associates program while taking a concurrent online program so that when I have finished the associate's program, I will have about one semester left of school to get my BSN. This is much more financially appealing, but I do wonder if I am sacrificing cost for a 'better' program?

Curious what people's thoughts or experiences are when it comes to choosing a community college program versus a more well-known university program that is highly ranked. I am looking to get my BSN within 3 years so time plays a factor. If I go the community college route I know I will be saving a lot of money even if it takes a year or so longer to complete. However, am I missing out on programs that may be more costly but are high-ranking programs? Is the money worth it in the end?

The community college I would likely attend if I go that route is not a top-ranking school for nursing and I do wonder if I will miss out on great learning experiences if I decide to go that way.

Open to any thoughts and experiences people have!

Thanks, Jess

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I did an ABSN program at a top-rated university. I work alongside others who graduated from my program, and those who have graduated from other programs (including our local community college). 

Do I feel like my educational experiences better prepared me? Do I feel like I am a better nurse because of my education compared to others? No. We all passed the NCLEX and a ton of what nursing really is can only be learned on the job IMO. 

If the CC program you are considering has a high NCLEX pass rate, I don't see a reason not to do it. The only thing that would make me really think twice about it is if you have a strong desire to do a very competitive graduate degree, like CRNA. 

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

There are a few factors here. The first we should get out of the way is the stigma that BSN prepared nurses are superior to ADN prepared nurses. This is simply not true. We all learn the same subjects and take the same licensing exam. 

With that being said, all nursing programs ARE NOT made equal. Some programs are stronger than others. This comes down to curriculum, clinical exposure, format of the program and (of course) pass rates. To answer your question, there are two reasons why I would suggest the BSN program at the top-rated university you mentioned: 

1. The items that I mentioned earlier that determine the "quality" of a program are difficult to objectively gauge and measure. This is why a more highly rated program that is well-respected and renowned is a safer bet. There are more eyes on the program itself as well as its outcomes. Also, there is a likelihood that you have very solid resources and clinical exposure. 

2. You want your BSN done within 3 years. If you go the ADN route, this will elongate that process. Most ADN programs are a firm two years (they generally don't have an accelerated option). After that, you can either find an employer that is willing to pay for you to get your BSN (this usually comes after a year of employment and requires some sort of obligation to work for the employer for xx amount of years afterward) or pay for an RN to BSN program on your own. Either way, you'll be at least 3 years if not more with the ADN route. 

Additionally, This may be controversial, but you're more employable with a BSN than you are with an ADN. Many larger academic and MAGNET facilities require a BSN for new graduates. You don't have the luxury of having the experience to outweigh your lack of a BSN as many other experienced nurses with an ADN have. You may find it difficult for an employer to hire a new graduate ADN with the intention of paying for their BSN afterward. By no means does this mean that you can't find a job as an ADN, of course.

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K. Everly,

Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. Your comment definitely validated what I was already thinking. In terms of a high NCLEX pass rate, is there a cut-off in your mind for what that is? (Of course the higher the better!)

Kindly,
Jess

 

Living2Learn, 

My sincerest apologies if it came across that I was comparing BSN to ADN, that was definitely not my intention and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I know that my path forward is toward a BSN and I should have made that clear.

Thank you for your perspective, I have not taken it lightly. I think my next steps are really to hone in on schools, both CC and Universities, to compare and contrast their statistics, and it seems more specifically to compare NCLEX pass rates. I have attended many informational sessions and learned a lot that way as well.

I asked this to the previous commenter as well, but I am curious in your mind if there is a 'cut-off' for what a high NCLEX pass rate is?

Thank you!

Jess

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Specializes in oncology.
On 4/4/2022 at 2:29 PM, jesscoro said:

I have since discovered other pathways to reach my BSN including, attending an associates program while taking a concurrent online program so that when I have finished the associate's program,

You do not have a clue about the intense content you are going to study in an ADN program. And you don't understand how a BSN builds on previous nursing theory.

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