First off, I was originally a biochem major, medical emphasis, working towards pharmacy at a university for two years but decided to switch to nursing. So I transferred my credits to a local community college and it knocked out most of my undergrad creds (english, math, biology, chemistry, etc. I just had to take anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, etc.) and now I've just finished all of my undergraduates studies/pre-requisites to the ADN and BSN programs. However, because of budget cuts and shortage of classes (I live in southern California), this took me about 2-3 years more. I've already completed a CNA course and received my CNA certificate and looking for a job while studying for the TEAS, preparing to apply to ADN and BSN programs in the fall. If I don't get accepted, then I plan to do LPN for one year then bridge to RN for the next, and then bridge from ADN to BSN.

Now, my problem is with my dad, who wants me to go to a private nursing school because he believes that the community colleges' application process, getting rejected, and waitlisting is too long (he always have to remind me that I've been in school too long while "everyone else graduates within 4 years") and he wants me to pay the private school tuition to just go straight into the program to get it done and over with. I don't want to be 125k+ in debt (I hear private nursing school takes about 5 years), and I've already done all this work, but my dad won't stop pushing me into it. I tried explaining everything to him but either he doesn't seem to understand or just doesn't want to listen. What should I do or tell him? Should I do as he say? (Not that I would anyway after getting this far, but yeah) Are these credits transferable to a private college?

Hi, it sounds like you have a lot of questions unanswered. Some advice... do your homework and call some private nursing schools and gain some info on transfer credits, cost of tuition, scholarship opportunities before you talk to your dad. That way you can feel confident in fielding his concerns. Not all private schools take 5 years. In fact the private school by me has assured me that when I apply to the program this fall I can graduate in 2 years with a BSN due to all of the prereqs I have taken. With all of the prereqs that you have under your belt you might be surprised at the time of graduation at a private school. Scholarship opportunities are available at these private schools. Mine offers a 24,000 scholarship. With that and finishing up in 2 years is a win win!!

Good day:

It is your life that only you can live. If you are of college age, then this is your decision; you have to live with the choice. Personally, I think you are doing the right thing by sticking with a community college. They generally are nationally accredited, and do just a good of job (sometimes better) than universities.

Here's questions I would look into if I were in your shoes:

1. Are the schools being looked at (current and possibly private) nationally accredited? Sometimes private school are not nationally accredited -- THEN RUN AWAY. Not only huge debt, but then forget BSN/MSN as the credits will not transfer.

2. What is the NCLEX pass rate for the past five years of the schools being looked at?

3. Call the hospitals were clinicals are held for the schools being considered to try and find out what the nursing managers think of the students... does one school appear to better prepare their students for clinicals than another?

When you are done, either you will be convinced your choices are correct, or your mind will be changed. Either way, you have facts to share with your dad to show him you are respecting him and doing homework on his idea.

Thank you.

Personally, if my parents were pushing for me to attend a private college "just to get done" with school, I would simply say "sure, as long as you are paying for it." I'm not going to take on that much debt simply because my parents want me to get done with school.

You still owe it to yourself to find out if the schools you're looking at attending are nationally (regional is better) accredited. If they are, it's a bit easier to transfer the courses you've taken (and will take) between different colleges and universities.

Find out how many students they accept per cohort, how many cohorts they have per year, and then look at their NCLEX pass rates over the past 5 years or so, and take note of how many students have taken the NCLEX each year from that program. What this does for you is give you a very good idea of both their NCLEX pass rate, but also their Program Retention rate (how many start and complete the program). If they accept 30 students every year and they have a 100% pass rate but only 2 students actually took the NCLEX, that's a HORRIBLE retention rate.

Finally, on the financial end, you need to take a very close look at scholarships, grants, and loans... and most especially at loans. You don't want to end up paying a LOT more for your education than you initially figured.

Oh, and you should apply everywhere that has a nursing program that you're qualified for. Just make sure you avoid programs that aren't accredited. If it's not accredited by the State Nursing Board, that's a HUGE warning that you shouldn't apply there. Other places to closely look at and steer clear from are those that basically tell you that if you pay their tuition, you'll get a nursing degree. That doesn't guarantee that you'll get your license or even really be prepared for the NCLEX.

Unless your dad is willing to pay for the private school, I'd stay away. It's not worth $100K+ in debt!! Sometimes scholarships are available. Make sure the school is accredited, and any reputable school WILL allow you to transfer the classes you've already taken (assuming they're transferable, as some aren't).

I would apply to EVERY school you're willing to attend. I applied to 10 the first cycle. Have you considered a CSU?

Most people, especially nurses, DO NOT finish in 4 years. That's the reality these days. We have more required courses than our predecessors, and especially here in CA, that makes it a big challenge. Plus, our prereqs are always impacted, making it hard to get things done within a certain amount of time.