Comparing nursing schools

[eflr]

Does anyone now how to compare programs from 2 nursing schools - NGCSU in GA and Edison College in FL -they are accredited from the same agency. I am having a very difficult time finding information to help me make the best decision. Are there any good websites out there that list NCLEX rates, minimum test scores required, % of students that start who actually graduate, and quality of the program?

I even tried to compare the course outline - but one school breaks it down into more classes/credit hours than the other school - so it does not make any sense.

I've also tried to get names of students to talk to, but the school would not provide that.

Thanks!!

eflr

[fmrnicumom]

Does either school hold information meetings to talk about the nursing program? Most schools around here do, so you can ask the nursing department questions and get an idea of what they expect and how their programs work. Call the nursing department and ask. If they don't, write down your questions and call the nursing department and ask. Or, even better, if you live close enough, make an appointment to talk with an advisor within the nursing department. You can also send email and ask. Does either school have an alumni directory that lists people and their majors? I know some schools do. Maybe you could get a hold of former graduates and talk to them. Have you posted on your state's forum here and asked about the schools there?

Good luck to you!

Tiffany

[BreatheFree]

Have you checked the state's board of nursing website? I know my state has a page comparing all of the schools.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

Be careful looking at NCLEX pass rates. Schools have different policies, and some programs intend to weed certain students out at the end, so they cannot take the NCLEX at all. Such schools may fail a higher proportion of students in their final semester so the school can have a near-perfect pass rate. Other programs may allow a wider latitude of students to pass, giving them to the opportunity to attempt NCLEX. Such schools may have lower pass rates but actually be just as strong academically. Or not. See how pass rates aren't so simple? I wouldn't be alarmed unless a pass rate is really low. One program I looked at had a pass rate of ~60%. You can bet I would not attend that sort of program.

[justme1972]

In my State the Board of Nursing has that information. That his how they monitor the success rate of the schools.

If you can't find it on their website, call them and I'm sure someone would be more than happy to share that information.

Be sure to get not only the pass rates, but their graduation rate (from the college).

[BreatheFree]

Ours only compares the pass rate of the school not the NCLEX pass rate.

[PAMALILLY]

I was just accepted and started the program at Edison in Fl. I don't know if I can answer any questions for you but would be glad to try. They were very competitive to get in but VERY fair about it all you either had the points or not. no VOODOO involved. Can't say the same for other schools in the area.