Concorde vs DSON

I have narrowed my choices down to either Concorde or DSoN for my RN. I will not need to do pre-reqs (all will be done by the end of summer), does anyone have opinions on which is better and why? Concorde is a bit shorter, but more expensive at 42k, and they had those staffing issues a few years ago. DSON is not yet accredited but is 'only' 35k. I plan on continuing to get my BSN so transferability is a concern too. Oh! And future job prospects is always a consideration. Any help or information would be GREATLY appreciated.

BTW, I am looking at the Nov Corcorde date or Oct for DSoN (although I haven't applied to either yet)

Thanks so much!!

SD

Well, I don't know about concorde, but DSON actually is accredited, as of January. I really like the small size of the school, and all the faculty are very friendly. I am starting April 6th, so I will know more then! All of the DSON students who I have talked to or heard from really like the school.

Awesome!! Thanks LuckyKellyK - student should be able to get federal loans now, right? That's great news, I heard rumors certain sites around Denver wouldn't hire grads because it wasn't accredited. DSoN is my first choice of the two, I just thought I would keep myself open and find out what others know that I don't. I'm waiting to hear back from DSoN on an email I sent, now I can't wait, lol.

Thanks again!

Awesome!! Thanks LuckyKellyK - student should be able to get federal loans now, right? That's great news, I heard rumors certain sites around Denver wouldn't hire grads because it wasn't accredited. DSoN is my first choice of the two, I just thought I would keep myself open and find out what others know that I don't. I'm waiting to hear back from DSoN on an email I sent, now I can't wait, lol.

Thanks again!

Yep, I already had my meeting for federal loans. Since they are accredited now I am sure you could get the ball rolling if you wanted to because the spots for each cohort are going to fill up faster now than ever before. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

When you applied, did you have all your pre-reqs done? I am in the middle of spring semester and have a couple more classes to finish during summer semester, but was hoping to get into the Oct cohort. I want to apply now... I'll be all done by classes, but wondering if they will even accept my application if I'm not all done. Any ideas? I haven't heard back from them either via email so I am going to call on Monday, maybe set up an appt.

Thanks!

SD

Both schools suck, tuition is wayyy to much, sketchy programs, I would laugh at a nurse that graduated from either program, and a few nursing managers have told me that those students are not first picks when it comes to hiring and promotion, just something to think about

Hi SandDollar! I thought you could use some advice from an actual DSON student :wink2: I will graduate from DSON next week with my BSN and I can certainly say that you WILL be able to find a job when you complete the program. Many of my classmates have jobs secured at several area hospitals AND out-of-state hospitals; I myself have my first RN job interview this week. I have heard fabulous comments on DSON students from many educators, nursing managers and recruiters. The school has made vast improvements in the facilities, faculty and NCLEX pass rates; it's a quality program that will prepare you for successfully passing the NCLEX and becoming an RN. I agree the tuition is pricey, but at least you're not waiting for years to begin your nursing school career. Hope this helps and best of luck to you on your journey to become a nurse.

Thanks CONative!

I have made my choice. The night after I called concorde to set up an appointment I woke up and could not sleep. I got up and was really worried about all of this. I wanted my BSN, but wanted to be an RN as soon as I could and start working so was settling on an ASN. Well... I was going over the DSN catalog and was looking at their BSN program. The light went on!

I have 27 credits from University I really didn't think were good for anything. Wrong! I looked and could put them towards the BSN. I figured out what I had left for pre-reqs... if I added two classes and did the fall semester, all the pre-reqs would be done. So - I go to school for a couple extra quarters, pay about the same as concorde and I have a BSN, not an ASN. I made up my mind! I was going to go to DSN!!

I was still worried I had figured it wrong, so I faxed everything to Kelly in admissions and she confirmed it. She said I can contact her at the beginning of July to take the test and then be put on the list for the January '10 cohort.

I feel much more relaxed about the decision. I wanted DSN all along, I just wanted to look at all the options. I hear good things too about DSN and concorde just didn't get the positive remarks that DSN has.

Thanks again CONative, you confirmed I made the right choice. Nice thing is too now they have their accreditation and will have gov't funding sources, hooya!!

Both schools suck, tuition is wayyy to much, sketchy programs, I would laugh at a nurse that graduated from either program, and a few nursing managers have told me that those students are not first picks when it comes to hiring and promotion, just something to think about

wow, nice comments

I am currently in my first quarter at DSN and wanted to tell you the program is in no way sketchy. I will graduate with my BSN in Sept 2010 and was told by my current employer (The Children's Hospital) that they are definitely hiring graduates from there because they are accredited and their graduates have received a quaility education. Currently the school is working on accrediation through NLN and this last week we have had evaluators on the facilities. When I graduate I will be proud to say I went to school there.

good job bfrdncr41! i heard about the good reputation of dsn too! i am not going to listen or believe the opinion or comment of some egoistic, conceited people on this thread! my aunt from california is a an rn for 15 years and is teaching nursing students at a local hospital in ca. she thinks that dsn has a good program.

i am very sure whereever dsn students go, they are going to be hired because they have a quality training and so are the concorde!!!

good job bfrdncr41! i heard about the good reputation of dsn too! i am not going to listen or believe the opinion or comment of some egoistic, conceited people on this thread! my aunt from california is a an rn for 15 years and is teaching nursing students at a local hospital in ca. she thinks that dsn has a good program.

i am very sure whereever dsn students go, they are going to be hired because they have a quality training and so are the concorde!!!

i just consider the source. maybe he's threatened by others success? who knows? :chuckle

all i know is my school is making strides to improve itself and its reputation speaks for itself. i am fairly certain it will be one of the premiere nursing schools in the colorado area soon.

No one can discourage pre-nursing students, the new RNs' or put down DSN. It is just a negative propaganda!

I am taking the last pre-reqs right now at ACC! I will inquire at DSN or Front Range community about the program.

The DSN will certainly be one of the premiere schools here in Colorado!

:chuckle

I didn't take anything he said to heart, he seems to be predominantly negative on other posts, so I took it with a grain of salt. All the great talk of DSN here has just make it more concrete in my mind.

Pumpkinpie - I'm doing the same, just finishing up my pre-reqs through PCC right now. I emailed FRCC (our home is up north) about their AAS program and it was 2-3 years, sigh. Just too long for me to wait. I am recommending it to my daughter though and if she gets in before her BSN pre-reqs are finished then it will save her mega bucks.

I can't wait to start at DSN... I will be done my pre-reqs about 2 or 3 weeks before starting DSN (if I get the Jan cohort that is) - YIKES!! At least I won't have time to panic, lol.