Concorde vs DSON

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

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

Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would just like to say that I graduated from concorde and had absolutely no problem finding a job, our clinicals were at great hospitals and I feel like i got a very good education. I also work with a good number of DSN graduates and they are wonderful hardworking people. I am very proud of were I graduated from and am so happy with were i work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
I would just like to say that I graduated from concorde and had absolutely no problem finding a job, our clinicals were at great hospitals and I feel like i got a very good education. I also work with a good number of DSN graduates and they are wonderful hardworking people. I am very proud of were I graduated from and am so happy with were i work.

I don't doubt you received a wonderful education at Concorde. Great to hear you didn't have a hard time finding a job either! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok I will just ignore his negative replies on posts! Yes, the waitlist in FRCC is too long!!!! I might just go to DSN and inquire about their BSN program after I finish my pre-reqs this May.

Goodluck to you bfrdncr41!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

bfrdncr41 - I'm really glad to hear Concorde has a good program. Even though I decided to choose DSN its nice to hear it is still a good school.

Pumpkinpie - I would call DSN now if your planning to do so eventually, you don't have to be done the pre-reqs completely to start the process of getting in. You might be able to get into an earlier cohort, and get that BSN sooner - which is always a good thing. :) The admissions told me the list starts for Jan at the end of July, so it appears to be about 6 months between the two.

I also think the new thing with the CCs requiring you be a CNA is a crock, I guess they have a lot of people drop out when they get into the yucky stuff of nursing. I know what I want to be and a little mess isn't going to cause me to drop out, sheesh!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
bfrdncr41 - I'm really glad to hear Concorde has a good program. Even though I decided to choose DSN its nice to hear it is still a good school.

Pumpkinpie - I would call DSN now if your planning to do so eventually, you don't have to be done the pre-reqs completely to start the process of getting in. You might be able to get into an earlier cohort, and get that BSN sooner - which is always a good thing. :) The admissions told me the list starts for Jan at the end of July, so it appears to be about 6 months between the two.

I also think the new thing with the CCs requiring you be a CNA is a crock, I guess they have a lot of people drop out when they get into the yucky stuff of nursing. I know what I want to be and a little mess isn't going to cause me to drop out, sheesh!

I actually don't attend Concorde but lisacsu84 did attend and based on her post has not had a problem getting a good job.

I attend DSN currently and am in my last week of first quarter for the BSN Jan 09 cohort and have no regrets.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

Duh! I should have looked back and saw that, sorry bfrdncr41.

How are you finding the program, I'm dying to know!! How far ahead did you get your book list, did it give you enough time to find them online? I know the catalog says books are included, but are they really? I have read other posts to the contrary. As well, did the teas have science on it? I think they usually do, but in the catalog it says its only language and math stuff, i was wonder which it was. I am SO excited, I do hope I get into the Jan '10 cohort.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
Duh! I should have looked back and saw that, sorry bfrdncr41.

How are you finding the program, I'm dying to know!! How far ahead did you get your book list, did it give you enough time to find them online? I know the catalog says books are included, but are they really? I have read other posts to the contrary. As well, did the teas have science on it? I think they usually do, but in the catalog it says its only language and math stuff, i was wonder which it was. I am SO excited, I do hope I get into the Jan '10 cohort.

They gave us the book list at orientation, which was about 3 wks before the first day of class. I did the package deal with the books, so they were there for us on the first day along with a backpack, stethoscope and BP cuff. The TEAS test does have a science section, but it is really easy and if you did well in pre-reqs you'll do fine. Lemme know if you have any other questions. Good luck to you! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sand Dollar, I think you might have the HESI and the TEAS mixed up. The HESI is what you take to get accepted and it has no science. The TEAS you take the first week of class and it doesn't impact your standing, its just for statistical value.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

Oh thanks! Yeah, it was totally mixing me up - thanks! I am not worried about the HESI but the TEAS had me a little worried.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I graduated from Concorde in San Bernadino, Ca back in July 1992 from the LVN program it was a little expensive back then but it was accredited and I now travel with my husband due to military and never had an issue getting a license in states like GA, SC, TX,and NC. Also ,the school I attend for my RN did not have a problem with Concorde's accredation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I currently attend DSN and will be starting my final quarter next month. I think the school is a good school and I find the faculty helpful. I also think it's all in the way we present ourselves. If someone has a negative experience anywhere and are quick to blame others, it's a possibility that someone brought it on him/herself. As well, as far as getting a job, I think it has a lot to do on how professional we are during the interview and what kind of work we are willing to do. As new graduate nurses, I believe we have to be open about shifts and what area of nursing we start in. We are not going to have jobs handed over to us on a silver platter when we graduate.

Good luck to everyone starting DSN or considering DSN. It's a good school and has a lot of goals for the future.

~R

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment