Considering ABSN Programs, Philly Resident!

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Hello all,

Previously I posted a thread on me being torn between laboratory research and going into nursing. So, I've decided to go into nursing :-) I already have a B.S degree in biochemistry (2011) but would need to take 2-3 pre-reqs at a local community college (mainly psychology and A&P).

To the point, I currently live in Philadelphia and found at least 5 schools that offer accelerated BSN programs: Drexel University-11 mos. (heard horror stories about this one), Holy Family-14 mos, Villanova University (I heard that the ABSN program here was good, but REALLY expensive)-12 mos, and West Chester University (I think this is in NJ?)-18 mos.

If there's anybody that has matriculated through the ABSN program at any of the schools that I listed, your feed back will be greatly appreciated! I will equally consider all five as long as I get into one lol. Also, is there anyone here that was offered scholarships to nursing school? Particularly through an ABSN program? I know that I'll have to take out some loans, but any opportunity to offset some of the cost of schooling I will gladly take.

Thanks in advance!

J

Oh! And I forgot to mention that I'll be entering the nursing "arena" starting out as a CNA (with my first job still being at the biotech company). Hopefully the experience will be a valuable baby step for me.

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I had a friend who was from Philly in my program

Fdu 1 year absn program look into it

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

FYI West Chester University is in Chester county, outside of Philly, in West Chester: http://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/healthsciences/nursing/stuinfo/bsn2.asp

Thomas Jefferson University also has their FACT program: http://www.jefferson.edu/university/nursing/academic-programs/non-nurses/fact.html

ABSN programs are VERY intense; nursing school requires a LOT if effort and time, and an accelerated program will be nursing school on steroids-hence the "horror story" you have heard about an excellent program as Drexel has one of the best programs; they are up there with Penn's program as competing in curriculum and reputation; I will say most curriculums are very similar and you get out if it what you put into it as well.

Contact the schools, and see what their requirements are in terms of scholarships, time, money; ABSNs are not cheap, however there are other programs that are done on a part time basis that can give you the balance if you need to work; ABSNs are very stringent in terms of a "no work clause" because their programs are during the week and they are jam packed due to their acceleration.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Our Pennsylvania Nursing has great discussions on all these programs.One ofmy staff graduated from Jeff's FACT program and felt it was well organized and doable while working part time.

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I can't speak to any of those programs but I did go through an accelerated nursing program. I had a Bachelors degree in Biology. The fact that you have a science degree is going to make your life soooo much easier in nursing school. My program was 11 months and it flew by. Yes, it's alot of information in a short period of time, but I honestly didn't find it difficult (probably because of my background in science). And I worked part time throughout the program and still graduated with honors. I know the programs will try and dissuade you from working; for many it is impossible to maintain a balance and do well in school. See if your current employer offers tuition benefits, that can offset the cost significantly.

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2 of my coworkers went to Jefferson and they are both also now in their MS program. Have good things to say about it!

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