Considering Graduation Rates?

FL_Nurse92 · Sep 29, 2015

I'm guessing there was a high nclex pass rate? If so it sounds like the program weeds out those who aren't serious about nursing or religious to their studies.

rom12345 · Sep 29, 2015

I originally went through the same thought process. They do have a high NCLEX rate, but I still think the graduation rate being so low is a red flag. I spoke with other schools in the area and their graduation rates are much higher and their NCLEX pass rates are about the same to this school.

I think I'd prefer a prefer a program where I have a better chance of graduating that has the same high NCLEX pass rate. Thoughts?

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Sep 29, 2015

I would look into why is it low. For example, life situations happen that put a dent in plans. With the accessibility of online programs, more people are are applying than before. Also, some online programs have easier requirements therefore the mix of academic savvy folks is widely varied. For whatever reason whether financial, academic, or situational, students drop out or take breaks.

There must be more to that statistic than poor quality as assumed.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 29, 2015

Nursing programs - even traditional ones - have always had high attrition rates. One of the most common factors is simply lack of previous knowledge about nursing. Nursing is one of those things - like wind surfing - that seems to be so appealing and attractive to outsiders. BTW, I have an acquaintance who teaches windsurfing, and his attrition rate is about 75%! Incoming students don't have a realistic picture of what it's going to be like, how much effort is required, the effect upon their personal life, etc.

So, to me a 50% attrition rate for an ABSN program is not at all surprising. The accelerated pace will ramp up all those stressors to a much higher level. In addition, ABSN program schedules do not allow for students to continue to work - so there can be an overwhelming financial burden, especially for adults who have to contribute to family support.

rom12345 · Sep 29, 2015

Compared to similar programs in the area though this rate is much, much lower. It makes me think that it has less to do with the students and more to do with the school, which is why it's causing me to be concerned.

Why wouldn't other schools also have the same drop out rates?

AceOfHearts<3 · Sep 30, 2015

Is it against TOS to share the name of the school? I attended an ABSN program and graduated from it in eastern PA. The attrition rate for my program I found out was not so great, but I never had any issues with it. If I had to do it all over again I would have no problems picking the same school (but others in my program would tell prospective students to run).

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 30, 2015

Is it against TOS to share the name of the school? I attended an ABSN program and graduated from it in eastern PA. The attrition rate for my program I found out was not so great, but I never had any issues with it. If I had to do it all over again I would have no problems picking the same school (but others in my program would tell prospective students to run).

Name the school if you so choose, though it may be identifying you. Just don't name professors or other school staff

rom12345 · Sep 30, 2015

The school is Felician College in NJ. The program is very small, our cohort started with 19 students. I'm in the second semester now.

The other students in my cohort are all very intelligent, hard working students. It's really concerning knowing that out of such a high quality group of students more than half of us will (statistically) be failed out of the program. It makes me think that there is something flawed in the program rather than the quality of the students.

If I had known of the incredibly low graduation rate, I would have gone to one of the other schools I was accepted into. Since I'm only two semesters in I've been applying to other schools with a better graduation rate and high NCLEX scores (and are cheaper to boot). I feel like a program should aid you in your preparation to take the NCLEX, not be an obstacle.

Thoughts considering your experience? Did the other students wish that they had decided to transfer earlier?

AceOfHearts<3 · Sep 30, 2015

I was wondering if we could possibly be talking about the same schools, but we aren't. My program also accepted a ton of students and was very large, so it varied in that respect (just goes to show you that large and small programs can have the same problems). I don't know what the fail rate was, but I don't think my cohort lost nearly as many students as in the past. I've heard that my program lost as many as 50% too by the end.

The whole idea of failing or dropping out is scary, but it can happen for so many reasons. I know some people talked about hating my program, but they switched their tunes when they passed the NCLEX with flying colors. Everyone you ask is going to give you a different response. If changing programs won't set you back too much (time wise and financially- some places won't accept transfer credits) and will make you feel better then I say go for it. I would also say talk to former students in your program to get their perspective. Talk with people who graduated and with people who didn't if possible. When I talk with new students entering my program I am totally upfront with them- I tell them I did really well and didn't really have any major issues with my program, so my opinions vary from others.

I put a lot of work into my program, but it paid off when I passed the exit exam and the NCLEX with flying colors and very little additional studying. The whole time though everyone had the fear of failing, but we liked to say that you can't let the fear keep you from trying. Good luck!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2015

Do you have to pass an exam prior to graduating? Like a predictor exam to predict the likelyhood to pass NCLEX on first try? I find at least in here, many people don't know that is a part of their program and then they don't pass, whatever that test is, which is usually ATI or Hesi, they are upset. They don't understand how they can pass every credit, technically earning them the credits to graduate, but if they don't pass the exit exam with a good number, they don't graduate.

The reason that test is in place is because accreditation is based on NCLEX pass rates. I'm not sure if they factor in graduation rates or not, but I do know that NCLEX pass rates are huge and the content of the program is another biggie. That test weeds out those who are not predicted to pass NCLEX on the first try and helps them keep their accreditation. A lot of it is also due to people not being prepared mentally or emotionally for the program. In my cohort, we are in our third semester and all of us are still there out of 20. The LPN program that started the same time we did, lost 4 or 5 along the way which was 25% of their class.

With you being in the accelerated program, I'm sure the drop out rate is higher. I could never do around 20 credit hours a semester in a BSN program. I would not be able to be that organized. Kudos to those that do it though and I know plenty do. I think as long as you know what's in front of you to begin with and know the program will be difficult, you will be fine. As for a predictor test, as long as you are doing well on your tests in the program and if you have to take NCLEX style tests and do well on those, you will be fine. My school does ATI throughout. Each class has at least one ATI procotored that we must score a level 2 on or above. This semester we have 2. One for Labor and Delivery, and another for Peds. I have never once scored below a level 2 and needed remediation. I study and do practice tests ahead of time.

Good Luck and I'm sure you will be fine.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2015

I think it interesting that you think the school fails people. I would assume the school lets people fail themselves when they are not able to meet a school's high standards of achievement as evidenced by their high NCLEX pass rates.

If you were to drop out, you would contribute to the school's high attrition rate, no?