CSU Sac vs. SJSU's nursing program

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Hello fellow nursing students! I'm am happy to say that I have been accepted into SJSU's nursing program as well as CSU Sacramento's! I am trying to decide which program to attend, and I would love to hear from some current students that are attending either program or nurses that have graduated from them. I know that sac has an accelerated program, but was it too much? Would any of you sac students prefer being in a three year program? I would enjoy any thoughts or opinions about either school! I thank you in advance for your time.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/passrates.shtml

Check out the NCLEX pass rates - CSU Sac's pass rates are extremely good, but SJSU's are not good at all (SJSU is listed as "The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University"). I know that doesn't say everything about a school, but it is still a good fact to look at.

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I'm just about to graduate from Sac State with a BSN. As you're probably aware, the program is on a conventional two-year, four semester schedule. It's very fast-paced, particularly during the first two semesters. You must be prepared to devote your full attention to school. However, anyone who qualifies to get into the program can successfully get through it. Standards are high but the faculty is terrific and is very supportive of the students. Clinical sites, particularly UCDMC, are excellent.

The School of Nursing just moved into a spacious new building that is slightly removed from the main campus. It has plenty of lab space, spacious classrooms, very cool new simulators, and some nice amenities such as multiple study spaces for students, the largest computer lab on campus, a nice lunchroom, and a patio. The building has its own parking lot, so you won't have to fight for a space.

Sac State's program has a very good reputation. In my opinion (and I have very obvious bias), that reputation is well deserved.

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Thank you both for the help! Mossback, did you enter into the nursing program with all of your co-reqs completed? I've completed PSYC 1, FACS 10, and SOC 1. That leaves me with NURS 14 (Pharmacology) and CHDV 30, 5 more units that must be completed within the first semester. This would bring my total to 17 units my first semester at Sac. This is why I am wondering if I should go for SJSU and spread this work load out.

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I took Pharm and Human Development prior to applying, but a number of my classmates took them after starting the program. Neither of the classes is too terribly time consuming, although they will place added demands on you.

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Did you decide which program you will be attending? I have accepted a program in the CSU Sac program.

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I am headed to CSU Sac!

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Does anyone have an opinion on taking Pharmacology before or during the program?

My community college offers Pharmacology but I hear its incredibly easy and you don't learn anything. I thought that was strange considering nurses use pharm a lot, so it made me hesitant to take the class.

Would it be a mistake to take it before entering the program if I didn't learn anything? Is it difficult to take it during the program? Thanks!

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Does anyone have an opinion on taking Pharmacology before or during the program? My community college offers Pharmacology but I hear its incredibly easy and you don't learn anything. I thought that was strange considering nurses use pharm a lot, so it made me hesitant to take the class. Would it be a mistake to take it before entering the program if I didn't learn anything? Is it difficult to take it during the program? Thanks!

I'd strongly advise taking pharm before entering the program. First semester is challenging enough without the extra class. Not having to take pharm concurrently with your nursing classes will be an advantage for you.

I took pharm at a community college, and the curriculum was roughly comparable to what my classmates encountered when taking it at Sac State

Bear in mind that while a pharmacology class can provide a foundation, most students pick up the more practical aspects of pharmacology in med/surg classes and during clinicals.

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I'd strongly advise taking pharm before entering the program. First semester is challenging enough without the extra class. Not having to take pharm concurrently with your nursing classes will be an advantage for you.

I took pharm at a community college, and the curriculum was roughly comparable to what my classmates encountered when taking it at Sac State

Bear in mind that while a pharmacology class can provide a foundation, most students pick up the more practical aspects of pharmacology in med/surg classes and during clinicals.

Thank you so much Mossback!! That answers my question. I'm enrolled in Pharm for next semester, but was unsure if it was worth it. Sounds like a good idea now! Thanks again :)

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Hi California42!

I am currently struggling with the same question as you were! How did you like Sac State? Would you recommend it? Did you wish you had an extra year?

Anais

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I have a lot of buddies from sjsu, everyone says it's a mess. I also have a bunch of buddies from sac state and hear a lot more positive words about them

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