Debating if I should Transfer Schools!

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 5, 2017

$12,000 per semester? You can find entire programs for that price if you look hard enough! Sounds like there's a valid reason the CC is more competitive than the private university. Why are you only looking at these two programs? Look on your BON website for approved programs, and see if there are others near you or within a reasonable commute that would be more affordable back up options. I sure wouldn't pay that kind of money for an associates degree in this job market.

Marieh · Mar 5, 2017

Thanks Rose_Queen, I know it is highly expensive there are not many choices of nursing schools in my area. There are like three that are accredited Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, University of Saint Francis which is the one that is $12,000 a semester and Ivy Tech Community College. We had others but they have all closed due to not being accredited, low Nclex pass rates etc. For profit schools basically. I will do my research I will travel outside my area if need be if it means getting in to a program. I sm still going to apply at my cc as I been told to also apply to as many campuses as I can. I take my TEAS in 2 weeks so by then I will have a better picture of where I will stand also I have one more science class to take. Its a co req so it can be done in the program. I thought about getting it completed if not accepted this fall. Thanks again Rose_Queen for your advice.

Scottishtape · Mar 5, 2017

I would try to get into the community college first. If they're that competitive, it makes me assume they have a great program. What are their pass rates compared to the private?

From there, I would look outside my area for another good program that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

If all else fails, then I'd hit up the privates as a last effort. We have a guy in our program who drives 2 hours one way just to get to class because our community college has the best program in the entire area. Sometimes the drive is worth it!

Marieh · Mar 6, 2017

Thank you for bringing that question up. I looked up the Nclex pass rates of the 2 schools and I am glad I did. My cc has a 90.6% pass rate as of 2015. The private college has a 79.7% pass rate as of 2015. Quite a difference. Yeah my school is competitive which it should as nursing is all around competitive. I knew that when I started my journey in pre nursing. I plan to take the TEAS in 2 weeks and see how I do on my first attempt. If I score high then no worries except I may need to retake a class or two to get the points to be competitive. Since my cc has like 33 campuses throughout the state I should be fine. Some campuses will let students in with lower scores in pre reqs. I have like 3 or 4 campuses I can drive to that are only 40 minutes to a little over an hour drive. Also if all else fails I will have a good chance at the LPN program. Then I will bridge to the RN after I get my LPN license. I am optimistic as I have many options. Thanks again for the input.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 6, 2017

Those students aren't "transferring" to the expensive for-profit school.... they weren't accepted to the higher quality, inexpensive program so they went with Plan B. Based on the data that OP has provided, you can see the consequences of admitting poorly qualified people to a nursing program. Every has to take the same NCLEX. Schools that dip below 80% will come under BON scrutiny - they are in danger of losing accreditation if they are unable to improve.

When they have higher admission requirements, schools aren't being "mean" - they are being realistic. They have a lot of data (including GPA & entrance test scores) that clearly illustrates the type of student that will be successful.

Marieh · Mar 7, 2017

Thank you for this great advice. I am lucky to be where I am at such a great school, I am glad Scottishtape asked me about the Nclex pass rates before I made any rash decisions. As PP has said it is crucial that these schools be on top of things when it comes to passing the boards as they are in major jeapordy of not only losing the accreditation but closing as well. I previously mentioned that in my area there have been 3 for-profit schools actually close their doors due to not meeting educational stsndards . I now know just how important it is to get into a tough program even if it means waiting, working as a CNA or Tech to gain experience or retaking a few classes to improve one's grades and be more competitive for admission.