Decisions, decisions...

[crayons]

I am trying to decide between several accelerated BSN programs: Drexel's ACE program, Jefferson's FACT program, and UMDNJ accelerated bachelors.

I have done a lot of research on them, so I know about the different program lengths and costs for all three, and also about the masters credits for Jefferson. I have asked around and gotten the generic "Oh, they are great programs." I was wondering if anyone had any more specific feedback about these three programs...especially, if you are in or have graduated from one.

I would welcome both pro and cons. I would love to hear the great things, but also I would like to know what is frustrating about them to get a well rounded perspective. I have found a lot posts about how stressful Drexel's ACE program is, but have not been able to find much about UMDNJ or Jefferson. Maybe I am just not looking in the right spots.

I posted this in the NJ schools section, but thought I would post here as well.

Thank you so much for any feedback you have!

[iridium54]

Anyone have any comments? I'd like to hear what people have to say, too (regarding Jeff and UMDNJ).

[KnitWitch, ASN, RN]

I ultimately decided against Drexel's ACE program after talking to several people enrolled in it, as well as getting my current instructor's perspective.

First, it is not cheap. $40,000 and that is JUST tuition.

Second, it is incredibly stressful. One woman who was in my A&P class had two classmates withdraw -- one due to stress-induced heart problems and one due to eye problems exacerbated by stress.

Third, Drexel operates on the quarter system and in the ACE program you carry an average of 21 credits per quarter. It's my humble opinion that there is simply not enough time in a quarter to learn all the information and hone all the skills you need to really have a solid nursing foundation to build on, or to have confidence in those skills.

Fourth, while their NCLEX pass rate might look OK on paper, consider that the stats on how many people wash out of the program and how many never make it to the NCLEX due to not passing the HESI are not published. I suspect the number is rather high.

Overall it was a better fit for me to enter an ADN now, get me license, pray for a job and then immediately start work on my BSN.

I used to be so excited about the ACE program, but the more I heard the more I felt it wasn't a good fit for me. The day I got my acceptance letter was incredibly bittersweet. The day I turned down the admissions offer even moreso. Still, in the long run I know I made the right choice for myself.

[iridium54]

I ultimately decided against Drexel's ACE program after talking to several people enrolled in it, as well as getting my current instructor's perspective.

First, it is not cheap. $40,000 and that is JUST tuition.

Second, it is incredibly stressful. One woman who was in my A&P class had two classmates withdraw -- one due to stress-induced heart problems and one due to eye problems exacerbated by stress.

Third, Drexel operates on the quarter system and in the ACE program you carry an average of 21 credits per quarter. It's my humble opinion that there is simply not enough time in a quarter to learn all the information and hone all the skills you need to really have a solid nursing foundation to build on, or to have confidence in those skills.

Fourth, while their NCLEX pass rate might look OK on paper, consider that the stats on how many people wash out of the program and how many never make it to the NCLEX due to not passing the HESI are not published. I suspect the number is rather high.

Overall it was a better fit for me to enter an ADN now, get me license, pray for a job and then immediately start work on my BSN.

I used to be so excited about the ACE program, but the more I heard the more I felt it wasn't a good fit for me. The day I got my acceptance letter was incredibly bittersweet. The day I turned down the admissions offer even moreso. Still, in the long run I know I made the right choice for myself.

Thanks for the heartfelt response - much appreciated! I haven't even applied to ACE and won't be. Right now I am considering Jeff, which is a sure thing, and applying to UMDNJ for their fall start. Jeff's FACT program seems similar to ACE in that it is costly and only a 12-month program. BUT, time is money (so they say?) and I would be done by next June - and they have one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the country (though maybe the numbers are to be questioned in the same way you mentioned Drexel's). Alas, I don't know still and am thinking . . . .