Desperately in Need of Guidance: Deciding Between VCU & University of South Florida

[MJane29]

To provide a little background, I was recently offered admission to both the accelerated BSN (ABSN) program offered at VCU and the second degree BSN program at the University of South Florida. My dilemma stems from the fact that made the decision to plan as though I would be attending VCU, due to South Florida's late deadline (I wasn't sure if I would hear from USF in time and wasn't sure whether I was going to be accepted).

The ABSN program at VCU is an 18-month program. Successful completion of the ABSN program leads to a BS in nursing and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN examination for RN licensure. VCU's ABSN program is very appealing, as the school also offers a psychiatric-mental health NP MSN program (I would apply to the MSN program following completion of the ABSN).

The second degree program at USF is a 12 month program (so a little shorter). Problem is, USF no longer offers a psych-mental health nursing MSN program. In addition, during the last semester of the program, clinical rotations consist of 13 hour shifts. The pros of USF in my mind are as follows: 1.) Highly selective (400 applicants, only 36 were accepted to the second degree program), 2.) USF nursing school has a decent rank among nursing schools (at least according to US News & World Report ranking of masters programs), 3.) Relatives in the area, 4.) Weather is almost always warm and nice.

The pros of VCU are as follows: 1.) VCU also offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner MSN program (which is my ultimate goal), 2.) VCU School of nursing has a better rank among nursing schools than USF (according to US News & World Report ranking of masters programs).

3.) Not really a pro, but a reason to stick to the original plan of attending VCU... I have already purchased plane tickets to travel to VCU to look for an apartment from April 8th-April 12th, which just so happens to overlap with USF's mandatory orientation on April 10th.

Basically, this is an extremely difficult decision for me. I am worried that since USF appears to be the more selective program of the two, it may be the 'better' program. I am looking for some guidance from fellow allnurses members. Although I am not looking for others to make the decision for me, I decided to include a poll (just for fun). Thanks for your time and consideration. :)

[theRNJedi]

Both schools are good.

Both schools are ranked.

Both schools offer the BSN you seek.

Moving on from that....consider your Nurse Prac end goal, which in that case VCU has what you want beyond the BSN. You'll probably get preferential consideration into that program as an alumni, as opposed to USF which you will have to apply elsewhere as an outside candidate once you graduate from their BSN program. Plus, VCU is accelerated, which in my opinion is a valuable perk. Despite USF being highly selective, both schools are accredited and ranked, and both will prepare you for NCLEX. (All nursing schools are selective anymore, so take that with a grain of salt. Also, 'highly selective' usually equates to more expensive.)

This is a completely personal decision for yourself to weigh your own priorities and desires against the opportunities at your feet, but from what you describe, I vote VCU.

Good luck.

-theRNJedi

[crocogator]

@MorganB29, I won't want to lead you one way or the other -- I'm sure that's a difficult decision to make. I wish you the best! If you decide to come to USF, I'll be in your class, as I just accepted my seat in the ABSN program. My understanding is that the program is actually 16 months in length (4 semesters). That may be an important consideration.

[MJane29]

Thanks for the response crocogator. Congratulations on your acceptance to USF's ABSN program :)