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

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Co-occurring Disorders.

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.

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 concerned that since USF's program is (seemingly) highly selective, it may in fact be the 'better' program of the two. I am not looking for others to make the decision for me, but am hoping for some guidance from fellow allnurses members. Thank you for your time and consideration. :)

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Congratulations on getting accepted to two ABSN programs!! That's awesome. Just curious if by VCU you are referring to Virginia Commonwealth University? I live in the Richmond area and once applied to VCU and now attend one of our awesome ADN programs.

It sounds like you're already leaning toward VCU, but are holding yourself back thinking it's not as "prestigious". VCU is really hard to get into. The year I applied I think over 400 applied and they only admit around 40, so it's right on par with USF. VCU is the one of the best in Virginia and I think was ranked as #1 in Richmond metro.

You mentioned that you're coming for a visit, I think you should definitely do that and see if you like Richmond and VCU. I've seen in previous posts that you've been on the VCU accelerated thread and USF, a lot of those people can help too, if you're really having a hard time deciding! I hope you find what works best for you and maybe we'll see you in Virginia!

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Co-occurring Disorders.

Yes, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Maybe I should have clarified that. :)

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I figured since you posted in the VCU thread! April is beautiful here, so at least if you do decide to come you'll have lovely weather to walk around the campus--there's not much to the medical campus, but driving around it is a pain.

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Co-occurring Disorders.

I see that you live in Henrico? What do you think of the area? Any recommendations for nice apartment or townhome rentals? :)

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I do! Henrico is a huge area, and for safety, I'll just say I live in the west end. I really like it but my fiancé and I don't have kids so we're kind of out of place here. I'll DM you with some recommendations!

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Co-occurring Disorders.

Would you say that the area you live in is safe?

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Yes, absolutely!! I've never felt uncomfortable where I live, since it's a mostly quiet, residential area. Personally, I feel that the only places you might not feel safe in walking alone at night would be near the campuses of VCU--Jackson Ward and the like, and some suburbs south of the river. But for the most part I've never felt unsafe in Richmond.

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