Did anyone here get accepted after graduating from a "non traditional" school?

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I'm a single fulltime father who works fulltime. By the time I'm an RN, I'll be able to do things much easier due to different types of shifts (3x12's, etc.), but for now, I'm doing what I can to get done with the AAS/ADN.

I've read a bit about Excelsior and other online options for colleges. My current "desired" route would be to become an RN through traditional community colleges. However I'm finding that the hours their programs run, may preclude me from doing that.

For those in the application process, has anyone ever felt that anything other than traditional schooling experience mattered as far as acceptance into the program goes? Or were all RN's considered equal in that aspect?

I'm planning ahead and very serious about finishing schooling and becoming a CRNA one day, so I wanted to make sure my choices in schooling options reflected that ambition.

I feel that otherwise, by the time I had my BSN and CCU/ICU experience, I'd be a fantastic candidate. The only thing I won't be able to go back and change though, is where I went before I passed the NCLEX-RN..

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it's more about GPAs and real life critical care experience and personality more than the initials of where you got your start at. :o

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Gilbert,

Don't really have any feedback on the CRNA issue, but Excelsior is likely not an option unless you're some sort of licensed or certified healthcare provider or someone who has completed 50% of the clinical credit in another nursing program.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

Gilbertdaddy,

I personally know a guy who was an LPN, finished his ADN-RN through Excelsior, but finished his BSN through a "bricks and mortar" school, and he is a current CRNA student @ SUNY-Buffalo (Ranked 16th in the 2008 rankings). What you need to do is make sure you finish your BSN through a "bricks and mortar" school with as many online components as possible. Plus you need GOOD ICU experience. My friend did encounter some issues with the fact that his ADN came from Excelsior during CRNA application, but he is in a good program now...it can be done. Research the best possibilities for you geographically and email the program directors specific questions--they are happy to be straight with you. Hope that helps...

Bryan

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Gilbertdaddy,

I personally know a guy who was an LPN, finished his ADN-RN through Excelsior, but finished his BSN through a "bricks and mortar" school, and he is a current CRNA student @ SUNY-Buffalo (Ranked 16th in the 2008 rankings). What you need to do is make sure you finish your BSN through a "bricks and mortar" school with as many online components as possible. Plus you need GOOD ICU experience. My friend did encounter some issues with the fact that his ADN came from Excelsior during CRNA application, but he is in a good program now...it can be done. Research the best possibilities for you geographically and email the program directors specific questions--they are happy to be straight with you. Hope that helps...

Bryan

Hmm, that's my concern. I imagine with a good shift setup, I could probably even attend university for my BSN. While I'm doing that, I plan to stay in an CC unit so I'll have a couple years of experience before I apply.

Interesting to note that he had difficulties based on where his ADN came from - did he have to justify it or say anything to get around that point? Sound like he got past it though, which is promising :)

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

Nah, as is the rule with all programs: You have to do some homework on them before you make decisions you cannot change...match what you have vs. what they want (if they want what you don't have and other schools are ok with what you have then cross those who want you to jump through hoops you cannot/aren't willing to jump through off your list and don't look back). As far as I know, my buddy shopped around for a school that did not care where hs ADN came from--most schools look harder at your last two years or so anyway--go to some type of established ADN to BSN other than Excelsior/Regents to keep your apllication base as broad as possible.

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Nah, as is the rule with all programs: You have to do some homework on them before you make decisions you cannot change...match what you have vs. what they want (if they want what you don't have and other schools are ok with what you have then cross those who want you to jump through hoops you cannot/aren't willing to jump through off your list and don't look back). As far as I know, my buddy shopped around for a school that did not care where hs ADN came from--most schools look harder at your last two years or so anyway--go to some type of established ADN to BSN other than Excelsior/Regents to keep your apllication base as broad as possible.

Thanks, you're right. I'm hoping that when the school here calls me back that I can ask a few of those questions. It stinks we only have one CRNA school in Arizona.. I'd love to have a couple more options :)

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

By the way, I also met a single father non-trad student from Idaho who went to your program in AZ. He got into nursing because he was displaced from his job--I think he went through his ADN on JTPA or a similar program. Si you might be in a good situation--establish some dialogue with them. Good luck!!!

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I got my ADN and BSN through Excelsior and got in at the only school I applied on the first try.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

utmemsrna,

good for you, U. Tenn. memphis?

There are alot of programs that don't--hence the broad advice. It is subject to the whims of the schools--the vast majority (19 of 20 or so) I checked into about that no more than 2 years ago told me "no way".

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By the way, I also met a single father non-trad student from Idaho who went to your program in AZ. He got into nursing because he was displaced from his job--I think he went through his ADN on JTPA or a similar program. Si you might be in a good situation--establish some dialogue with them. Good luck!!!

Pardon my ignorance.. still learning all the acronyms :)

JTPA?

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

Job Training Partnership Act

http://www.thecre.com/fedlaw/legal12/jtpalaw.htm

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I am doing Excelsior ADN and am planning to do a "brick & mortar" RN-BSN program after.

Most have a good amount of it as distance learning anyway. Some more than others.

And if you can work at a University Hospital once your get your ADN... you'll probably get your RN-BSN for free/or reduced tution as well.

Makes sense to look ahead when taking your first RN job for this reason.

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