Difference between a BSN from a University VS. an Institute?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 5, 2016

Both of the programs you mentioned (WCU & DNI) are fairly new, and both have dubious NCLEX results thus far. Take a look at THIS - it is a 5 year summary of NCLEX pass rates for all RN programs in the state.

I am assuming you're using the word "Institute" as a substitute for commercial schools, right? As a general rule, you will be much better off in the long run if you choose a well-established, traditional program with demonstrated effectiveness in the educational process. Many schools have online options for didactic courses, but they are significantly less expensive than commercial (investor owned) "schools" like DNI.

Please note - programs that cannot achieve and maintain at least an 80% NCLEX pass rate are required to initiate corrective actions. If they still can't improve, their BON approval and accreditation is in jeopardy.... this is exactly the reason that WGU has suspended enrolling new students as of January 2016 - their NCLEX results were very poor.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2016

Your thread title references getting your BSN. Your first choice program (TCC) is a community college, not a "university" as it is usually defined, so it doesn't even offer a BSN. You can go for the ADN. But you would have to get your BSN from a school that offers an RN to BSN program.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2016

Looking at the NCLEX results in the above referenced link, I see that DNI is listed as an ADN program also, NOT a BSN program, and had an abysmal NCLEX pass rate of 46.1% for 2015!

West Coast University's pass rates were higher at 81.6%. TCC's pass rate was 82.7%.

Quite frankly, none of those are really all that impressive.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2016

West Coast University and Dallas Nursing Institute are both investor-owned, private for-profit trade schools with outrageously priced tuition and fees.

You will be paying in the $90,000 range for a degree at WCU in Dallas in exchange for a $25/hour job (Dallas area hospital systems do not pay well). I'd think twice before you make a suboptimal decision regarding your education.

Nienna Celebrindal · Jul 7, 2016

I went to a state school but I work with a bunch of nurses who went to West Coast, and I have to say I'm blown away by the new grads I've worked with. They knew their stuff, loved their program and have become great nurses. I watch the techs and CNAs struggle to get into pre-reqs and remember how hard it was for me to get classes but West Coast doesn't deal with that. And in my area getting into nurses school is just insanely hard. People have to have ridiculously great TEAs and if you don't have a GPA over 3.8 (yes 3.8) you aren't getting into a BSN program. And there are 5 BSN programs other than West Coast that I can think of within about 50 miles. So its a ton of competition. I see the appeal of West Coast. Even with its cost, because they finish a lot sooner and with a lot less drama. You just have to know what you are getting into. My friends have student loan payments of over $800 a month, now remember this is California where new grads make more than seasoned nurses in other states, still its got to be just under 20% of what they earn. If you go in knowing all this, and willing to deal with it and budget like mad when you are done it could be worth it.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2016

As a rule "institute" means "for profit" which in many people's minds equates to "run, don't walk as fast as you can"

bumpme · Jul 8, 2016

United States University here in San Diego is a for profit school. Worse educational decision I ever made going there. They have the worst nclex pass rates out of all the schools in San Diego. Right now they are on probation and pleading with the BRN to allow them to receive a cohort.

My opinion - run away from all for profit schools as you are just a walking dollar sign $ to them. RUN!!!