Dilemma - in a good way

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Specializes in Psych.

Ok, I need some advice. I applied to four nursing programs. Two programs at state schools (much cheaper but hard to get in) and 2 at private schools. I was accepted into one of the private schools to start in July 07 for a 16month BSN. The cost is double what the state schools are. But they seem to have a really great program, all state of the art equipment, and the best instructors (being private, they can pay their instructors between 70,000 - 90,000 per year). If I want to reserve a spot in that class its a 500 deposit. Now the state school, they look at your current semester grades before making a decision and because there are alot of out of state applicants we won't get a decision until the middle to end of June.

My husband thinks I should, at the very least plop down that deposit at the private school and then if I get into state I can make a decision as to where I want to go. He is encouraging me to pick the program I am most comfortable with, not think about cost so much because there are pleny of tuition reimbursements offered by employers where we are moving after graduation. It's not an easy decision because both programs are relatively new so its not like I would be choosing an established program over a newer one. I've heard mixed reviews about the state nursing school but haven't had a chance to talk to a current student of the private school.

Help please. Any advise? Any steps I should take that would help me make my decision?

Dee

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.
Ok, I need some advice. I applied to four nursing programs. Two programs at state schools (much cheaper but hard to get in) and 2 at private schools. I was accepted into one of the private schools to start in July 07 for a 16month BSN. The cost is double what the state schools are. But they seem to have a really great program, all state of the art equipment, and the best instructors (being private, they can pay their instructors between 70,000 - 90,000 per year). If I want to reserve a spot in that class its a 500 deposit. Now the state school, they look at your current semester grades before making a decision and because there are alot of out of state applicants we won't get a decision until the middle to end of June.

My husband thinks I should, at the very least plop down that deposit at the private school and then if I get into state I can make a decision as to where I want to go. He is encouraging me to pick the program I am most comfortable with, not think about cost so much because there are pleny of tuition reimbursements offered by employers where we are moving after graduation. It's not an easy decision because both programs are relatively new so its not like I would be choosing an established program over a newer one. I've heard mixed reviews about the state nursing school but haven't had a chance to talk to a current student of the private school.

Help please. Any advise? Any steps I should take that would help me make my decision?

Dee

Hey there Dee! :) I assume you are speaking of USN or Touro? If I were you I would first contact hospitals who are offering that reimbursement to make sure they are willing to reimburse your tuition for those programs. However, I would definitely put down the deposit because if I were in your position, I would rather know that I had a seat in a nursing program (even if it were double the cost) rather than end up with no seat come Fall of 07.

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Specializes in Psych.

Sistermike,

Thanks. That's what quite a few people have told me so far so that's what I think I'll do. It's Touro. You should see their clinic/lab areas. They have the latest of everything. And all the instructors have alot of experience. I was very impressed when I went to their open house. It looks like a great program. Just so expensive.

Dee

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I forked over the deposit. I am not getting it back but it was well worth the peace of mind knowing I would go somewhere in the fall. I have no regrets.

Congrats on getting in!!

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.
Sistermike,

Thanks. That's what quite a few people have told me so far so that's what I think I'll do. It's Touro. You should see their clinic/lab areas. They have the latest of everything. And all the instructors have alot of experience. I was very impressed when I went to their open house. It looks like a great program. Just so expensive.

Dee

I heard Touro was a great school -- have they had a graduating class yet? How long is the program?

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I'd say pay the deposit. $500 isn't so much compared to losing several months of nursing pay by graduating later. If you get into and go to the state school, just figure this in as an insurance payment.

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Specializes in Psych.
I heard Touro was a great school -- have they had a graduating class yet? How long is the program?

No. No graduating class because they started with the ELM, but the current class has made it through their BSN and the advisor says 75% of them have taken the NCLEX. All who have taken it have passed first try. The rest are taking theirs over the next few months as they are wrapping up the MSN portion of the ELM. One of the things that really impressed me was how completely committed they are to seeing their students know the material and pass their licensure exam. They have the usual testing after each section of material and if you do not receive a passing score they look at it as their problem, not yours. They have the philosophy that if you do not pass a test they have failed in teaching you the material and will take steps to remedy this (spending extra time with you before you retake it, not just sending you home and saying study hard and you better pass this time). You get the BSN at the end of 16months (a little more comfortable pace than the Accelerated at NSC - that's 12 months) and some of the final weeks are spent on a NCLEX review and test. If you don't pass then they give you another several weeks of review and make sure you pass a follow up NCLEX practice test before you go take the real one. I really like the vibe and professional attitude. Sometimes I get a really negative attitude from NSC. Like now that they have so many people applying that they don't have to treat students with any respect anymore. But like I said, Touro is really expensive. Where have you heard they had a good program? From a student, an RN who worked with a Touro student?

Dee

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I'm getting in on this months later. I was just curious where did you end up going to school after all?

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