I'm coming to a junction in the road now where I've almost completed my prereqs at a community college I attend, and need to decide between going to a state college or UC.
A little about me; I'm a 22 year old male living in California and am debating between attending a UC or state college in order to get my BSN. The biggest difference between them for me at the moment is the amount of prereqs the 2 school systems require. It appears to be UC's want more prereqs completed, as well as more advance courses than state colleges do. This would require me to go to my CC for an additional year, as opposed to if I went to a state college.
What do I want for a career goal? I don't know honestly, I picked nursing because I enjoy science a lot, it fascinates me. Nursing seemed like a realistic goal that could be achieved relatively quickly. I enjoy human interactions, but not necessarily in love with the idea of taking care of someone who's in the worst state ever, don't get me wrong, I can do it but I don't think I'll love it. Nursing also seemed like there were MANY MANY different paths I could take once acquired a BSN and gathered some experience.
I defiantly want to try travel nursing once out of college, assuming it's everything its cracked up to be. I eventually would like to see myself in a management position or a teaching position (at a college). I am not afraid to continue my education where necessary in order to achieve my goals.
That's just me in a nutshell, so now I come to ask you with all I have said in mind, does the college make THAT much of a difference in terms of jobs/pay/future advancement? I am aware some careers it can make a difference at the get go, however it tapers off as time goes on.
Should I really just be looking at NCLEX passing rates? The sad part about that is CSUs are mostly 93%+ passing rates, while no UC broke 90% for 2010/2011.
My head is spinning 360 degrees right now; I'm at a point where I feel very lost (our counselors are worthless). Any guidance is appreciated.
A nursing school's singular mission of importance is to prepare the nurse candidate in passing the state boards. Pick the one that does that job best, to ensure that you get a license. Otherwise, everything else doesn't really matter.
The difference may be that classes tend to be impacted at CSUs. I was reading on one CSUs site that they couldn't guarantee when you'd graduate as a BSN because the classes may or may not be available. Now I'd say it also doesn't hurt to apply and see if you get some financial aid so I'd continue doing pre-reqs and see what happens.
I went to a UC for my non-nursing undregrad but was able to get a tuition grant from the state of California. So I only paid for room, board and books. I'd also say as a non-nursing major, going to a UC helped me get a good job out of college. But again, it wasn't in nursing.
I'd just look to see how impacted the classes are and I'd definitely apply to both.
I would recommend you talk to the ppl who are graduates from the programs that you are applying to and build up a sense of which is better by yourself instead of reading replies from RN students all over the country here on this forum.
Well gee, I hope not! I go to a great school and I know that because people tell me so but I also wouldn't want to discuss where I went to school after I graduate from it. While I think the nursing school is great where I am, I just don't like the school. Never want to deal with it again when I graduate.
i wouldn't take too much stock in this "you gotta love it or you shouldn't do it" garbage. It's judgmental and to be honest, kinda snotty. It sounds like you have a love for science and the medical industry and there are tons of nursing careers where you aren't eternally chained to bedside care...Keep an open mind and always look around for what career might interest you.
You are going to be in good hands with a CSU just as you would be with UC... most of the California Public schools for nursing are outstanding, and you will have many career choices once you complete it.
"if you really like science you should strongly consider medical school or pharmacy!"
hey! i really like science! and i wouldn't dream of doing med school or phcy. did somebody tell you that nurses can't excel in science or something?
op-- get your bs from cal state anywhere or the uc system, whatever floats yer boat. the degree will be fine either way. good luck to you! sounds like you could have a great career as a travel nurse.
My real concern isn't really, am I better if I go here vs here. My concern was with continuing advancement as well as continuing education.
I just don't want to end up going for some position/specialty program and be turned away based heavily on the fact I went to a CSU instead of a UC. My brother who is going for a bachelors in computer science is trying to get into UC Berkley and is trying to convince me to do the extra time to go to either UCLA or UC Irvine. But as I keep doing my research I come across how its not where you got your BSN, it's your experience in the field. I guess I'm just looking to reinforce that thought.
That doesn't mean I won't accept any other answer, I just want opinions from people to see what the vast majority think as well as any personal experience with such things.
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.
toomuchcoffee...
i wouldn't take too much stock in this "you gotta love it or you shouldn't do it" garbage. it's judgmental and to be honest, kinda snotty. it sounds like you have a love for science and the medical industry and there are tons of nursing careers where you aren't eternally chained to bedside care...keep an open mind and always look around for what career might interest you.
you are going to be in good hands with a csu just as you would be with uc... most of the california public schools for nursing are outstanding, and you will have many career choices once you complete it.
i dont see it as snotty & judgemental. nursing isnt like accounting or being an astronaut or writing insurance claims. as a nurse your the very core of your practice is caring. this means, caring about your career, caring about your patient, their family, the outcomes etc. if you go into nursing for the money, and its just a "job" to you...then second thoughts may need to happen.
you may not see it/feel it, but all these patients have to do all day is look at ur face and the walls and they can tell if u give a crap or not.
i am not some nurse supremacist, who thinks that only the hardcore ivewantedtobeanursesinceiwassix should be the only ones in the field, but i feel this way about any job that involves patient care. you either love it or u dont. honestly speaking, how many people do you know would wipe butts and not even flinch/gag-probably not many even for an unlimited amount of money. ive seen more @$$ than a rapper in the vip room at a strip club, but it doesnt bother me i do my job and move along. :)
Here in NYC, yes where you studied is very important, whether you are looking for jobs, graduate schools, to buy a co-op, etc. I can't speak for California though.
brandy1017, ASN, RN
2,910 Posts
If you really like science you should strongly consider medical school or pharmacy!