Does prestige of BSN school matter?

[medivac618, ASN, CNA, RN, EMT-B]

I am an ADN student in my last semester and looking towards my BSN. Eventually I'd like to try for an advanced practice degree and I am curious if the reputation of the school I go to effects admissions for a masters or doctorate program.

Do admissions boards distinguish a BSN from a community college vs for profit degree mill vs full on university?

Are online or brick-and-mortar classes given preferential treatment?

I'm guessing that getting your undergrad at the same school where you plan to get your masters+ would help, but what else are admissions boards looking at?

[caliotter3]

Criteria used by admissions boards are subject to change and would only be available to those with a need for that information. More than likely, they follow the announced criteria to a "T". When the admissions requirements on the school's website says that they will look at science GPA, volunteer/paid health work experience, and letters of reference, for example, you can be safe in assuming that they will choose those with the best records for those categories.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I know you're probably joking to make a point, but I can pretty much guarantee that credentials from a "for profit degree mill" are pretty much worthless in any environment.... just wanted to clarify.

Most reputable graduate programs have a multi-factorial admission process. ... much more than a wallet biopsy. My grad & post grad programs required GRE + transcript review + GPA + interviews. I even got to skip a doc step because my MSN program included thesis & my thesis 'passed' review by the doc program people. Yes, they are that discriminating.

Bottom line - don't go down any path that you wouldn't want to show up on your CV if you're looking for that ultimate career job. Especially if it may call your reasoning or professional commitment into judgement... believe me, you don't want any of those "hmmmm, that is interesting *pursed lips*" reactions by a review or hiring panel.

And yes - bricks and mortar are preferred for doc admission because they want to make sure you have had the experience of learning in a 'scholarly environment' in which you had the opportunity to actually see how the research process works. The opportunity to participate in data collection, attend oral defenses or research presentations..... it's all golden.

[medivac618, ASN, CNA, RN, EMT-B]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, the "degree mill" was a joke. The school I'm currently in was a community college and is now offering 4 year degrees, but I wouldn't give the school top marks. Whenever future career plans are brought up by me or other students the common response is just to pass the NCLEX, and that they've never been asked for their GPA in a job interview.

Great skills training, but I'm not sure if this is the institution I should stay in for another 2 years.