Does reputation matter for Nursing School?

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Hi! I'm in the process of a huge career change. I was going to law school and I'm now changing to going to Nursing school. I'm in the very beginning stages; I'm just now starting the pre-requisites. For law school, the reputation of the law school is very important in determining where you get a job, as well as the type of job you get. Is the same true for Nursing School? I understand that it's important to check out NCLEX passing rates as well as passing rates for students. However, I'm most interested in a school at the University of Rochester. It has a great program, a great reputation, and it's where I currently live which makes it even more convenient. The cost is phenomenal compared to, say, a state school in NY. The state schools are good, but this school is famous for it's research and hospital. My question is, is it worth paying the price for this school for both its reputation and convenience? Or would it make more sense to go the economical route? :banghead:

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Really, I think YOU matter more than your school. You could go Ivy League, but if you fail to impress at an interview, you won't get through the door.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Most job want your nursing license number. I personally cannot afford a huge loan for school no matter how prestige it is. The biggest factor in America right now is just trying to get into a nursing program. Just get accepted into a nursing program and then weight the pro's and cons. With the job market for nurses. I would not rack up a huge tab on tuition because the pay in the field will have you struggling to pay the loan back.

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The name/reputation of the school may make a small difference, may give you a slight edge in some situations, but, IMHO, not enough of a difference to justify a big difference in tuition/costs.

That's not to say that there aren't other good reasons to go to a more expensive, prestigious program -- but it's not going to make much difference in employment. Most employers are simply interested in whether you have a valid license.

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Thanks, Elkpark. May I pick your brain for what other reasons there may be to go to a more prestigious program? I have a pretty good in at this school and I really want to go there, I just worry that it's not the best decision, cost wise. :confused:

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after a year on the floor,no one would ask you where you went to school.

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Unless you plan on being a professor , a good school will give you an impressive cirriculum vitae

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I could see a good school being beneficial if you wanted to go on and get an advanced degree down the road. School admissions usually pay attention to that kind of thing.

Do what will make you happy. If you really want to go there and think you can afford it, go for it.

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Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

Nope, never been asked once by an interviewer where I went. Networking will get the job.

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Even if you went to Yale's nursing school?

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

I graduated from an associate degree program in 1994, and I'm a DON. The school isn't going to make or break you. If you're good at what you do it will be recognized (perhaps not by all...). Good luck.

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Personally, I don't think it makes a piddly bit of difference either way. More important (I have found) is BSN vs, ADN vs. diploma, but NEVER have I heard any credence given to where you got those letters behind your name.

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