Does the school you choose even really matter anymore?

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

As far whether you went to an accredited college, for profit school, tech school, etc? Does it even matter anymore now that the nursing market is opening back up again (At least in my area it is)?

I started my LPN to RN bridge pre-reqs back in 2013 when things in the nursing world was still shifty as in jobs were scarce for new grads. So I chose an accredited community college over an accelerate tech school to give the edge in getting hired. I worked FT for two years and went to school PT so I am just now finishing up my pre-reqs and will start the program next July. So 4 years for an ADN which in part is due to that i delivered my third child last year and I had to push clinicals off for a year.

But now I am questioning my choice. I see many Hondros, Fortis type students getting hired into hospitals that say on their job boards they only accept accredited nursing schools. Neither of those schools in my area are accredited by the NLNAC (I think thats the right abbreviation). Their program is 18 months, no cut throat application process, and pre-reqs are built into your program. I could have done the program twice in the time it has taken me to do my pre-reqs. Granted it's more money than my community college but time is money as well. I am just discouraged that I see people who started school after me are already done and working.

Where you graduated from used to be a big deal (as in hospitals wouldn't hire those tech school grads) but now here it seems to be changing. What are you all seeing on this topic?

[augurey]

It does matter still.

I can't speak for all areas, but in my area (also Ohio), I'd be less likely to get a job with a degree from a non-accredited school. My cousin, who lives in a different area, graduated from Hondoros and had no difficulties finding a job.

With those types of schools, it can be very hard to continue your education. So if you get your ADN, but you want to do a RN to BSN, it might be difficult. Your choices may be very limited as far as schools go. It may end up costing you more. If you want to move out of state, your license may not transfer. You may not have a problem finding jobs, but it may limit you to where you can get a job.

For profit will cost you more and are often not accredited. Tech schools, I know in my area they aren't accredited and are still quite costly.

I went to an ACICS accredit school / nursing program last year. I heard so much about how the recent graduates couldn't find jobs (and I know the jobs are out there based on my own research). I began looking up my continuing education prospects (there was one, and I'd have to jump through hoops and pay more money for a shot at being accepted). Graduation there was August 2016. I know a lot of my former classmates are really having a hard time with how things are there. In my first semester at this other school, I can see a HUGE difference in how things were run.

I withdrew and am now going to an accredited school. Graduation is May 2017. My graduation date is pushed back, but I feel I'll be better off for it. I'll have a better shot at a job here than if I graduated at the other school. I know I want to work at the hospital, but I can honestly say that it's very unlikely they would've hired me. The school I'm at now is associated with the hospital. New grads have a very good chance at employment at the hospital.

It definitely does matter, and it depends on your circumstances and what plans you have for your future. Don't spend a lot of money to be limited in your prospects, even if it means an earlier graduation. I would look and see what your area requires (I've actually seen job requirements specifically state that degree must be from an accredited school).

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

It does matter still.

I can't speak for all areas, but in my area (also Ohio), I'd be less likely to get a job with a degree from a non-accredited school. My cousin, who lives in a different area, graduated from Hondoros and had no difficulties finding a job.

With those types of schools, it can be very hard to continue your education. So if you get your ADN, but you want to do a RN to BSN, it might be difficult. Your choices may be very limited as far as schools go. It may end up costing you more. If you want to move out of state, your license may not transfer. You may not have a problem finding jobs, but it may limit you to where you can get a job.

For profit will cost you more and are often not accredited. Tech schools, I know in my area they aren't accredited and are still quite costly.

I went to an ACICS accredit school / nursing program last year. I heard so much about how the recent graduates couldn't find jobs (and I know the jobs are out there based on my own research). I began looking up my continuing education prospects (there was one, and I'd have to jump through hoops and pay more money for a shot at being accepted). Graduation there was August 2016. I know a lot of my former classmates are really having a hard time with how things are there. In my first semester at this other school, I can see a HUGE difference in how things were run.

I withdrew and am now going to an accredited school. Graduation is May 2017. My graduation date is pushed back, but I feel I'll be better off for it. I'll have a better shot at a job here than if I graduated at the other school. I know I want to work at the hospital, but I can honestly say that it's very unlikely they would've hired me. The school I'm at now is associated with the hospital. New grads have a very good chance at employment at the hospital.

It definitely does matter, and it depends on your circumstances and what plans you have for your future. Don't spend a lot of money to be limited in your prospects, even if it means an earlier graduation. I would look and see what your area requires (I've actually seen job requirements specifically state that degree must be from an accredited school).

My graduation date is May 2017 as well, also in Ohio :) I am glad to hear you chose the better school over the graduation date as well, you brought up points that helped me see my choice a little more clearly. My college is also associated with one of the largest hospital systems which is another reason why I chose it: great clinical cites!!

I think I am just getting a bit burned out. These pre-reqs have been a lot of work, having to keep an excellent GPA to get in, and it's a long process so it often feels like a lot of work with no reward...but I have had laser focus up until this point, can't loose it now right before I apply for my clinical site.

Good luck to you!

[augurey]

My graduation date is May 2017 as well, also in Ohio :) I am glad to hear you chose the better school over the graduation date as well, you brought up points that helped me see my choice a little more clearly. My college is also associated with one of the largest hospital systems which is another reason why I chose it: great clinical cites!!

I think I am just getting a bit burned out. These pre-reqs have been a lot of work, having to keep an excellent GPA to get in, and it's a long process so it often feels like a lot of work with no reward...but I have had laser focus up until this point, can't loose it now right before I apply for my clinical site.

Good luck to you!

Sounds like we may be going to the same school (different location) as the hospital it's affiliated with is also one of the largest hospital systems and know they have a few locations Maybe not, but it sounds like it!

I honestly think it'd be wise to stick with it, especially as it really can open up more opportunities for you. We were told that we're such good candidates because we're essentially trained their way by graduation and already know our way around their system.

I think it can be easy to get burned out. It's a lot of work and can be very overwhelming, but I think you definitely have an advantage by being there. Like you said with the clinical sites, and if it is the same school, you probably have a great shot with employment afterwards. I think they said about 3/4 of graduates end up working within the hospital system.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

Sounds like we may be going to the same school (different location) as the hospital it's affiliated with is also one of the largest hospital systems and know they have a few locations Maybe not, but it sounds like it!

I honestly think it'd be wise to stick with it, especially as it really can open up more opportunities for you. We were told that we're such good candidates because we're essentially trained their way by graduation and already know our way around their system.

I think it can be easy to get burned out. It's a lot of work and can be very overwhelming, but I think you definitely have an advantage by being there. Like you said with the clinical sites, and if it is the same school, you probably have a great shot with employment afterwards. I think they said about 3/4 of graduates end up working within the hospital system.

If you are in southern Ohio we are going to the same school lol sounds just like mine! It makes sense that new grads would have a better chance, hopefully that will stay true, because it's my dream hospital!