Don't choose a school until you ask these questions!

[Chrisley]

Ixchel, I 💙 you. Ty for this article!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

The nursing program I went to is a for-profit, BUT they worked hard and have earned regional accreditation. Also, they planned ahead for those of us who graduated before they reached that goal and made matriculation agreements with two local, well respected private colleges so those of us who wanted to get our BSN could. Now they have the same accreditation as every state and private college in my state, that hard to get regional accreditation. Now ADN graduates can go to the RN to BSN program of there choice just like the graduates of the community colleges. Also my for-profit alma mater is well respected and does have standards as far as admissions go. Not all for-profits are of the devil, some actually are good schools. And it was a bear to get through. I still have nightmares of my microbiology class, and those darn HESI tests.

Yes, many, many, MANY for-profit programs are geared to take your money and give you a worthless degree. The program I went to is not one of them and has, last I checked, a 95% NCLEX pass rate and has now started a RN to BSN program.

WildcatfanRN, proud graduate of Galen College of Nursing one of those evil for-profit schools

Many years ago, though, Galen had a shady reputation. Glad that they've changed!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Yes, #7 happens! There is a school in Indy that is NOT accredited and yet tells prospective students it will be soon. Yeah, no. It's been telling students that for 10 years. And now, with less than a 30% pass rate for the NCLEX, there is no way it will be. Yes, places hire RNs from that school, but rarely and never the primo jobs everyone wants. It also costs more than other schools. I got my BSN from a private university and spent less than those who attend the non-accredited school do for an ADN. They only see the promise of a quick graduation (18 months vs. 4 years) and not the long range outlook.

So, one question that MUST be asked, is "Are you accredited now?" Do not accept an answer of "No, but we're working on it. We'll be accredited by the time you graduate."

You have to be careful of asking about accreditation. That particular school told my daughter in laws friend that yes they were accredited. And they are, just not by a regional body or ACEN or CCNE! She thought we were mean when we said run as fast as you can...but now her other friends who went can't pass NCLEX and have student loans they can't possibly pay. Ever. They didn't realize financial aid only covers x amt, some of the paperwork they signed were loans. Unfortunately, they're still on the hook for the loans despite crying "ignorance" of what they were signing. And she was not able to get into a program at any other school either. Low gpa (2.3) and a 30 on teas. She ranted for a while because we dashed her dream and calling of being a nurse. Now another for profit in the area has her going to be a vet tech where she'll easily make more than what an experienced RN makes. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

This is a very important article. Too many times I see people sucked in by the "salespeople" in the admissions dept. of a school. Here is a hint, if the school is running commercial after commercial while Jerry Springer is on, probably not a good school to go to. Please investigate and spend your money wisely. School needs to be looked at as an investment in yourself. Invest in yourself and do it well. Don't end up with over $100,000 in student loans that will take you forever to pay back and cost as much as a house payment. You will basically be working for several years just to pay the interest on these loans. I prefer not to live in debt and it has served me well over the years.

If the commercial states anything about "cute scrubs", run the other direction

[StefiNurse]

My question would Brown Mackie be one of these "schools" I'm highly interested in them because they don't have a wait list to the nursing program.Although I'm not doubting myself but I just want a straight through start to finish program... And thoughts on this please help..

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

My question would Brown Mackie be one of these "schools" I'm highly interested in them because they don't have a wait list to the nursing program.Although I'm not doubting myself but I just want a straight through start to finish program... And thoughts on this please help..

Look at how they are accredited. In IN, the last time I looked, which was a while back admittedly, they did not have CCNE or ACEN. This can limit ability to transfer attempts for BSN. In their small print, it also stated that credits were not likely to transfer. So you would likely not be working in acute care if that's what you want. Do your research. Also look at your states BoN for pass rates and contact them for school standing if you have any doubts. Do NOT ask or listen to one of their salesman for answers! Their job is to get you in the door and paying for classes!

[StefiNurse]

Thanks so much for the response.. I'm looking to do my compass placement soon..And thought it was way to good to be true all but the extremely expensive tuition of course..