My two top choices of Nursing Programs in Philadelphia are Drexel's ACE program and Jefferson's FACT program. Im trying to figure out which is the best fit for me. I'm 28 years old and plan to start next year. I am trying to get my degree as a Nurse Practitioner as quickly as possible but want the best education available to me. I can't seem to find ranking of fast track programs that show the success rate in the field. I currently work at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in psychiatry and love working in the academic setting. I just need to further my education so I can eventually have my own patients, prescribe and potentially continue doing research. Any suggestions? I'm also interested in the Boston and San Francisco area. What's everyone's opinion on Drexel versus Jefferson? Is one program better connected to an MSN or NP path? Thanks
Any ideas on places to apply in the San Fran or Boston area???
I have all the prereqs for most fast track programs.
I'm not sure if its too late, but I graduated from Drexel and would be more than willing to share my- and most of my class mate's- opinion of the program from an insider just send me a message with any questions you may have.
Thank you to everyone who provided useful information here. I am a little confused about Jefferson's FACT program. Is it a a combined bachelors/masters program? Is there an option to only get your bachelors? Is the bachelors portion of it only 1-year (12 months)? Thank you!
People keep mentioning how a lot of negative things are said about Drexel's ACE program. I have not been able to find these comments. What is it that so many people dislike about the program? Is it extra stressful because it is a few months shorter than most Accelerated BSN schools?
and Drexel currently has the better rate, but the difference is marginal at 98.5% vs 96.1%. I soke to people who have been through both programs and I am leaning towards ACE myself. Both programs are seemingly very equitable, and I've had a hard time settling on which one is the better fit for me, but what a lovely predicament to be in! I feel like I can't make a bad decision either way.
People keep mentioning how a lot of negative things are said about Drexel's ACE program. I have not been able to find these comments. What is it that so many people dislike about the program? Is it extra stressful because it is a few months shorter than most accelerated BSN schools?
Some complaints that people have about Drexel are that the administration can be uncooperative and the program is very intense. I had a positive experience like some others here, and I thought that most of the whining was a little silly. I had a rough go with the administration when I was applying, but it was mostly smooth sailing from then on. I thought the professors were good and fair. I thought the workload was doable.
For the OP, I can't imagine much of a difference between the two programs in how intense they are since a year is short for a nursing program - some people have problems with it and some people don't. Mostly it's a matter of educating yourself about whatever program you choose and for Pete's sake, **read** the student handbook!!
Because none of us have done both programs, it's hard to help you with fit. Beyond what everyone has said about early assurance programs, are there other points of comparison you are looking at?
Some complaints that people have about Drexel are that the administration can be uncooperative and the program is very intense.
People also don't like the exit HESI that you have to get a fairly high grade on to graduate (I don't recall the number off the top of my head). You can get As in all of your classes but if you don't pass the HESI after a certain number of attempts you are out of the nursing program. I've heard people complain about class size and lack of resources, and while the class is big (160?) there are practice labs that are always empty when I go, review sessions, and you can set up tutoring if you need it.
I had a positive experience like some others here, and I thought that most of the whining was a little silly. I had a rough go with the administration when I was applying, but it was mostly smooth sailing from then on. I thought the professors were good and fair. I thought the workload was doable.
Yeah, people in my class have complained about: How unfairly an assignment was graded. How unfair the test was because they didn't do well. How unfair the test was because we didn't go over something in class (we did they were talking in the back of the room). How it was against school policy to have more than 1 test on a day during midterms (it's not). My new theory is that because they accept based on grades only, there's no personality filter in the way of interviews and essays and recommendations so they get all the high-strung Type A people along with the more grounded Type As and Type Bs. A year is a short time to get a BSN, so I think we're all a little crazy on some level
Mostly it's a matter of educating yourself about whatever program you choose and for Pete's sake, **read** the student handbook!!
YES! You should be able to access both school's handbooks before making your decision and read them over. I can't get over how many people seem shocked about policies that are clearly spelled out if they'd taken the time to read the handbook. Also, see if you can get a tour. I saw a freshman group getting a tour the other day and was tempted to tag along just to see if there are any secret rooms I don't know about.
My main complaint about the program is that for the first quarter we have very limited clinical time. Ohhhh boy will that change next quarter, but I wish we had a little more feet-getting-wet time at the start. Sometimes I think I'm crazy to be doing all of this in a year, but then I realize just how much I've learned in the last few weeks. It goes by both slowly and quickly, if that makes sense. We've gone through finals and are starting final check outs for health assessment and principles soon.
What about the undergraduate bsn co-op program? I have not see anyone write about it, i really wish i can get the inside scoop on how that program is ran. Is it the same as the ACE program?
is it possible to hear from other ACE Drexel graduates? Maybe there's a thread that I passed by. ...
Just wanted to know how the load of units/clinicals was going every quarter.
is it doable or so stressful? How's the area when walking at night? Is it safe to walk alone or better with others coming home late from school/hospital.
How was the job market when you graduated from the ACE program? Was there a job lined up for you before you graduated?
did you ever get answers to your questions regarding Drexel's ACE BSN program? I, too, am trying to determine the exact workload I'd be committing to since I also have a family to manage. I've been working full-time so am used to juggling but would like to hear from first-hand experience how manageable it is. Also am curious of job prospects upon graduation?
I would love to hear your first-hand account of Drexel's ACE-BSN program! I seem to be reading mostly favorable reviews and believe that it is my school & program of choice. However, what I really need to understand is the daily logistics of going through the program and what kind of schedule I will be committing to. I have a family and have always worked full-time (mon-fri, some travel & wknds) so i'm used to juggling work/family. I'm wondering if this will be the same juggling just school/family instead of work. Can you be specific about your everyday experience? Is it mainly a Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, classroom or clinic? Are there many evening and/or weekend obligations? Approximately how much additional time outside of class did you spend studying/writing papers/etc..? And lastly, what were the job prospects when you graduated? ie. were there plenty to choose from? And which specialities and/or clinical settings had the most opportunity?
Gracefulmic
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I'm not sure if its too late, but I graduated from Drexel and would be more than willing to share my- and most of my class mate's- opinion of the program from an insider just send me a message with any questions you may have.
K