Duquesne University Second Degree BSN Nursing Class of 2018

Published

Hey Everybody!

I was recently accepted into the Duquesne University Second Degree program. I added this to for anybody else accepted!

Has anyone that submitted their deposit been sent the online information guide? I tried calling the School of Nursing multiple times Wednesday Thursday and Friday but got no answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I offer a word of caution about the Duquense's Nursing Program. In 2017 the school instituted a 925 HESI Benchmark score to graduate. 25% of the 2017 seniors failed to make that mark. These are students met all the other criteria of the nursing program but failed to meet this new benchmark. After four years are left with no degree. This is simply about raising the school NCLEX first time pass rate to use in marketing the school.

Many states have banned this practice but Duquense has just instituted it in 2017. It would be one thing if the school improve the education program over four years to improve its first time NCLEX , but they chose to withhold the degree of these students in order to improve their results.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Beware: Duquense instituted a new criteria for graduation in 2017. Students must passed the HESI exam with a 925 score. 25% of 2017 class failed to make that benchmark , and are potentially left with no degree. Requiring a benchmark HESI score is discouraged by most nursing organization , and illegal in several states. This is all in an attempt to increase Duquense first time NClex pass rate. It's tragic for these kids the school would would graduation for these hardworking students after four years in order to improve the schools marketing appeal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just want to warn all of you that Duquesne is withholding degrees if you score below a 925 on the HESI exit exam. This means you won't be able to sit for the NCLEX after you finish the program even if you've passed all the classes. They recently reduced the benchmark to 900, which released a few more degrees. Last year (2016) about 20 students were denied degrees and this year 34 were denied. After the 2016 poor results I would've thought they'd improve the program so fewer students would be affected but looks like the numbers went up! Something is not right and should be very concerning to incoming students. In 2013 (the first year HESI was used and when the class of 2017 entered the program) the benchmark was 800 and I'm not sure if they withheld degrees at that time or if this is something new. Duquesne is not the licensing body, the NCLEX exam determines whether you get your license. If you only let the top students take the NCLEX exam then your 1st time pass rates will remain high and thus you will move up in the rankings for nursing schools. I feel for anyone who worked hard and passed all their classes but missed the mark on the review/prep HESI exam. It doesn't mean they won't pass the NCLEX. Either way be warned-this benchmark is a moving target (determined by the nursing department) and there are rumors it may go up to 950! It's anyone's guess what it will be in the coming years...Who wants to gamble on 4 years of education and not getting a degree?! Make sure you know what you're getting into when you enter any nursing program, but most especially Duquesne's! If you want more details about what the class of 2017 is going through read the petition.

(Petition HESI Petition: Students of Duquesne University School of Nursing

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've read a lot of negative things about this program online. I am just finishing it up and have to say although it is really really tough, it is doable.

Just remember you are getting a 4 year degree and combining 4 years of stress into 1 year. The Hesi is hard and yes it is unfortunate that a standardized test can hold you back, but if you prepare and practice it is doable. It will also be very good practice for the NCLEX. In my class i think 60% of us passed on our first try and most who didn't were very close and I think most will pass on their second try. If anyone has questions let me know!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey there,

Recent Duquesne grad Accelerated Nursing Program. Congrats to you all on your acceptance to the Duquesne program. I have three (3) large Fundamentals scrub tops and three (3) medium Fundamentals pants available. I'm looking to sell them for $10 a piece. There are no rips and any fading is minimal. They still look great. I cannot use them due to the Duquesne embroidering. Any takers? [email protected]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion