Essex County College vs. Mountainside Hospital

[Lovelymo79]

Hi All,

I am a career changer - looking to leave marketing and enter the world of nursing. I have a BA degree already but I don't want to do an accelerated BSN program (due to finances and not being able to work during the accelerated BSN program). So, I was looking to enter Essex County College's evening RN program (where I'm taking A&P I Spring 2009 and then Chemistry over the summer.

However, now I'm looking into Mountainside's diploma program. I believe I'll be able to start Fall 2009 (instead of Spring 2010 at ECC). I'll be able to transfer some of the classes in (or do them before) so hopefully, all I will have to take are the nursing courses:yeah:

So, now I'm trying to decide which one to go for (even though I can apply for both, I guess).

ECC will be considerably cheaper (I believe) but I would start a semester later. I would also get another associates degree at ECC...

I heard that in order to do a diploma - BSN (which I want to get eventually), the diploma at Mountainside would only transfer to NJCU or Fairleigh Dickinson..not cool (even though I would totally go to NJCU).

Has anyone considered going to both and chose one of the other? If so, what prompted you to choose one over the other. I heard both programs are really good..

Any input would be appreciated!!

[83studentnurse]

I know for a fact Fairleigh Dickinson, UMDNJ, and William Paterson don't require a BSN (or at east didn't a few months ago). Sometimes they say they require a "bachelor's degree" but if you poke a little further, you'll see it's they don't require a BSN. You can always call them and talk to them to confirm exactly what's required. this is what I found when I called them a while ago.

[Lovelymo79]

I know someone who is in the Felician College MSN program..so I believe that school is still active..

[NewTexasRN]

Hi Lovelymo79, I'm actually a student at Mountainside. I took a couple pre-reqs at ECC, but after hearing about that waiting list, I decided to apply to Mountainside or just do a BSN program. Yes, it's true what that person told you about the Chemistry 101 doesn't transfer. In order for Mountainside to accept your chemistry credits from Essex you have to take 2 semesters of Chemistry. The school told me to just take Chem 105 at Union County College and that will cover all I needed for their chemistry requirement. I'm not going to lie, I almost failed that chem class, but in the end I passed it. Mountainside offers a chemistry class over the summer through Jersey City University. Ask them about this. I might be a little expensive though. Make sure you finish all your pre-reqs and do very well in your anatomy classes! I'm biased and I will say that Mountainside is an awesome program! It's a small family environment.

Good Luck!!!!

[Lovelymo79]

I'm just taking Anatomy at ECC now..I won't have time to finish all of the pre-reqs before school starts since I'm trying to start this fall. I'll just take them concurrently. I did hear about Chemistry..I was told I would have to take Chemistry 103..not 101..that's the Chemistry for transfer credit at ECC..however, I may just wait and take it at NJCU. I actually want to take A&P II right after A&P I..while it's still fresh in my mind. So, we'll see.

Thanks for letting me know about UCC and their chemistry class..I may check that out also. I'm actually applying to Trinitas too..as a back up..but my first choice is Mountainside. I've heard nothing but great things about the school!

[Lovelymo79]

Just to update this thread:

While I haven't received my letter yet, I had my interview today at MHSON and my interviewer told me that unless I murder someone (which is quite possible..:chuckle)..I'm in! However, I won't get official notice until the first week of April!!

I'm very excited!!

[NewTexasRN]

I'm happy for you! Congrats!