Excelsior or Deaconess (Chamberlain)?

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Hey guys, just wanted a little advice. I am presently a Respiratory Therapist (C.R.T.) and making the jump into nursing. I am thinking about doing one of the distance programs, so I can continue to work. The fact that Excelsior has no clinicals scares me a little. Deaconess on the other hand is kinda pricey at almost 500 a credit hour.

Anyone have any opinion on/experience with Deaconess?

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Hi TK-YR

Former respiratory therapist here (18 years!!!). I made the jump to RN several years ago...but I went to a "traditional" nursing school. As a respiratory therapist, it is my understanding that you can go the EC route if you choose. It is a program that builds on previous clinical experience....the EC grads around here can give you more info on what that program is like!!

As for DCN's (oh yeah....new name....Chamerlain) online ADN program...you have to be able to travel to St. Louis several times a year. I don't know where you are located?? but is that feasible for you?? And, you have to make pre-ceptor arrangements with a local hospital to do your clinicals at...altho the staff @ DCN will help you with that.

I think that both programs are "pricey"....I am an online RN to BSN student at DCN. But...the final determination you need to make....is what works best for you!!

My best advice for you is....check with your state board of nursing. Are these programs accredited in your state??

Good luck whatever your choice!!:rolleyes:

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Specializes in patient care on Med-Surg.

Hi rninme,

I am happy to see there is some discussion about Deaconess. I live in NYC and today I tried to get information about the school because I was thinking about enrolling in ASN Nursing program at the school. I contacted the NLN and was told the school is accredited. I also contacted NY State Education Dept. and Missouri State Education. An individual at the Missouri State Education Dept. told me that the school is recognised by the Education Dept on a CONDITIONAL BASIS. The reason being the school NEEDED to have an 80% pass rate however it has not been able to do so. I questioned if I do enroll would I be able to take the NCLEX. I was told that those students who are already enrolled would be allowed to take the NCLEX. The other statement made to me was there are no guarantees that the next graduating class will do well. So there is no way of knowing whether the CONDITIONAL BASIS will remain or move to FULL recognization. I am surprised to see that a credit is about $500. the reason being, spending that kind of money per credit I think people would be very, very serious about making it. What is sad is individuals like me who are desperate and trying very hard to accomplish our dreams cannot afford this school even though it is a great opportunity to do ASN program online.

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Hi rninme,

I am happy to see there is some discussion about Deaconess. I live in NYC and today I tried to get information about the school because I was thinking about enrolling in ASN Nursing program at the school. I contacted the NLN and was told the school is accredited. I also contacted NY State Education Dept. and Missouri State Education. An individual at the Missouri State Education Dept. told me that the school is recognised by the Education Dept on a CONDITIONAL BASIS. The reason being the school NEEDED to have an 80% pass rate however it has not been able to do so. I questioned if I do enroll would I be able to take the NCLEX. I was told that those students who are already enrolled would be allowed to take the NCLEX. The other statement made to me was there are no guarantees that the next graduating class will do well. So there is no way of knowing whether the CONDITIONAL BASIS will remain or move to FULL recognization. I am surprised to see that a credit is about $500. the reason being, spending that kind of money per credit I think people would be very, very serious about making it. What is sad is individuals like me who are desperate and trying very hard to accomplish our dreams cannot afford this school even though it is a great opportunity to do ASN program online.

Most new programs have growing pains. That is why I didn't go to a BSN school that had just switched over from a diploma program....growing pains. You have to have several successful classes before attaining full recognition. And yes, DCN...now Chamberlain is expensive...it is a private college and private colleges are expensive. Fortunately, you can get grants, scholarships and then there is always student loans...which is how I got through nursing school in the first place. I attended a private college for my RN...and you will always meet people that pay out that money and then are not successful....it is a very expensive weeding out process!!

Is the price worth it at DCN?? I can only tell you of my experiences...and my answer is yes, for me it is worth it.

My only advice is to call and talk to the people at the financial aid office...they are very helpful.....Good luck to you

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Part of the reason I am leaning towards Chamberlain RN-BSN is that you have to take far fewer classes than most of the other programs, and they give you a tremendous amount of credit for your RN... so the high cost is more than offset by the fewer number of classes...

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Part of the reason I am leaning towards Chamberlain RN-BSN is that you have to take far fewer classes than most of the other programs, and they give you a tremendous amount of credit for your RN... so the high cost is more than offset by the fewer number of classes...

I am looking at chamberlain now...how can they offer more credit for the RN with fewer classes than everyone else. They also give you credit for experience...I waiting for the down side of this school...

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I am looking at chamberlain now...how can they offer more credit for the RN with fewer classes than everyone else. They also give you credit for experience...I waiting for the down side of this school...

I have just finished my first semester at Chamberlain and I am very impressed so far. I enjoyed the classes and they were flexible around my schedule. I will be able to finish my RN-BSN by June and I just started the program 3 months ago. It is expensive, and I don't know that I could justify the cost if I wasn't planning to go straight into a ARNP program, because it would take a long time to pay back the loans based on the diference (If any) between and ASN and a BSn graduate. Hope this helps...

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I guess I was looking for "why or how" chamberlain can offer 80+ credits for already being an RN when entering the RN to BSN program. It seems to me that all ASN "RN's" would be here in order to finish as quickly as they "quote" you can. I know $ is an issue.

Can you or anyone tell me how the classes are...do your "peer postings" really need to be APA format? All being individual, honestly can a fulltime working mother of 4 do this?

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Hi rninme,

I am happy to see there is some discussion about Deaconess. I live in NYC and today I tried to get information about the school because I was thinking about enrolling in ASN Nursing program at the school. I contacted the NLN and was told the school is accredited. I also contacted NY State Education Dept. and Missouri State Education. An individual at the Missouri State Education Dept. told me that the school is recognised by the Education Dept on a CONDITIONAL BASIS. The reason being the school NEEDED to have an 80% pass rate however it has not been able to do so. I questioned if I do enroll would I be able to take the NCLEX. I was told that those students who are already enrolled would be allowed to take the NCLEX. The other statement made to me was there are no guarantees that the next graduating class will do well. So there is no way of knowing whether the CONDITIONAL BASIS will remain or move to FULL recognization. I am surprised to see that a credit is about $500. the reason being, spending that kind of money per credit I think people would be very, very serious about making it. What is sad is individuals like me who are desperate and trying very hard to accomplish our dreams cannot afford this school even though it is a great opportunity to do ASN program online.

HI there -- I too am from NY and I contacted Chamberlain today and was told that I cannot even do the ASN Program since RNs in NY are not allowed to be preceptors - so although they may accept the program once you're finished, the challenge is that you can't do the clinicals. So I was a little disappointed to hear about this. On top of it being very expensive. I'm just sharing some info from my conversation with the school....but do confirm and make sure that this is true. Let me know if you hear anything different.

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How did you like the chamberlain classes versus regular classrooms. Do you think it was harder or easier, or would it be easier to clep these exams. I have four children and not alot of time and time wise was wondering which is easier to complete.

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How easy is it to work in going to st. louis for four days. And do you learn enough from the clinical sites to pass clinical exam???

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For out of state students, is it hard to find a clinical site?

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