FAU vs. BC

[DawnSue]

Hi everyone,

I am applying to both programs -- Florida Atlantic U and Broward College. I already have a BA in another field and all of BC's prereqs done, and nearly all of FAU's prereqs done. My grades are all excellent.

I am looking for the BSN, as I eventually want to be a NP.

I know some of the differences between the two that could make a difference in my decision, assuming I get into both! For example: FAU will take all of my prereqs, no matter how long ago they were taken, and BC will only take ten years or newer prereqs, so I am petitioning them. BC is opening up in 2010 or 2012 a RN to BSN program, that I could slide into exactly as the RN is finishing BC also has $$ available for scholarship that could pay for the entire RN program, and possibly give me a job.

I have heard that BC is a pain to deal with, but it may be worth it. It's closer to my house and will probably not give me as much debt. I am 42 years old, and pretty much know when to suck it up and stay quiet and just get the job done, so there's not a lot of drama in me. But, if it is not as strong as FAU, I'd like to know. I'd rather have the drive and incur cost for a superior program, and better chances for getting into FAU graduate program down the line.

That being said, reputation wise, is there anything I should know about these two schools? Is the quailty of graduates the same? Are they both known for teaching well? Are students from both schools equally employable?

Basically, assuming that I will be able to get BSN from both places, is one preferable to the other? I only know what is on their program websites -- so I guess I am looking for a little "nitty-gritty."

Thanks in advance! It's great to be on this forum!

Dawn

[labrador4122, RN]

As a BC graduate I will tell you, that BC has a good reputation of graduating very good nurses.

During my clinicals at the memorial regional hospitals, most of the nurses were BC graduates-- more so than other schools i can say. And they all said the same thing that they love BC nurses because we are dedicated, proffessional and other positive comments.

I only have met one graduate from FAU while working, and she said the school was phenomenal, that she learned a lot.

The price of BC you can't beat. and it is true they have many scholarships to offer, and once you are done and with your job, the hospital will pay for your RN-BSN program or RN-MSN program.

BC- south campus- yes, there were times when we were disrespected by the instructors, some things were not fair-- but it is an easier program than a BSN program, due to the reason that you are only taking nursing courses and their respected clinical class. with a BSN you are taking nursing courses, clinicals, plus something else such as research, pathophysiology, community health-- and a bunch of other classes. (i'm doing my rn-bsn online so i am taking those classes right now).

If you are like me, with a family and a job-- BC will be easier-- but if you can afford to take a bunch of classes and not work during nursing school, then by all means chose the FAU route.

best of luck in your educational move!!

[DawnSue]

Thank you Bumblebee!

I am glad to hear your assessment. I have three children, 11,13,15, and a husband. Right now I am not working outside of the house, although I have before, and I know how crazy it can be to care for family and work.

BC is almost ten minutes from my house, right between my house and my kids' schools. I have spoken with two people affiliated with BC and both were wonderful -- one was scholarship coordinator who went out of her way to help me, with a series of emails and a phone call to a dean ( I had old prereqs), and a health science advisor, who called me back the same day and scheduled me for an appointment early next week.

After reading all the threads I could find about BC, the bottom line seems to be that the nurses that come out of that program, though they may be treated badly by rigid and sadistic instructors, are very good -- and that's what I want to be. I also appreciate your tip about taking only nursing classes at BC. It makes sense.

I intend to get my NP from FAU anyway, and their BS-MS dual program looks like just where I want to be in a few years. So an RN from BC seems about right for now, esp with the scholarship opportunities and our 1 income, three-kid budget.

Of course I would be thrilled to get into to FAU, as well, but something tells me it is too competitive. My prereqs were 13 years ago. I have been mommy to a medically needy/ special needs kid, and have worked as medical/science editor, but I don't think I have qualifications to beat out 90% of applicants that I heard don't get in to FAU. For that matter, I doubt I will get into to BC. I have a 3.6 GPA and not a lot else.

I am feeling a little doubtful today. I really hope I can cut it, because I really, really want it.

Thanks again for your input.

Dawn