the university of arizona will give you free tuition providing you with a free Accelerated BSN degree, for everyone who is interested in obtaining a bsn program and who has a bachelor degree in another health field!
the accelerated partnership bsn program for college graduates is designed for students who have already completed a non-nursing baccalaureate who wish to pursue a career in nursing. this is a 14 month entry level professional nursing program that leads to a bachelor of science in nursing and eligibility to take the national rn licensure examination. the program is sponsored by tucson healthcare agency partners who pay a predetermined amount to cover all teaching costs associated with the program.
the partnership program is tuition free made possible through the university of arizona college of nursing's partnership with tucson healthcare agencies:carondelet healthcare network, tucson medical center, northwest medical center and university medical center. all students will enter into an employment commitment with their sponsor agreeing to work as an rn for three years following graduation. if the student fails to meet the commitment then the student will reimburse his/her sponsor in accordance with terms established in an agreement between the students and healthcare sponsor.
This is a program in crisis. Do not even bother thinking about applying. I am currently in the accelerated/2nd degree Arizona program, and it is, less us say, a less than stellar experience. One of the major sponsors pulled out last year, effectively reducing the class size in half, so now students have the option of paying the inflated $28k or signing a 3 year, ambiguous contract with one of the remaining sponsors. FYI: the traditional UofA nursing program (20 months instead of 14 months) is more than $10,000 cheaper tuition-wise, so where this price tag came from is quite the mystery. There is no difference in the degree, and in fact, the better instructors teach in the traditional program. You end up with the same BSN and the same RN license afterwards.
The one positive side is that the students in the program are very motivated to learn about nursing and have a diverse background that makes for good socializing. Just beware if you come to UofArizona: it's you against them....for the duration. And once you graduate, you never look back....
One of the major sponsors pulled out last year, effectively reducing the class size in half, so now students have the option of paying the inflated $28k or signing a 3 year, ambiguous contract with one of the remaining sponsors. FYI: the traditional UofA nursing program (20 months instead of 14 months) is more than $10,000 cheaper tuition-wise, so where this price tag came from is quite the mystery.
The difference in cost for the traditional BSN v. the accelerated 2nd degree BSN is due to state funding for the traditional program. The Accelerated BSN program is not eligible for State of Arizona funding. So the cost of the accelerated program is the actual cost of the program, while the traditional program's tuition is offset (partially) by the state, like all traditional undergrad degrees at AZ state universities.
Given that the accelerated program is no longer driven 100% by hospital partner sponsorships, this makes little sense to me. I'm not arguing the validity of the statement, only that it seems illogical for someone to opt for a $28k bill over 14 months, instead of normal tuition over 20 months, unless you calculate the 6 month difference in living expenditures...but then there is the opportunity for externship over the summer(s). Either way, the accelerated program is lacking in value from an inside POV.
What do you mean by an "ambiguous contract"? BTW, thanks for the inside info. I was going to go to the "meet & greet" with the hospitals this month but they sent out an email 3 days before hand. Since I'm out of state, I needed more than that for a notice. I called at least 3 times since Oct. asking when it was.
I'd rather go the tuition free route, but 28K is better than most schools if you are out of state. I think NYU is twice that as well as some other schools for accelerated programs and traditional BSNs. In state on the other hand, it's definitely a cheaper route, but sometimes they require more classes - nursing and non-nursing, which could make it closer to three years depending on the school.
Not sure if any of you are still reading this from last year, but I wanted to touch base with anyone in the U of A ABSN program. I'm applying for 2010. The contract is now 3 years and the sponsors are University Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center and Tucson Medical Center.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. For instance, how are your classes and overall experience at U of A? If given the chance, would you do the program again? Of the current sponsors, which agency would be your first choice? Would you prefer to pay for tuition out-of-pocket ($28,000) or take the sponsorship? Did you have any choice in choosing your department/shifts when you started working?
Not sure if any of you are still reading this from last year, but I wanted to touch base with anyone in the U of A ABSN program. I'm applying for 2010. The contract is now 3 years and the sponsors are University Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center and Tucson Medical Center.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. For instance, how are your classes and overall experience at U of A? If given the chance, would you do the program again? Of the current sponsors, which agency would be your first choice? Would you prefer to pay for tuition out-of-pocket ($28,000) or take the sponsorship? Did you have any choice in choosing your department/shifts when you started working?
Any other applicants for 2010?
Thanks!
Hi, ShelbyP
I will be applying for 2010. Taking my final for A&P 2 next Thurs. I've been following this program since last year and went for a visit on campus & classroom visit when I was in town. Are you in AZ?
I'm in Northern California, sitting in front of my computer and working on my ABSN application right now. I'd love to hear about your experience at the info session. Did you get the opportunity to meet any current students? I'd also be interested to exchange stats and hear where else you are applying.
Good luck on your final! Sounds brutal, but I hope you will do great. Where are you taking classes now?
i like you already since you are working on your app for new years eve. ;-) i've chosen to spend mine studying. i want to keep my a in a&p2. we are hard workers! :-) hopefully my post count will get up there so i can do pm.
i did meet some people. there was great camaraderie among the students. i did get 1 person's email who is at umc.
Hello! I am currently in the accelerated program at the UA and am partnered with UMC for 3 years after graduation. I would be happy to answer questions if you have any....I remember in great detail waiting in anticipation to hear if I got in!
Hello! I am currently in the accelerated program at the UA and am partnered with UMC for 3 years after graduation. I would be happy to answer questions if you have any....I remember in great detail waiting in anticipation to hear if I got in!
Hi, ajwildcat
I submitted my app last week and hope to get an interview in Feb. My first choice will be UMC. Thanks for being available for questions...hopefully, I'll be in touch later. Good luck with the program!
giardiafan
49 Posts
This is a program in crisis. Do not even bother thinking about applying. I am currently in the accelerated/2nd degree Arizona program, and it is, less us say, a less than stellar experience. One of the major sponsors pulled out last year, effectively reducing the class size in half, so now students have the option of paying the inflated $28k or signing a 3 year, ambiguous contract with one of the remaining sponsors. FYI: the traditional UofA nursing program (20 months instead of 14 months) is more than $10,000 cheaper tuition-wise, so where this price tag came from is quite the mystery. There is no difference in the degree, and in fact, the better instructors teach in the traditional program. You end up with the same BSN and the same RN license afterwards.
The one positive side is that the students in the program are very motivated to learn about nursing and have a diverse background that makes for good socializing. Just beware if you come to UofArizona: it's you against them....for the duration. And once you graduate, you never look back....