No name nursing school OR one with minimal clinical time

[SBSN]

I have the opportunity to attend a "no name" school that is relatively new, or to attend a well known university that has minimal clinical time- which would you choose? I will have the GI Bill to pay, so I am not overly concerned with the cost. Both programs are accelerated, and should take about 15 months from start to finish.

I am going for my second bachelors degree. I have about 8 short years of medical experience, including time in the military and a Level I. My last Bachelors involved a lot of online classes and I did well in all of them. I believe a lot can be learned from clinicals, but not sure what the norm is. The "good" program will offer about 24 hours a week.

[chris79hn]

It seems Like you have a tough decision to make. I would just like to add that you should just make sure that the school that you are going to go to is fully accredited. I think with your military background and your previous medical experience you should have no problems finding a job No matter what school you attend. I would also check the graduation rates for the school that you are going to attend. That may help you in your decision process. I hope this helps you in someway and good luck to you.

[SBSN]

Thanks, I appreciate it! I know there will be plenty of times I will need help and luck from the nursing Gods

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

First of all - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

If you have the time, please read 'College, Inc' College, Inc. | FRONTLINE | PBS Your education is probably one of the most expensive investments (in terms of time, effort & money) we will ever make. We need to be educated consumers. This is a Frontline investigation of For-Profit education in the US.

Maybe my caffeine levels are low, but some of OPs reasoning doesn't make sense to me. A "bad" or "worse" school cannot turn out quality grads. The most important factors in nursing education are the quality of the faculty and clinical training sites. For Profit schools treat faculty as "academic sharecroppers" - with low, piece work pay, no autonomy, and no support for professional development. This environment does not attract professional educators. Take a look at faculty credentials & professional activities if you really want to see the differences. FP schools have bright and shiny facilities, "state of the art" equipment (paid for by astronomical tuition rates) but they do not have access to the highest quality clinical training sites. Those coveted relationships are locked up by traditional academic programs, with first priority given to those that are university- based.

With most things in life, "minimal" or "barely passing" will result in the same outcome as the higher-ranked persons or elements. But, is this really the way you want to begin your professional career? Just my 2 cents.

[SBSN]

You said what I was trying to say. I'm going to PM you.

[avhoney]

Honestly, there is always a risk with newly accredited places. When I was interviewing for jobs, I asked the hiring manager why they had openings on their unit. The person told me that they had to let go of two of their nurses. The two nurse's had worked as student nurse techs and were in nursing school and sat and took the NCLEX and passed with a RN license. They were going to work on the unit but a month after they graduated their school lost their accrediation. The boards revoked their license and their degrees were useless. When it comes to nursing, take the safer route and go to the school with a history of a long accrediation; I guess in this case go to the University.

[avhoney]

No matter what school you go to, make sure to do an internship or externship! I did this plus worked as a nurse tech and this made me stand out as an applicant. I know other nurses who did this and were able to get employment quickly after school! Good luck!

[SBSN]

OUCH!

Thanks!