Help- i got into both programs- where do i go??

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Specializes in Emergency.

Hi! I was hoping someone would be able to help me out since I can't seem to make a final decision. I was accepted to both nursing programs that I applied to and while I am ecstatic and can't wait to start, I'm not sure which program to commit to. They are both two year programs- one is a diploma program at a hospital, the other is an associate's at a CC. I'm leaning toward the hospital program, even though the tuition is double that of the comm. college- it's a smaller program and while the CC is highly competitive, I haven't heard many positive things from students in the program. The hospital program allows you to work as a CNA while in school, and guarantees a job after graduating/ passing the boards. But I'm a little nervous about the whole diploma thing, versus getting a degree. I have a bachelor's already, if that makes any difference. Any advice from anyone on which direction to take? I know this isn't a lot of imformation, but if it helps at all, the two schools are Mountainside Hospital and Passaic County CC, both in New Jersey. Thank you so much!! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Before i'd make any decisions, i'd do some research and see if i did choose the diploma program, how many classes i'd need to get my associates after the diploma program.

I'm a diploma nurse, I could have gotten the ADN for 3 more credits in a non-nursing/ science related course... most of the students who got the ADN took an art type class. Really it makes no difference as far as what jobs you qualify for or moving on/ returning to school. By now I have more than enough credits to qualify for my AND but the cost of applying for graduation isn't at all worth it (of course that's my opinion) I qualify for the same RN-MSN courses without it. Some hospitals, in other states, may state that an ADN is the minimum, however when I looked into employment, I found out it's only because their states are not graduating diploma nurses anymore and the possibility of a diploma RN applying just didn't occur to them... the consider it an equal qualification for employment. If you have a bachelors already, can you transfer in those credits to the diploma program to qualify for your ADN? Usually diploma programs are affliliated with a full college for their gen-ed courses and often that college will grant the ADN if deserved. Good Luck either way!

I graduated from a Diploma program and it has never been an issue for me, also had a BS when I started it.

Go for the program that has the best clinicals, that is what it comes down to.

Specializes in Emergency.

Thank you all so much for your replies- I really appreciate it! The cc's orientation is next week, so I'm going to check wait and see how that goes before I drive myself any crazier with this decision! Either way, I can't wait to start school finally- it feels like I've been working towards this for a long, long time!! Thanks again and have a good weekend...!! Jessie

Go to which ever is closer to you. Gas is expected to rise to $100 a barrel by winter. Thats approx $3.75 (reg) a gallon. I know its crazy but If the CC is cheaper, and lets say...30 miles away, it may not be cheaper after all. Good luck.

Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Hi, I'm gettting into a diploma program, through a hospital, and they have articulation agreements with a number of local BSN programs so that even though I don't have an ADN, I can slide right into the 3rd year of a BSN program. Your program may have similar agreements. :)

You said you already have a bachelor's?

I know at my school, we have something called the BEACON program. It's for people with bachelor's in non-nursing areas to earn an RN. It might be called something else in other areas, I have no idea.

Just a thought :)

Specializes in Emergency.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I did look into accelarated type- BSN programs- since I already have a bachelor's, but I finally decided it wasn't for me- besides being much more costly, I didn't want to stress myself out with such an intensive program- I figure ns is difficult enough!! I'm thinking now of going to the cc- it's half the tuition and I feel like the degree is more practical- if I go to the diploma program, I can only advance to my BSN and MSN through the two schools in my state that the diploma program is affiliated with. The ADN degree can be transferred to any BSN program- I don't think I want to limit myself with the diploma school. All I know is, I am so grateful that this is my biggest problem right now- last year at this time I was trying to get in but hadn't finished all the coursework in time. So, whatever happens, I will be a nurse!! And I can't, can't, can't wait! Thanks so much everyone for all you responses, you are great!! Jessie

If that diploma school is set up so that you can only go to two RN-BSN programs then the CC sounds like the better choice. My diploma school will transfer to any school in the country, as will the others in this area. Sounds like your local program isn't set up too well in that regard. Generally, it seems that diploma programs offer better clinical experiences than most college/uni programs but I really don't think that matters too much... My feeling is that clinicals are what YOU make them. I graduated with diploma students who did only one or two bladder catheterizations (to pick a random skill) because they always "disappeared" when extra opportunities were offered. I've known college nurses who had fewer patient care hours but more skills because they kept in touch with their intsructor/preceptor and the floor RNs and always made themselves available to help out. So either way, just think about who you want to be and become that :)

Specializes in Emergency.

That sounds like really good advice, thank you so much. I really plan on taking advantage of every opportunity!

From what I've heard of the diploma school, the clinicals they offer are very strong, but I'm still a little wary of the program cause I don't want to be limted when I go on for the B/MSN, which I want to do eventually. And it's also more expensive- so when I think about the community college in terms of being a more practical degree, for less money, it seems like the much wiser choice, although I became very attached to the idea of this particular diploma school. It's a good thing I have a few weeks to make a decision- lots of time to make myself crazy!! : ) Thanks again to everyone for all your help, I get so excited to read what ppl have to say!!

So Jessiek, have you decided which way to go? Passiac CC or Mountainside?

I've been accepted by mountainside hosptial evening program starting next Fall. I'm very excited! I have three pre-reqs to make up this year. The good thing about it is that I can keep my full-time job during the whole program.

If I were you, I wouldn't worry about transfer to BSN/MSN. As long as you have your RN license, and certain general credits, it doesn't make a difference whether it is a diploma or associate degree. I would choose the one with the strong clinicals.

I compare mountainside with a cc I know of, the first two semesters, the CC requires 1 day clinical per week, while mountainside is 2 days clinical per week. The cc program let students take CNA after the first semester, while in mountainside, you get CNA training and certificate before the school really starts.

Yes, the good side about community college is its inexpensiveness.

No matter what you choose, I wish you the best.

That sounds like really good advice, thank you so much. I really plan on taking advantage of every opportunity!

From what I've heard of the diploma school, the clinicals they offer are very strong, but I'm still a little wary of the program cause I don't want to be limted when I go on for the B/MSN, which I want to do eventually. And it's also more expensive- so when I think about the community college in terms of being a more practical degree, for less money, it seems like the much wiser choice, although I became very attached to the idea of this particular diploma school. It's a good thing I have a few weeks to make a decision- lots of time to make myself crazy!! : ) Thanks again to everyone for all your help, I get so excited to read what ppl have to say!!

+ Add a Comment