What should I do???

Nursing Students General Students

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Okay, this is my dilemma. I am trying to choose between two ADN programs. One college has a nice computerized nursing lab and seems to have a better selection of extended learning classes , such as Critical Care Nursing. I really was impressed with what I saw there. This progam is also NLN Accredited. One negative point is the cost 99.00 a credit hour! Keep in mind that I will be paying cash.

The second program is at a city community college whose facility is not as nice. The nursing program is not NLN Accredited at this time. The positive point is that it is half the cost of the first program. I am leaning toward the cheaper program. I figure no one is concerned with what school you attend as long as you pass the State Licensure Exam. Please help me with your advice. I have to decide which one I will actively pursue by next week:rolleyes:

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I would honestly go for the better school, that is NLN accredited.... Some hospitals do look at that, and if the school isn't accredited then you may not get a job.... Do the hospitals near you offer any kind of scholarship programs?? Hospitals here will pay for your school, if you sign a contract to work for them for 2yrs when you graduate...

Good Luck

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h the NLN accredited school. If you ever decide to further your education, most higher degree programs want someone who has attended an NLN accredited school. Look for some loans to augment your cash, and go for it!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

Definately the NLN accredited program. It's worth the extra money.

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Do not go to any school that is not NLN accredited, your credits will not transfer and you really don't know what you are going to get. The ones that are accredited, have at least minimum standards they need to adhere to.

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Make an appointment with the admissions counselor at the NLN-approved school to see if there are any scholarships available. Contact your State Board of Nursing to see what scholarships/assistance is available. Get on the phone & get busy. Even if you have to take out loans, there are SO MANY LOAN FORGIVENESS plans out there -- make it a part of your negotiating when you look for a job. Also, at many facilities, there is tuition reimbursement for aides. Perhaps if you became a nurses aide, at some point, they would help toward your position. Best of luck to you.

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Starr:

Most of the RN job postings I've seen require that your nursing education be obtained from an NLN accredited school.

It may seem like a better idea to go with the cheaper alternative (trust me, I faced this situation as well), but think about this - you work long and hard for two or three years...and wind up with more limited job prospects. That would be so uncool.

Good luck.

Donna :)

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DEFINITELY THE NLN ACCREDITED SCHOOL....MY PROGRAM IS $130 PER CREDIT HOUR AND I ALSO PAY FOR IT MYSELF ...YES IT WILL BE DIFFICULT MAKING ENDS MEET BUT YOU ARE BETTER OFF IN THE LONG RUN.....

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION

SERI

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Yep, the other posters are correct. Go to the NLN accredited school. One poster stated they've seen jobs posted specifying 'NLN accredited school.' This isn't uncommon. Lots of employers want you to graduate from an NLN accredited school.

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