Where should I go to Nursing School? Familliar with the Philly area?

[Tigger100S]

Hi everyone! I am a freshman nursing student deciding weither I should transfer, and to where, after my second year when I begin clinicals. I am looking for a school in the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs...possbiley further. I am currently at Penn State and could stay here and do clinicals at the Hershey Medical campus, or transfer. I want to go to as good of a school as I can, and perferabley one that is nursing/medically oriented. I am considering Thomas Jefferson U. , Villanova, West Chester U.,... any advice or suggestions??? I am wondering what kind of difference a degree from one school has over another. I am a good student and will probably be going back to grad school after a couple years in the field, so I want a good educational background (plus I'm a dork.)

Thanks for any advice!

Sarah

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Hi Tiger!

Are you at the Delaware County campus by chance...the Colleges you mentioned are are around that area. Have familiarity with all prrograms. You mention grad school ....and being a dork; the two don't mix, LOL.

Why do you want to change from Penn State?? That answer will give you clues to the type of school you want to choose.

West Chester and Villanova schools are suburban locations---Villanova students use Main Line Health hospitals and some City hospitals as clinical sites. West Chester mainly uses Chester County facilites---mostly non-teaching facilities. All programs have BSN + MSN programs. Villanova ranked higher in Grad School lists along with Jefferson. Jeff is a city Tertiary teaching facility 900+ beds with many smaller affiliated hospitals thru Jefferson Health system. In the city, you will PAY 10.00 day for parking if can't use trains into town. Very variedstudent body and different style in this school than other othe two. All are respected institutions.

Here is link to all Philly area schools--site sponsored by Jefferson:

http://www.tobeanurse.com

Also check out: http://www.discovernursing.com

This site has background info on most schools in US.

PM me if more detailed info desired.

[kats]

http://www.allnursingschools.com is a great web site that will give you information on different nursing programs no matter where you live. Good luck in your journey. -Kimberly

[PediRN]

University of Pennsylvania has one of the top rated nursing programs in the country

[shg]

Hello,

Methodist Hospital also has a good program. Altough they only give out diplomas, if you are going back to school that doesn't really matter. It's an easy way to save some money. That's what I'm doing so I can afford a better grad school without getting myself into too much debt.