Hey everybody. :) I have a question about attending a community college as opposed to a university RN program. I originally planned to attend a local community college for my first two years of general classes, and then transfer to a university for the nursing program. I've just realized that there's no way i will be able to afford school without student loans so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative(if there is one) so i can avoid as much debt as possible. So my question is this: is the college that you graduate from going to be a major factor in getting a decent job, or does it only matter that you do well in whatever program you're in? Or does it just vary from employer to employer? I don't want to waste money if it really doesn't matter. I'd appreciate any advice. :)

Hey everybody. :) I have a question about attending a community college as opposed to a university RN program. I originally planned to attend a local community college for my first two years of general classes, and then transfer to a university for the nursing program. I've just realized that there's no way i will be able to afford school without student loans so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative(if there is one) so i can avoid as much debt as possible. So my question is this: is the college that you graduate from going to be a major factor in getting a decent job, or does it only matter that you do well in whatever program you're in? Or does it just vary from employer to employer? I don't want to waste money if it really doesn't matter. I'd appreciate any advice. :)

When it comes to getting a job (at least here in my state)...a nurse is a nurse. I know the interviews I have been on they do not say anything about it. My education is on my resume.

Hello abracadabra2886! :) Welcome to Allnurses! :balloons:

What matters most is that you attend a nursing program that is an accredited program, that you successfully pass the courses, and that you successfully pass the NCLEX. You will not be licensed as a nurse if you fail to pass the NCLEX. :) Just because you begin nursing at one level doesn't mean you can't continue growing in nursing as you are able to afford to do so. I wish you well! :)

Just because it is a community college, does not make it second rate. I graduated from a community college, and it had one of the best nursing programs in the state. Hospitals all over tried to recruit us, and were very impressed that we went to that school. In fact around here, most try to get in at the community college and if they are not selected then they go to the university. What really matters is the program itself. Try to find out some stats. How many pass the boards after graduation? Try to talk to students in the program now or any nurses that went to the program.

Good Luck!!!

Just because it is a community college, does not make it second rate. I graduated from a community college, and it had one of the best nursing programs in the state. Hospitals all over tried to recruit us, and were very impressed that we went to that school. In fact around here, most try to get in at the community college and if they are not selected then they go to the university. What really matters is the program itself. Try to find out some stats. How many pass the boards after graduation? Try to talk to students in the program now or any nurses that went to the program.

Good Luck!!!

That sounds like our community college's nursing program :)

II graduated from a community college...passes NCLEX 1st try:balloons: ...Went to work in a MICU/SICU as soon as I got my license. Sometimes the "smaller"colleges are better. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

Hey everybody. :) I have a question about attending a community college as opposed to a university RN program. I originally planned to attend a local community college for my first two years of general classes, and then transfer to a university for the nursing program. I've just realized that there's no way i will be able to afford school without student loans so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative(if there is one) so i can avoid as much debt as possible. So my question is this: is the college that you graduate from going to be a major factor in getting a decent job, or does it only matter that you do well in whatever program you're in? Or does it just vary from employer to employer? I don't want to waste money if it really doesn't matter. I'd appreciate any advice. :)

Go to your community college, It does not matter what school you went to as long as that license is in your wallet!!! And where I live the community college grads are more sought after because they are better prepaired when they enter the real world of nursing. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my area, the community college has a lot more clinical experience than the university. There is a lot more theory in the university. There is nothing wrong with that but the clinical experience is MUCH more valuable! I went to the community college in my area and everyone in our class passed the NCLEX the first time...100% pass rate :balloons: :) :) :)

No.......GREAT RN program from community college!!

I've been told hospitals in my area *prefer* nurses from my program over the BSN programs. And when I've been in clinical areas where there were BSN students too, they were always "observing" vs "doing".

No.......GREAT RN program from community college!!

I've been told hospitals in my area *prefer* nurses from my program over the BSN programs. And when I've been in clinical areas where there were BSN students too, they were always "observing" vs "doing".

I have heard the same thing!

Not only does it not matter if you go to a CC, but the best thing is you can start working after your 2 years, instead of waiting the 4. I'm in the same boat as you, trying to keep costs down. I am attending a CC for my RN, then I plan to go straight into the RN-BSN after I find a job, and of course most employers offer tuition help so that way they can pay for some of my costs. Had I gone straight into a BSN program I'd be paying for it all myself.

Hey everybody. :) I have a question about attending a community college as opposed to a university RN program. I originally planned to attend a local community college for my first two years of general classes, and then transfer to a university for the nursing program. I've just realized that there's no way i will be able to afford school without student loans so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative(if there is one) so i can avoid as much debt as possible. So my question is this: is the college that you graduate from going to be a major factor in getting a decent job, or does it only matter that you do well in whatever program you're in? Or does it just vary from employer to employer? I don't want to waste money if it really doesn't matter. I'd appreciate any advice. :)