Help in choosing a nursing school

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Hello everyone..

My daughter is planning on a nursing major when she graduates next year. She is looking for a nursing school in PA. Now my instinct in all this ( after talking to ppl in health care) is that she get a 2 yr degree, get a job, and get a bachelors (paid for by the employer) Reasons being she can end up with no debt whatsoever.

Well,, having said that,, she wants to do the whole college experience ( and I support that).

So, what I'm trying find is a 4 yr program in Western PA. that is reasonable in cost,(i.e. NOT $30,000 per year Duquesne) with a good reputation. (Haha, I am a Duquesne graduate but cannot afford it and something tells me that you dont need to spend that kind of money to get a good nursing education) She is an decent student, but most likely will not get into Pitt Main.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Sounds like "she" needs to do the leg work and visit some nursing schools since "she" will be the one attending. There are many to choose from, check the web for a list and see what they are all about. Good luck to her.

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Specializes in Home health, Med/Surg.

Not all nursing school experiences are the same. I went to a small private university in CA and had a wonderful experience plus gaining an excellent foundation to build a career on. From speaking to other nurses throughout the 10 years since I graduated I know my nursing school experience was exceptional. I did have scholarships and student loans to pay for school, my parents couldn't manage the tuition and dorm fees. I only have about 10,000 $ left on my loans and it is no burden. My payment is fixed at 137$ a month. Small price to pay for a memorable college experience and a good education.

If you are wise and calculate your salary against monthly loan payments it is not a big deal to take out loans.

Hospitals that pay for further education also require a commitment, usually 2 years after graduation. If you move before the 2 years you have to repay the hospital. Does your daughter want to be tied to one hospital for an extended period of time?

Just some food for thought.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Have you looked at the state schools?

Indiana University of PA www.iup.edu

Edinboro www.edinboro.edu

California www.cup.edu

Clarion www.clarion.edu

Slippery Rock www.sru.edu

Also, there are 8 diploma RN programs within 50 miles of me here in Pittsburgh - most have excellent reputations. PM me if you need more info.

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Slippery Rock doesn't have a general BSN program. They have an RN to BSN program. However, there are schools nearby that offer diploma RN programs.

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I would definitely look into IUP. I went there for my B.A. (just now going back to nursing school). I had many friends in the nursing program there, and they loved it.

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Thank you to most of you for the thoughtful responses.

SHE is actually doing the legwork in looking for a school. I am just trying to help her make sure she is alooking at all the options available t o her..

Shes thinking its going to be either CAL U or IUP. Thank you again, I will tell her about Clarion.

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