Help I have a major decision to make...

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Hello, I am new to this site but I am in need of some input. I just got accepted to CCP, Abington nights/weekends and Roxborough. I really am having a hard time deciding. They all have pros and cons. Does anyone know if it is more benefical to get an associates or is a diploma just as good? If anyone has some input that could be valuable for my decision making please write me back. Thanks!!!

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Does anyone know if a hospital base program is better or a community school program.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hi there...I'm kinda in the same decision-making boat as you. I was accepted to CCP, Abington, Intending-Nursing at La Salle, and the waiting list at Jefferson (which I will know about spots that open up this summer). My first choices are Jefferson and La Salle because they are BSN programs. But honestly between CCP and Abington (Roxborough was not even on my radar), I would go for Abington.

Reason why...nursing is getting away from associates and diploma programs anyway...everyone is starting to want a bachelor's degree or higher...so either way, you're going to need more school eventually. But Abington Hospital has magnet status which is a big plus and the school feeds right into the hospital. They are also hooked up with universities (such as La Salle) so that you can get your BSN. Abington also has the highest first-time pass rate on the NCLEX out of the diploma/associates programs. If I don't get a spot at La Salle or Jefferson, I will definitely be at Abington come September..maybe I'll see you there!

JMHO...good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

The Philadelphia market seems to favor BS prepared nurses. Both of the programs you are considering are well-regarded. I would look into the steps necesary to transition from RN to BSN with each program (time, cost, number of courses, convenience, etc.) to help make a decision.

Congratulations and best of luck!

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Thank you so much for those who replied. I already have a BS and was told that I would go right into a master program after I get my RN. I just want to make the right choice.

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Even if you already have a BSN, you will probably still need to do some sort of "bridge" to the MSN. Each school has its own requirements; make sure you check the websites of schools you think you might be interested in attending for your RN-MSN. I know Jeff has such a program, but I don't know what the bridge component consists of.

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