Help!! U of M or Oakland U nursing school

forthebirds · Jul 29, 2009

Tough decision, both are good schools. Something to consider is the type of experience you may have while at each prospective school. With UMich the clinicals will be done the majority of the time at University of Michigan hospital, I believe with Oakland University you will be placed at various locations through out the Detroit area.

It might help you to do a comparison of as many aspects of each program as possible. Make a list to compare: number of clinical hours you will have at graduation, clinical sites, number of credits to graduate, course comparisons (both have the courses required and a catalog explaining the courses accessible on their websites), student/professor ratio, student/clinical instructor ratio. Also look at where you believe you would like to live now and when you are done with school. This sounds like a lot of investigative work, and it is, but a couple questions can be knocked out by calling the school (particularly clinical hours, ratios which I didn't find online). Do a pro/con of the drawbacks/benefits of attending the schools (drive, cost of living, living arrangements, parking, etc.)

In the end, very few will care where you went to school. It will be the type of experience you bring to the table that will matter. (By the way, you can always accept a position at a school--this doesn't you are eternally bound to them. But keep in mind you'll likely lose any deposit money if you then change your mind and choose a different school. In addition know that you are also keeping people on the wait-list while you make your decision, but at least that will buy you more time to investigate thoroughly. Ask the school what happens if you decide later not to attend).

Take a deep breath and try to look at objective data, that will be the most helpful. :)

serenity124 · Jul 29, 2009

Tough decision, both are good schools. Something to consider is the type of experience you may have while at each prospective school. With UMich the clinicals will be done the majority of the time at University of Michigan hospital, I believe with Oakland University you will be placed at various locations through out the Detroit area.

I have to disagree with this statement, only because I am starting the program at U of M in the fall and none of my placements are at U of M Hospital. I'm doing Med-Surg at St. Joes, and L&D at Footes in Jackson. Some others will be at Providence, Oakwood, the VA and various other places.

hwalms · Jul 30, 2009

Thanks for your reply. Could you give me your impression of the U of M Nursing School? Have you been satisfied with the quality of education and instructor participation? Do you believe you will have an advantage by attending U of M? Anything you could tell me about the program and what to expect would be sooo helpful! Thank you.

forthebirds · Jul 30, 2009

I have to disagree with this statement, only because I am starting the program at U of M in the fall and none of my placements are at U of M Hospital. I'm doing Med-Surg at St. Joes, and L&D at Footes in Jackson. Some others will be at Providence, Oakwood, the VA and various other places.

Yes, for clarification not all clinical sites are with the U of M hospital system. Some of the clinical site availability may also depend on which type of nursing program you apply to (such as the typical 4 year program or the accelerated program). I should have used the word "many" versus "majority." The school itself states this:

http://www.nursing.umich.edu/clinical/umich_hosp_nursing.html

"Clinical Practice & Partnerships

Our students and faculty benefit from our close association with the University of Michigan Health System, one of the top hospitals in America. Students are on site for many of their clinical classes, and graduate and faculty work with UM Health System faculty on many collaborative and research projects."

Congrats and good luck on your journey into nursing :).

To the OP having an education from a top 10 school has never hurt anyone :wink2:, but no doubt it is expensive. Again, as you know, both schools will get you to your goal. Do I think U of M may have more reach for future endeavors? Yes, because of its global reputation.

JazzyOneRN · Jul 30, 2009

What program did you apply for for both schools was it their traditional 4 year programs or was it their second degree programs? I applied for Oakland U second degree accelerated program and I am now awaiting to hear from them and wanted to know if anyone else heard from them in regards to the fall of 2010.

hwalms · Jul 30, 2009

I applied for the 4 year at both schools and was accepted. I dont know much about Oakland's second degree accelerated. Sorry. Does anyone out there attend MI or Oakland's Undergrad Nursing that can give me info so as to make a decision on which program to choose?? Still undecided. Thanks...

20firebird02 · Jul 30, 2009

First of all, hwalms, best of luck with your decision! You have been accepted into two amazing programs and I know you'll be able to make the best choice for you

I am in the traditional program at UofM and I love it!!! It's difficult, fast-paced, and sometimes extremely frustrating, but I love the opportunities it allows, and most of the instructors I have had are interesting, helpful, and truly want you to succeed! In addition to the nursing school, the campus as a whole is extremely vibrant, and there's something for everyone to get involved in. Also, most of the people I have met are down-to-earth, caring, and extremely fun to be around.

I also took a summer nursing class at OU last year, and while the quality of instruction was good (pretty similar to that of UofM's, maybe a little less detailed than the equivalent class because of the fast pace) I didn't talk to anyone. I'm not sure if this was because it was a summer class or because it wasn't my school, but I felt out of place nonetheless. I voiced this concern to a few of my close friends from high school who go there and they said that the campus life is something you need to make a huge effort to be a part of, since so many people commute every day. Some of my friends got around this by living on-campus or joining many organizations, and others are just really bubbly people who will talk to walls if they have to. Others have a hard time getting involved, knowing about campus events, and stepping outside of their comfort zones. However, OU's nursing program is excellent, and improving tremendously each year with the advancements made to the university as a whole.

Clearly, I'm more than a little biased since I love UofM. However, my point isn't "Go to Michigan! It's the best choice for everyone!" (it's not) but rather that thinking about the campus life as a whole and what you want from college outside of the classroom might help you in this decision. You will spend a TON of time studying, doing clinicals, and everything else academic, but there's a lot of learning that takes place outside of all of that while you're simply living your life. Both nursing programs are AMAZING and you can be an equally successful nurse if you graduate from either school, but they're extremely different experiences as a whole. Each is good for different people, situations, and goals.

Again, congratulations, and best of luck!

hwalms · Jul 30, 2009

Thank you so much for your response....you clearly know what I'm going through. This really gives me a lot to think about. I have heard both programs are good so thanks for your background information on college life in general at these two schools. I really love U of M when I'm on campus. Ann Arbor is such an interesting, cultured town. I know the whole experience would be great. Thanks again!!!