HELP! Will this school be ok??

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2009

It's a diploma school of nursing, eh? I didn't know there were any of those anymore. Back in the olden days those were 3 year programs, compared to 2 for an ASN and 4 for a BSN. They have been generally well-respected, in my area at least. As far as accreditation goes, if something happens that your chosen school does not get accredited, it could limit your future advancement, depending on what you want to do down the road. Do you have to take pre-req's that could be transferred to another school if this school doesn't get accreditation? That might be an option. I'd be wary of going to a school that's not accredited yet. Also, one that is just going to graduate its second class is likely to be still working out the kinks. That's worth thinking about too.

sunray12 · Jan 20, 2009

There are several well respected hospital based (diploma) programs in my state. It's interesting that a hospital is starting one in an era where so many of them have been done away with. Hospitals should be the ones doing entry level nurse training because they're best equipped to do reality based instruction - but just my 2.5 cents. What matters is whether the program is approved by your state board of nursing. Your nursing license will be what gets you the job. There are many schools where you can do your RN to BSN. Your prereqs and corerqs will probably come from a different school, so you should be fine.

Bree124, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2009

I wouldn't do it, personally. Many things can affect accreditation status, not just NCLEX pass rate. If the school doesn't end up getting accredited, this could have serious ramifications not only for continuing your education, but also for getting hired for a job.

Do you have any other options? Could you delay starting until they are done with the accreditation process?

Batman24 · Jan 20, 2009

I wouldn't go there until they are accredited. I would check our the RN program at your local community college in regards to their AD program. As you already have a BS chances are you have some of the pre-reqs already done.

*LadyJane* · Jan 21, 2009

You might do well to learn about the HESI test and the whole idea of nursing schools and their "100% pass rates". At most nursing schools these days, the school teaches the students for the years (for a RN), and at the end of the two year program, a "predictor test" the HESI is used to predict the students' success at the NCLEX test. Anyone who doesn't pass the HESI at a certain score (the schools vary) is not allowed to progress to graduation and is then barred from taking their NCLEX exam.

That way, even a pretty bad school can boast about it's "100% pass rate". The information you really need to know to judge the quality of a nursing school is How many students started in the class, and how many in that same class graduated two years later.

Be warned, there are some schools where the majority of the class failed HESI and were denied graduation. This is the dirty little secret of nursing school.

2008pn · Jan 21, 2009

I am sort of paranoid and will not spend all that time on a school that I know for sure is not accredited because it won't matter if you pass and graduated nursing school if it is not accredited you won't be able to sit for your license, end of story!

Saifudin · Jan 21, 2009

This question is a common one.

I suggest you go for the highest degree you can, according to your means and circumstances. It will save you time and effort later on. The trend appears to be towards the BSN.

I believe you will have greater flexibility with a BSN, particularly if you think that you may want career advancement. If money is an issue (and when is it not), an associates will work, then, hopefully a future employer will offer tuition reimbursement.

I agree with others, don't play with a non-accredited school. Why start with that stressful question in the back of your mind. Go for the sure thing.

Do you have any particular career goals in mind?