Honest Opinion - Marymount Accelerated BSN - 2010/2011

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I've been accepted for Marymount's Accelerated BSN program starting in January 2010, and have also been accepted by another out of state school. Before making a final decision, I'd like to hear what people who are in the program, or who have graduated from the program think about Marymount's ABSN program.

Private nursing schools are very expensive, and I want to make the right choice - financially. But I also want to get the very best education possible. If you think there are schools in the DC/MD/VA area that are better, I'd like to know why. And if you think Marymount has some special things going for it, I'd like to hear about that, too.

Thanks!

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There are also many excellent programs at the public Universities in Virginia. The ABSN program at George Mason is about 12 months in duration. Both Virginia Commonwealth and Radford have very strong second degree BSN programs that are 4 semesters in duration (and a fraction of the cost of any private school). UVa has a direct entry MSN program (24 months long) with an NCLEX pass-rate that has averaged 98% over the past 2 years.

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Specializes in medical.

Graduated from Marymount in 2005 with associated degree in nursing. Nobody in our class was impressed with their program. I'll give you a hint since I am working for 4 years in nursing: Nobody cares what nursing school you finished, seriously, afterall all, we all have to pass the same NCLEX exam.

I had to go to Marymount because at that time I was an out-of-state student and couldn't get to cheaper in-state programs. I would choose the cheapest nursing school, if I were you.

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Hi!

I'm in my first semester at Marymount and from what I've heard from previous students, the program has changed quite a bit in recent years. I've noticed that we also have a pretty good reputation at our clinical sites among the hospitals and instructors. So far, my experience has been pretty positive.

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I heard that Marymount had to do a complete overhaul of the administration. Is that true? I am from out of state. Is it hard to meet new people at Marymount? Do Marymount grads have any trouble finding employment?

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I think in general it's hard to maintain nursing staff, part of the nursing shortage problem is a lack of educators. From what I'm told, a lot of our staff is new, but there are definitely some seasoned instructors, and even our new instructors have experience at other schools. I think what you take from any nursing education is what you put into it. As far as employment goes, D.C. is a great place for new nurses, regardless of the school you go to. A couple of my friends who already graduated from Marymount received scholarships with employment contracts before they even graduated. I made a lot of new friends in my first semester. You're assigned to one of two schedules and every class you take is with the same group, and everyone in your classes is second-degree, so you're bound to get to know people!

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how is the program going so far

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Also where would you say is the ideal place for a student to live?

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Lauren,

I just got accepted to spring 2012 too!! I am trying to live off campus! But am looking for a roommate preferably a nursing student. I am trying to get information from other spring students so that we can talk prior to the start. We should exchange info.

Erika

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I graduated in '09 from Marymount and ended up going active duty Army Nurse Corps. Everyone from my class that I know of found a job very quickly after graduation. One thing is try not to be super picky...get a job ...bang out a couple years then you have good experience to apply to any kind of job. I know having a med/surg background is appealing to employers. As far as Marymount..I loved it. Good school...good instructors. Just be prepared..it is not cheap..and living in NOVA is not cheap either.

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is there anywhere that you recommend living.. how is the off campus grad housing?? I am looking into apartments now and it is just SO expensive UGH!

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I mean...if you are going for the cheap route...then Arlington VA is not the place for you. Have you looked at schools in Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota? I am not even kidding. You have to make financial decisions based on your situation. Accelerated programs..there is almost no way to have a job while in school. Just way to busy. So..I would say either go traditional route and work..or find somewhere with an accelerated program with a much lower cost of living. I am not discouraging...I went to MU and loved it..and being in NOVA is a great place for job opps and just a plain cool place to live. Lots of stuff going on and places to go. You just have to look at the entire picture and make a decision.

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