How do I choose a good school

Rapheal · Nov 20, 2003

Here are some points to consider. Cost, waiting time to get in, where clinicals are held, remediation policy, and the question that most schools don't like to divulge- how many students who start the program finish the program. Although you will here that many students who fail do so because they have problems or are not good students- it speaks volumes about the type of remediation and support you will get when you are enrolled. Do they have a lab that is staffed by an instructor?

Most schools will try to wow you with their NCLEX passing rate. This is a great statistic to have but if they try to weed out students who they think will not pass NCLEX the first try- it is not a program you want to be in. I have friends who failed out on clinicals and were not re-accepted back into the school. These were very intelligent, self motivated people. Clinical evaluations may be subjective, so if the school has a pass/fail clinical evaluation-beware. Just some pointers. Hope you find the school that is the best.

bergren · Nov 21, 2003

Go to the 4 year schools that you would likely apply to and find out how easily it is to transfer from either of these two schools. If you are a good student, they may have some money for you to stat right away at the 4 year program.

There are many good 4 year programs in that area - Just a few are:

University of MN

University of MN - Morris

St Cloud

St Ben's

St Catherine's

Bethel

MN State U at Mankato

rosendalemj · Nov 19, 2004

the question that most schools don't like to divulge- how many students who start the program finish the program. Although you will here that many students who fail do so because they have problems or are not good students- it speaks volumes about the type of remediation and support you will get when you are enrolled.

I wish I had asked that question before enrolling in the diploma program I'm now in - yikes!!!! Half of my class is failing - second term. I'm looking elsewhere and will be starting over, wasted time, wasted money, valuable lesson.

bergren · Nov 19, 2004

You entioned you already have 2 bachelor's degrees? Many schools now have masters entry programs where you earn your masters degree in nursing and get your RN at the same time.

rosendalemj · Nov 20, 2004

Richmond, VA. It will be 5 months before I know if I'm accepted. Nothing from the diploma programs transfers. If it's Gods will, I'll be accepted.