How Much Does It Really Matter Where You Go to School? Philadelphia Area

[Phonenix]

Hi guys! I was wondering what your experiences were with how important it is where you go to school for your BSN. I know that NCLEX pass rates and accreditation are important.. but in terms of school name recognition/prestige how much does it really matter? I was also wondering if anyone knew what schools in the Philadelphia area have a good reputation with hospitals/other employers of putting out good nurses?

I want to go somewhere cheap because I plan on going on to get my masters and would rather spend the bulk of my money on a good school for my MSN. Do MSN programs' admissions care where you went to get your BSN? Or is it more about references and GPA?

Thanks in advance!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I think I posted somewhere about the somewhat "nursing program tier" that occurs in the Philadelphia area.

Some programs have a great reputation in relating to clinical experiences with said schools; even if and when they have questioning pass rates, if they have a great experience with the school, they are more likely to give consideration to those schools who have rotated in their hospitals/facilities.

Granted my observations are purely subjective and are reflective to places where I have been employed, etc.

The "top tier" programs that are noted within the Philadelphia, PA area that I have observed are: Penn, Jeff, Drexel, Villanova, and West Chester; most graduates from this pool are the first to be hired at an number of top health systems in the area; mainly because the schools have a health system that is affiliated with the school and/or have close relationships with area hospital health systems (i.e. Alumi status, relationship in terms of being a part of faculty, etc.)

The next tier is based in no particular order; mainly because these schools are in relation to area schools that are just as good and have made a consistent positive impression with clinical experiences with area hospitals: Temple, LaSalle, Widner, Holy Family, Saint Joesphs University, Penn State, Gwynedd Mercy and will add CCP and MontCo CC last due to the status of being a graduate of an ADN program is not always a fast-track to a hospital job; mainly due to hospitals desire BSN-prepared nurses, and there are plenty being churned out.

I can juggle around and add or subtract to the "top tier"; however, I don't have that expertise to iron it out.

It one doesn't go to one of there two echelon schools and resort to commercial programs, one will most certainly have a difficult time getting into a hospital.

I went to one of the "next tier" programs and was able to secure a job within 6 months of graduation; my school's reputation has helped secured me positions, especially when there are managers who are alumni.