How much does ranking matter?

[Natalya064]

I am looking at Accel.BSN programs and there are some which are more prestigous and more expensive than others. How much will the ranking of school I attend affect my nursing career? What are the advantages of going to a "better" program? Is it worth the money? I am also considering the Direct Entry Masters programs, but they are a bigger time and money committment and I am not sure what I would specialize in yet.

Will it be more difficult to get into a Master's program later if I get my Accel.BSN first from a not high ranked school? Will where I get my BSN affect my salary or ability to find work?

[Miss Mab]

Hi Natalya,

Just wanted to tell you that it does not matter AT ALL where you go to school for your BSN (or ADN for that matter). Generally no pay difference--no effect on MSN prospects,etc.

A few years ago when I started looking for acclerated BSN or MEPN programs, I instintively looked first at the Columbia's, Duke's, etc. because in my original undergrad work and in the working world I came from, the "better" the school the better it will affect and reflect on your career prospects.

I'm not sure that this is necessarily a good thing but in nursing it simply isn't even considered. At least at the BSN level--maybe some docs would prefer an Ivy MSN NP--but even then I don't think so much. To many, sadly, a nurse is a nurse is a nurse.

Truly, one should take whichever route is the cheapest for them, at least for initial RN licensure. I ended up w/a BSN from a well known (in its area anyway)private college out of state and all I ever heard was" why did you spend so much to be a nurse?" BTW, I actually got a scholarship anyway.

It's sad that nursing education isn't valued like it is by other professions. Check out the educational threads on here and you'll find it isn't necessarily valued within the profession either.

Do whatever is best for you!

Good luck!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

It really depends on where you will be working. In an urban area with more competition it's obvious that "quality" matters. Here in Turkey Droppings, USA, ANY NP program would have you hired in the provervbial heartbeat, as we are rural and medically underserved.

[HealthyRN]

I'm sorry to say that Miss Mab is exactly right. You will quickly learn that the nursing profession does not value education as many other professions do. In general, it will not matter where you receive your nursing education. However, I have no regrets about the top-ranked university that I attended. You may want to consider if you plan on practicing as a nurse for the rest of your life. In the future, if you decide to go back to school for another career, the school you attend may make the process easier. Good luck.