Ideas on Evaluating ADN Schools

DaFreak71 · Apr 25, 2006

Hi I have been accepted into two ADN programs and am looking for Ideas on how to evaluate which would be the better program. Both are accredited, one I can fine the NCLEX-RN pass rate but the other one I am not able to locate. One is very close to me and the other is about a 45 min commute. One is a grade based acceptance policy while the other one is a lottery and just got in by luck of the draw. What other criteria should I use to see which program would be better? Suggestion would be great.
Thanks,
Kat22

Go to the campus and hang out outside the building when classes are being let out. ASK STUDENTS what they think of the program. Try to get a cross section of students who have just begun, students in the middle and those about to graduate. Also, if you can't find the NCLEX pass rate info, just call the program and ask directly. If they won't answer you, I guess that pretty much makes your choice easier.

sunnyjohn · Apr 26, 2006

Ask students. If you can find former graduates talk to them. Talk to new student and those ready to graduate.

If the majority of the people are telling you a particular school has a 'toxic environment', pay attention.

DaFreak71 · Apr 26, 2006

Ask students. If you can find former graduates talk to them. Talk to new student and those ready to graduate.
If the majority of the people are telling you a particular school has a 'toxic environment', pay attention.

:yeahthat:

EmilyCCRN · May 1, 2006

I see you're in Oregon, so I'm guessing that you've been accepted to PCC and another school. :) Congratulations on being accepted to two schools! Generally speaking, all of the schools in our area are pretty decent. Let us know when you've decided where you're going!

sacralciara · May 1, 2006

If you are using pass rate to evaluate the schools, use it along with the school's entry/completion numbers. Schools with very high pass rates and also have high attrition rates tend to weed students to keep the pass rates high.

A more supportive learning environment may show a lower pass rate (stay above 90%, if possible), but you may keep more of your sanity AND probably get to finish the program too.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 2, 2006

this is the website to find overall national nclex pass rates

http://www.ncsbn.org/testing/psychometrics_nclexpassrates.asp

you should be able to get a breakdown by schools within your state by contacting your state board of nursing. you can link to their website from this forum (see "links" at top right of this web page).

something else you can do is get a list of the nursing school instructors (you can get them from the school's nursing department website or their class schedule) and see what other students have taken the time to write about the different instructors on the ratemyprofessors.com site.

malarwen · May 4, 2006

If you are using pass rate to evaluate the schools, use it along with the school's entry/completion numbers. Schools with very high pass rates and also have high attrition rates tend to weed students to keep the pass rates high.
A more supportive learning environment may show a lower pass rate (stay above 90%, if possible), but you may keep more of your sanity AND probably get to finish the program too.

:lol2: You mean there are schools with a pass rate of 90%??? Wow...the pass rate at my school is 33% :uhoh21: They call it a Boot Camp for Nurses.....wrong choice for me I guees

sacralciara · May 12, 2006

I live in Seattle and used the pass rates of the 6 schools in my area to say "stay above 90% pass rate, because I believe, the lowest school is around 83%.

I never considered that the pass rate standards could be more of a geographical thing than one of nursing programs in general. Even more reason to also consider the number entering/graduating against the pass rate to see the relation of how many started, and of those who finished, how many passed 1st time.

Ciara