IRSC or Keiser for RN degree

neen68 · Jan 5, 2011

I would strongly encourage you to check out the NCLEX pass rates for both institutions. I have enrolled in IRSC because it's close to my home (I live in Palm City). It is less expensive and seems like a good program. Also, on the negitive side, the IRSC program is very competive. If you are already an LPN, you have a better chance of getting into the program rather than having no nursing experience at all. Best of luck to you and your endevers.

RLtinker, LPN · Jan 5, 2011

honestly, without being more familiar with these schools and their programs i couldn't give you a more affirmative answers. i am assuming keiser is last on your list? otherwise why would you be messing with irsc too? the pass rates on your schools seem comparable http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/info_regn_jan-mar09.pdf

you do have time though, you have about 6 months until next fall. however, i would at least get the ball rolling. transferring credits takes time and your fa could be effected. as for the teas and nln, i don't know how similar they are. the teas exam is around $40 and the price of the study guide will depend on where you buy it. in total it will cost you around $100-120. the test is 170 (150 scored) questions (english, reading comp, math [basic stuff like ratios, working with mixed numbers, but calculators are not allowed], and science[biology,chemistry,physics,human anatomy]) and the tests time limit is 209 minutes. this maybe a big deal to you or it may not. personally, i would just take the test. i wouldn't even worry about the nln until you know you have to take it.

Nurse Lory · Sep 15, 2012

I am about graduating from Keiser FTL-and this is honest truth and my own opinion. The main problem the school is the quality of teaching . Almost every single teacher lacks experience. The school's administration is very disorganized. You will end up teaching yourself. Overall, I am pretty disappointing with the school where morale is low.

Also, please read Keiser in the news.

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/201...orida-colleges

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 16, 2012

Moved to the Florida State Nursing Programs forum.

TraumaRN21 · Apr 15, 2013

I will never understand why people go into 40K dept for a ADN. Schools like Keiser, South University ect are so expensive. I went to Palm Beach State College and worked all throuh school and graduated with experience and dept free. All these private schools are rip off, state schools are better schools for much less. Get your CNA license, get a full time home health night shift job that you can study on, apply for grants and pay as you go.

bellafsu89 · Apr 20, 2013

This was from a while ago! 2010! In the end I went with Keiser. When I posted this in 2010, hubby and I ended up getting pregnant! FAst fwd....I am finishing my 1st semester at Keiser in PSL. It's great! Teachers are great, tons of support, I'm on scholarship and I love it! The 1st cohort that graduated from PSL had all but two people take and pass their NCLEX. One hasn't taken it and one isn't going to take it.

One of the main reasons I picked this program was because I needed something now....not to be wait-listed for a year. I have a family and i needed to get moving ASAP. I have a BS from Florida State in Exercise Physiology already so this is my 2nd degree....actually my 3rd bc while I was Prego with my kids I completed my MBA.

So, long story short, everyone has a reason to go where they go...and while spending the cost is high, it's worth it I the end....(btw, I had pre-reqs done so I only have $24,000 in loans for this program most of which is handled by my scholarship.)

Thank you all who have responded!! I completely forgot about this post!

Helano · Apr 21, 2013

Thanks for posting this! I am getting ready to start Keiser in Orlando this summer. My story is similar to yours in that I have a degree and am about to finish my Masters this semester. My ugrad grades are similar to yours, which makes it impossible to get into any accelerated BSN program. The other option is to wait for Valencia but by the time I finished the ASN I will already have a BSN and will have been working for at least two years. It's annoying when people say don't go to a school because of the cost. I can afford the tuition. In addition to that, I will more than make up the cost of tuition by completing my degree faster and spending the two years working vs waiting for the cheaper program. Good luck!

bellafsu89 · Apr 24, 2013

Good for you!!! It doesn't matter the path you take, as long as you get that RN and pass the NCLEX your golden!!!

elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Apr 30, 2013

@Helano/@bellafsu89:

I'm curious behind the logic here. Im a bit confused. The ASN program over at keiser from what i understand is 16 months, barring any pre req classes, that roughly runs 25-35k from what ive read (tuition changes yearly and for 2013 i believe its about 8k per semester, with a half semester last totalling 32k, but going alternate routes for books and such could save you about 5-10k)

im not entirely sure of valencias program, but i think i read that theyre basically a 2+2 college with UCF so once you receive your ADN after 2 years (24 months) you can head straight over to UCF for your last 2 years to receive your BSN.

So all in all when going to keiser vs valencia or another 2 year institution, you save yourself about 8 months ? give or take ? but the average tuition rate for CCs is about 10k, whereas you've accrued a 20-30k debt ? Where's the 2 year difference ?

The thought Keiser always scared me because i felt that even if i end up graduating faster, the 8 month difference really wasn't worth the 30k debt id be in, especially since it would take A LOT longer than 8 months to obliterate that debt, I'll essentially be working for scraps trying to pay off loans for the next couple of years, which simply just wouldn't be worth the negligible time i saved. This is all contingent of course upon the fact that I find a job, because from what Ive been reading, New Grad RNs with ADNs/ASNs are not being picked up, and are being passed over for those with BSNs. And a BSN over at keiser, i think would run you a total of 75k at the end? That's how much it would cost to be a PA at some universities..

bellafsu89 · May 7, 2013

At this point it's not about the money. It's about The schedule and the fact that there is not a waiting list. I looked into the program when through my steps and was able to begin (bc I passed the teas, had a high enough GPA, did an interview etc...) I have two babies and needed a new career quick. This gives me the chance to do so. I have scholarships and I work really hard to make everything come together perfectly.

I would have loved to go to a CC but in my area it's a 2 year waiting list. Plus my prerequisite grades are not too hot....so there is no guarantee. It was weighing out my options and Keiser was a better fit for me personally.

Helano · May 7, 2013

Valencia has a two year wait list to start their program and takes two years. With that it will take 4 years to get the ASN plus another 1 -2 years to get the BSN. Keisers program is 14 months, plus two months to take the NCLEX. The total cost, not including pre-reqs is $24,000. The $14,000 difference is about the cost of a Toyota Corolla.

I will have my degree by the fall of 2014. I wouldn't even start until the fall 2015 at Valencia. While it is true that hospitals are pushing for BSNs, I know several Keiser grads that have jobs at major hospitals and have earned or are pursuing BSNs at public universities. Keiser is regionally accredited and accredited by the NLNAC. My campus has awesome clinical sites and strong employment statistics. I am fortunate that I used to work for a healthcare company and have connections at local hospitals to help land an interview. The job market is tighter than it once was, but nursing still has better job prospects than many other majors. I am certinally more likely to get a job with an ASN than my BA in Psychology! This board tends to present a doom and gloom outlook for finding a job and nursing as a career in general. It's important to stay positive.

Keiser was the right choice for me becuase of their schedule. I have two babies and need to have some structure in my schedule so I can make sure they are properly taken care of. I also like that their class size is small. It's important to make the decision that is best for you. Keiser is the best choice for me. The extra $14,000 is no big deal for me as I can afford to pay this without getting into debt.