Is my nursing school reputable? Job outlook? La Salle University

Published

I recently got accepted to La Salle University in Philadelphia with a huge scholarship as a nursing major. I am beyond happy as I feel like becoming an RN will be a satisfying and stable career to go into. However, I fear that my prospective school may not be as great as I expected.

Despite my average academic performance, albeit I took rigorous classes, the scholarship I received is far more than I expected any college to give to me. This makes me feel like the program isn't as selective as others, thus making it seem less reputable.

Furthermore, I'm worried that I might not be able to find a job after graduating due to the college's lack of name value.

The nursing program is fully accredited and certified by the ACEN, but my biggest fear is diving into a school that won't get me a job.

I don't mind moving out of state for a job, however.

So, will RNs be able to find a job regardless of where they got their undergrad degree? Or should I transfer while I'm at La Salle?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

try looking up the NCLEX pass rates? that should be your biggest clue i think, you want a school that prepares you

you can always ask the nursing department, how many of their graduates are hired within 1 year after graduation?

or what percentage pass the nclex on the first or second try?

if you really want, call the HR departments of nearby hospitals to see if they have anything to say about LaSalle nurses

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The NCLEX pass rate is around 64% for first time test takers as of 2013-2014. This is considerably low compared to other schools.

Out of around 222 test takers, 144 passed on the first try between October 2013 and Sept. 2014.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatics, Family Practice.

A pass rate of 64% is too low in my opinion. I know the number of graduates in the class determines the pass rate, but I wouldn't consider attending a nursing school with a pass rate

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.

As a nursing student in the Philadelphia area, La Salle is relatively well known. However, there are many other nursing schools in the area with better reputations. I have heard of many people receiving large scholarships to La Salle but many end up choosing other schools with better programs. The undergrad nursing program at La Salle does not rank at all on US News, but the grad school was ranked as #122.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info, guys!

Do you guys think I will be okay as long as I maintain a stable GPA and pass the NCLEX?

I'm actually looking into an ER nursing job in the future or maybe even ICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.

Of course!! For schools with a lower NCLEX pass rate, it may just mean that you have to do more independent studying in addition to classwork. Also, if you can, see where La Salle nursing students go for clinical rotations. There are some top teaching hospitals in Philly, so the clinical experience is very enriching!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would rather take the loans and debt and go to a better school, nursing school is a lot of work and it is important to choose the right one. ... it creates the foundation for your practice. 64 percent is low, a school needs to prepare you for nclex and practice alike. ... I wouldn't risk it but it all sleeves on what you feel is best. .. If you choose this route, there will be a lot of studying to do independently, which seems impossible on days where homework is already piled up. It's doable out just depends on how much you do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree.. I got into Drexel's BSN program just a few days ago so I'm hoping to go there. Their NCLEX pass rate has always been above 96% so it's definitely a more well-rounded program. They also have co-op options which I'm very excited about. Unemployment rates among Drexel's BSN grads are very low too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i just graduated from la salle's evening and weekend bsn program in december. the school is definitely struggling with pass rates for some reason. i took the boards and passed in 75 questions, and i've been hearing the same from a lot of my peers. however, the day program students seem to do worse than the evening program. idk if this is because day students tend to be younger. in the evening program, we were mostly second career adults who were very much type a and serious about our educations. it seems like you're serious as well, so you may not have any issues passing the boards with an education from la salle. i passed the boards on 1/8 and i was sitting in orientation for my rn job on 1/12. so it really depends on you and how you network. work hard in clinicals and get written recommendations from your instructors. i would also suggest getting a part time or per diem job as a nursing assistant somewhere. that's what i did while i was in school. i built great relationships and basically had a job lined up as soon as i was able to take the boards.

good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

since my previous post was deleted, i'll just share that the assistant dean of la salle emailed me back this morning and told me that in my cohort that graduated this past december, 93.7% of us have passed the boards on the first try!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the input & advice! I found that La Salle was not right for me and I decided to attend Drexel U. I love the opportunities they give nursing students through co-ops and their facilities are top notch

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion