Jacksonville Fl and Im looking for a nursing program

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Nov 20, 2013

Hello there! As a former Army wife myself (hubby is medically retired) and I also used his GI bill I wanted to say HI! Are you looking for LPN, RN or BSN RN programs? If you just want to get started right away and get done with school ASAP so you can work, LPN may be the option. I was an LPN then Associates degree RN, then BSN RN, and now just got accepted to MSN/FNP school. I'm not familiar with all the schools here, however, I have a friend who is looking to start LPN school at Jersey College in Jacksonville, and then continue on for her LPN to RN bridge program....there is Chamberlain College, which will take you roughly 3yrs and you will have a BSN, RN making you more competitive to find employment at the local hospitals here as most want BSN RN's =) If you have the 100% pay rate for the GI bill for the 36mo, I'd personally go with Chamberlain as it's quicker, and no waiting list, not a bunch of pre-reqs needed (like the local community and state college) and can be done quicker. Just my two cents =) If you are needing to work ASAP do the LPN option and you can find plenty of schools for LPN to RN bridge later... =)

NicoleAlbertie84 · Dec 3, 2013

Hello, I am starting Jersey College LPN program December 30th. It is a 12 month program. Depending on what you want to do I can give you a suggestion for LPN and RN. For LPN Jersey is Cheaper I have 2 friends that have graduated from there and they LOVED it. For RN Chamberlin is VERY fast paced and expensive over 50K. I would recommend ITT-Tech or Keiser University. I was in ITT-Tech RN program and you took 3 classes at a time. 1 nursing course and 2 pre-req's. Hope this helps. Keep us posted! Good luck

eglover · Dec 10, 2013

Hey, thanks for taking the time to respond and Ive never looked at Jersey College so you completed the ITT-Tech program?? Im finally here in Jacksonville and feel maybe I should wait till the next semester due to not knowing what or where to go I haven't even learned the area yet lol…I will look into the programs you offered and will keep you posted thanks again.

Flnolegirl · Dec 10, 2013

I attend Kaplan college it's a 18 mos. program and you will have your ASN. Ultimately you have to do what's right for you if you need $$ now LPN if not do a ADN or BSN good luck and welcome to Jacksonville.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2013

Hey thanks for taking the time to respond and Ive never looked at Jersey College so you completed the ITT-Tech program?? Im finally here in Jacksonville and feel maybe I should wait till the next semester due to not knowing what or where to go I haven't even learned the area yet lol…I will look into the programs you offered and will keep you posted thanks again.[/quote']
Please also research the board if nursing website fir pass rates and accredidations/approvals

eglover · Dec 10, 2013

Thank you everyone Im going around today to visit some schools and feel out which one is best I may try to get into a program this upcoming semester, Im excited and thanks for all the welcomes, Im already loving FL especially the weather:} Im for the east so 80 in December is mind-blowing. This website seems very helpful and I truly appreciate the advice, hopefully my next post will be that Im on my way to making a difference in people's life with my smile and my nursing skills:}….Happy Holidays everyone!

ladij08 · Feb 24, 2016

Hi guys! I am a Navy spouse and will be using my husband's GI BILL. We will be moving there in December and I am trying to find a school that will be most beneficial for my career goals. I am have gone through so many schools and made so many changes and am just ready to get started. I've heard about Jersey college and am looking into them currently. How was Jersey college? Did anyone do LVN and bridged to RN? Is it better to go straight RN? How are the teachers and test? Any advice will be helpful. Any suggestions for other schools?

andielbc · Mar 4, 2016

A couple of my LPN coworkers are attending Jersey college and I have heard many complaints from them. Not only is it really expensive, but they said they were given books and not much else. Similar things were said about Chamberlain from others.

Be aware that the hospitals of the area may not accept your degree from one of the for profit schools unless you have additional degrees and certifications. Double check their standing and please make sure they are certified. The state colleges or places like UNF and JU may take longer, but your chances of being hired after graduation increase hugely. They are also MUCH cheaper, even with prereqs.

Also, not many hospitals hire LPNs nowadays. If you become an LPN, you'll most likely end up working at a nursing home, or, if you're lucky, a doctor's office.

Central BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2016

Why not look into programs that will actually get you a job once you graduate. Look into JU or UNF, even FSCJ, but don't waste your time with the other schools in my opinion.

As the poster above me mentioned LPN's tend to end up in long term care facilities here in Jax. Their are 2-3 quality nursing programs that have graduates walk out of school with a BSN making almost all of the acute care facilities avoid hiring LPN's in favor of RN BSN grads.

2 cents.

rleah, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2016

JU AND UNF are great schools and their programs are for your BSN. However they are highly competitive, I have been told unless you have at least a 3.7 do not even bother applying. FSCJ and St johns have ADN programs and are very affordable. Still competitive but not as much. FSCJ has an LPN program. Chamberlain is the only for profit school I would consider. There is no wait list and they are accredited however it is super expense, but they do turn out great nurses. I work for a near by Hospital as a CNA and the nurses love chamberlain students.