Just Starting Out - Pre Req's

Harte · Apr 23, 2008

The OCNE schools (OHSU, Mt. Hood, Clackamas) and PCC all have pretty much the same prereqs (except maybe one of two), and they also seem to have the fewest, which is nice. Linfield, UP, George Fox are all really expensive and have more prereqs, which drives the cost up even further. So, in terms of bang for the buck, I'd look at the OCNE schools and go with their prereqs. PCC is not OCNE now but is transitioning in a year or two. Hope this helps!

SleepyShanti · Apr 23, 2008

Thanks for your response. Well I understand the the community colleges have cheaper programs which require less pre req's but I want to make sure I'm not waiting for years waiting to get into them if you know what I mean.

What's driving me mad is for instance this: I am comparing University of Portland's Pre Req's with Lindfields. UOP requires you to take an entirely different science sequence than Lindfield does so in order for someone to be able to apply to both of these schools they would basically have to take additional courses just so that they could apply to theses schools. Same thing here with writing. Lindfield requires 2 writing classes, UOP requires one.

What is the difference between going to a private school over going to OHSU or a community school? Are the community school programs 2 year associate degree programs and OHSU and the other private schools are Bachelor degree programs right?

Phew, who knew this would be so complicated. Do you start out higher or get a higher pay for having a bachelor's degree over an 2 year? Any more insights would be more than welcome.

Thanks everyone!

OregonBSN · Apr 24, 2008

Thanks for your response. Well I understand the the community colleges have cheaper programs which require less pre req's but I want to make sure I'm not waiting for years waiting to get into them if you know what I mean.
What's driving me mad is for instance this: I am comparing University of Portland's Pre Req's with Lindfields. UOP requires you to take an entirely different science sequence than Lindfield does so in order for someone to be able to apply to both of these schools they would basically have to take additional courses just so that they could apply to theses schools. Same thing here with writing. Lindfield requires 2 writing classes, UOP requires one.
What is the difference between going to a private school over going to OHSU or a community school? Are the community school programs 2 year associate degree programs and OHSU and the other private schools are Bachelor degree programs right?
Phew, who knew this would be so complicated. Do you start out higher or get a higher pay for having a bachelor's degree over an 2 year? Any more insights would be more than welcome.
Thanks everyone!

I would start with the OCNE school's program requirements. That will give you the largest selection of schools once you complete the prerequisites. Having that set under your belt will get you close to the other schools as well. For me (as an example) I had to take additional courses in Sociology and Anthropology to qualify for Linfield's Nursing Program - after having completed my other prerequisites.

OCNE Community College Programs: 2 Year Associates Degree w/ the option for 1 additional year to get your BSN.

OHSU Portland(Part of OCNE): 3 Year BSN program - no option for associates degree.

U of P: Junior entry into the program, 2 years to a BSN. They also have an alternate entry program for applicants w/ a BS. It is a MSN program taking 3 years I think.

Linfield College: Junior entry into program, 2 years to a BSN. Also have an accelerated program for people with a previous BS. 18 months to a BSN.

SleepyShanti · Apr 24, 2008

Thanks for the info that is great.

Does anyone know the impact of having an associate's vs. BSN in nursing is? Do nurses with BSN degree's start out making more per hour than 2 year degree earners? Do they start out higher on the chain?

Thanks!

OregonBSN · Apr 24, 2008

My wife said it depends on the place of employment. For example Legacy does not pay more for a BSN. Some site that are union (she believes) do pay more for a BSN.

Overall they pay difference is small.

The biggest thing is for future plans. If you want to continue on a get a Masters or PhD you will need your BSN. For me, earning a BSN means I do have that option already open if I want to continue on to teach or be a practitioner.

studentmomma · Apr 26, 2008

I would start with the OCNE school's program requirements. That will give you the largest selection of schools once you complete the prerequisites. Having that set under your belt will get you close to the other schools as well. For me (as an example) I had to take additional courses in Sociology and Anthropology to qualify for Linfield's Nursing Program - after having completed my other prerequisites.
OCNE Community College Programs: 2 Year Associates Degree w/ the option for 1 additional year to get your BSN.
OHSU Portland(Part of OCNE): 3 Year BSN program - no option for associates degree.
U of P: Junior entry into the program, 2 years to a BSN. They also have an alternate entry program for applicants w/ a BS. It is a MSN program taking 3 years I think.
Linfield College: Junior entry into program, 2 years to a BSN. Also have an accelerated program for people with a previous BS. 18 months to a BSN.

:up: I second that advice. I completed the prerequisites for OCNE, which seem to be the base ones: It gives you the largest number of programs to apply to with one set of classes. Then you can add in the specific requirements of a specific school (such as Linfield, U of P, etc), which work nicely as "filler" classes between the more rigorous A & P and Microbiology, etc.