LSU's accelerated program?

jemommyRN · Nov 9, 2006

I didn't know they had an accelerated program. Are you talking about RN to BSN?

hs2005 · Nov 9, 2006

LSU has a program called CARE (career alternative RN education). It is for students that have already obtained a bachelors degree in another field of study and want to return to school for nursing.

jemommyRN · Nov 9, 2006

I'm surprised I didn't know about that. All of the ins and outs research I have done. I have a BS in Chemistry and I was really looking for a program like that so that I can get a BSN in about the same time it would take me to get an ADN at Charity but I never found anything sufficient, so I just started Charity. I wish I would have known that because I still have to go to LSU for my BSN. Dang!!!!!!!

dsoginer · Nov 10, 2006

Jemommy, I was wondering why you did not look at the OLOLC/Tulane program? I have narrowed down my choice to that RN program, is there a reason anyone knows of that would make this program less of a choice than others in the area? Also how long is the accelerated LSU program? (and any other info you may have)

Thanks

hs2005 · Nov 11, 2006

dsoginer- The program at LSU takes two years to complete. The difference between its program and OLOL's is that you receive the BSN through LSU instead of the associates degree. I am also considering OLOL, I have heard nothing, but good things so far about both programs. I just know they are very tough and there is a lot of competition to be accepted.

jemommyRN · Nov 13, 2006

Jemommy, I was wondering why you did not look at the OLOLC/Tulane program? I have narrowed down my choice to that RN program, is there a reason anyone knows of that would make this program less of a choice than others in the area? Also how long is the accelerated LSU program? (and any other info you may have)
Thanks

I definitely looked into OLOL accelerated program and was about to apply for their very first class. Upon further research I found out that they require you to work for Tulane (which is not a problem) in the MED SURG department (now, that's the problem for me) for like a year or two, whatever the committment time is on the contract you sign. In the initial interview, they will tell you that you are able to go to other departments (L&D, ICU etc.) immediately after you graduate if they have positions available. Upon graduation, they assess that their greatest need (always) is in Med Surg. So that is where you are placed. I know this from personal experience, as I had prereqs with a guy who applied for the first class and graduated. We kept in contact throughout the program and he told me he was mislead in the beginning into thinking he was able to go into the department of his choice. I just didn't want to make that kind of committment. Also, most of the training you receive will be for strict medsurg and therefore, they could argue that you don't have enough training to go into other departments right away.

This is only my opinion of the program based on what I have been told by a reliable source. I never heard that it was a bad program, it just wasn't the one for me.

Sunshine0425 · Nov 14, 2006

I am currently in the OLOLC program at Tulane. So far, so good. It is a VERY tough, fast paced program...hence being accelerated. We have the same classes and clinical experiences that any other nursing school has. Med/Surg, OB, Peds, Mental Health....Yes, we do have a contract to work for Tulane, but being that Tulane is one of the top paying hospital's in NO, I have no problem with that. I feel our clinicals there are awesome because we get to see so much. After I finish, I am looking into a bridge program at Loyola from RN to MSN-NP. Tulane also pays for their employee's higher education. I am optimistic about graduating in May, and if anyone has further questions about the program, feel free to message me!!

CHATSDALE · Nov 15, 2006

lsu at alexandria has an accelerated program from lpn to asso degree rn

i have heard that it is a very comprehensive course with a very high pass rate for nclex

they probably have similiar programs at othe campuses

jemommyRN · Nov 16, 2006

I am currently in the OLOLC program at Tulane. So far, so good. It is a VERY tough, fast paced program...hence being accelerated. We have the same classes and clinical experiences that any other nursing school has. Med/Surg, OB, Peds, Mental Health....Yes, we do have a contract to work for Tulane, but being that Tulane is one of the top paying hospital's in NO, I have no problem with that. I feel our clinicals there are awesome because we get to see so much. After I finish, I am looking into a bridge program at Loyola from RN to MSN-NP. Tulane also pays for their employee's higher education. I am optimistic about graduating in May, and if anyone has further questions about the program, feel free to message me!!

There's no doubt in my mind that it's a great program. Are they going to allow you to choose which unit you will like to work on? What did they say about that, if anything, in the interview? I would love to have any misconceptions cleared up.

dsoginer · Nov 16, 2006

Sunshine - thank you for the information on OLOLC. I have a question. Do you know what the qualifications are to be chosen for the program? I was accepted to Charity for this spring, but turned it down to finish my 4 year. Do you know what the cut off is on the GPA? The real cutoff not the one in the information packet. I have a high GPA for my last 100 hours (3.75) but my GPA from my first year majoring in Student Union (years ago) is pulling it down to a 3.00. Is that good enough? (if you know) I really need to know whether to take the last of the pre-requisites for OLOLC my last semester or would I be better served taking other classes because a 3.0 is not good enough. Just your opinion please, I will not use it to make a life decision:pumpiron: :) I promise:roll

Sunshine0425 · Nov 17, 2006

Dsoginer... Well, I know that to be competitive one needs to have at least a 2.75 overall on OLOL's side. They then look at you as a person and try to find well rounded people. They choose 75 people to interview with Tulane, and then Tulane picks 50 of those. Try to do well on your essay questions, I know they weigh that heavily.

JeMommy...They did say in the interview about working for two years, but I don't remember them saying anything about it HAD to be in Med-surg. I know that they want people to go to that area b/c it has the most need but they are also giving us interviews if we would like to work in another area that has an opening. Bottom line...if you don't want to work for Tulane, some of the students are just paying back the stipend and going elsewhere to work for various reasons. I am wanting to work for Tulane b/c I feel that I will get great skills and will be able to go anywhere to work thereafter. Our tuition was paid for, plus Tulane just gave us a sign on bonus if we are staying in May. That on top of starting at a great pay rate. I really feel blessed to be in this program even though I want to pull my hair out at times.

Well gotta run, I need to prepare for this weekend's clinicals!!!!! I am almost halfway done:D