LVN Schools Rated

[Delta18]

Does anyone out there know if there is such a thing as a "Guide to Nursing Schools". What I mean by this, is for those attending 4 year universities or have attended such institutions - there is a "Barron's Guide to Colleges", that you can readily pick up from a book store. Mind you, by glancing over the information in Barron's will not ultimately decide whether or not one attends a college; but it is a good starting place as to "rating/vetting" a college.

The reason why I pose this question is because there are a great deal of success stories and equally a number of horror stories regarding "LVN"-type colleges that are out there. Particularly, the ones that are straight-up all about the "profit". I am aware of the fact that these schools are held accountable to the state board for their credentials. However, based on different state laws, I think that the credentialing is going to vary some between states. But then again, this "variance on the rules/regs" does not stop some "schmuck" from opening a money-pit for suckers.

I've read some threads on this site, and I think that there are enough people who have shared their own anonymous/generalized experiences through their respective "schools" (and I use that term "schools" VERY LOOSELY - for those with the horror stories) without actually using names. Which is why I have been pondering this question. Barron's does a ranking system based on state, type of university, tuition/costs, etc - all of which is independent, yet is respected as being somewhat credible and accurate. Is there something that can aid prospective nursing students in choosing a particular school?

More importantly, if having one of these types of guides - it would make it much simpler to find the school that would help one achieve the goal of becoming a nurse - without falling into a money trap. More importantly, it would put those types of places on notice, because just as "Barron's" refers to some schools as "Less Competitive" - those types of schools would be forced to compete for a better rating or be forced out of business.

Any ideas???

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Have you asked a librarian about such a book? Our state BON offers a report on all nursing schools in the state, including pass/fail rate. That info is free online. You might ask HR depts or nurse managers - which schools turn out good nurses? Remember, as an adult the learning is up to you. About all the school can do is point you in the right direction. Good luck!

[suzanne4, RN]

Each BON has a record of how schools are classified. Just check with the BON where the school is located.