MCPHS vs. Lawrence Memorial

kfarinato · Jul 2, 2009

Unfortunatly in these times many hospitals that offered loan forgiveness programs have put them on hold. I know 3 of my classmates are in the one for LM/RC. I believe they have only temporarily stopped the program.

There is so many choices for schools. Have you gone to an LM/RC open house info session yet?

bananrob · Jul 2, 2009

Given the economy, I'm not too surprised to hear that many of hospitals have put loan forgiveness programs on hold. Hopefully things will turn around soon!

I did attend an open house at LM/RC. I was extremely impressed with the sound of the program and was ecstatic when I got accepted. It wasn't until I started taking some of my pre-reqs that I heard how many of the hospitals in the Boston area won't hire new grads with an Associate's and many of them are moving towards a BSN requirement. I wasn't sure how much truth there was to those rumors but they made me nervous enough to look into accelerated programs and now I'm trying to figure out which is the best route. I think a pro-con list is in my future!

Is it true that there are certain areas of nursing that you won't be able to do if you have an ASN vs. a BSN?

A_Simp · Jul 2, 2009

Wow! Lots of great questions... Where to start.... the loan forgivness.

I can't really speak to the LM/RC program but I do know a few of my classmates did it maybe 3-5 out of 30. What I did was get my CNA license (red cross) and began working as an aide about 6 months before I started nursing school. At the hospital where I work, they offered tuition reimbursement as a benefit, prorated to part-time employees. I think I was allowed $1,000 per school yr but it certainly helped with books, etc. I believe most hospitals have some type of reimbursement for employees provided you meet the time requirement.

Also, once you are licensed most hosptial actually have a "student loan forgivness", at my hospital they give you $10,000 towards your school loans, once hired as an RN, provided you commit to working for 4 yrs. If you leave sooner you have to repay a portion of the $$.

What's different about the ASN vs BSN? I have really looked too closely at the courses. I know if I want to go on for my BSN and since I all ready have a BS, it looks like the additional course work would be mostly nursing theory, research and I think community health. Depending on the program I can take a challenge test to obtain credits for pharmacology and nutrition. Some RN-BSN programs require a language and in my case, I would need to take a stats course.

What I have found is there really is not too much difference in terms of pay scale if you are an ASN vs a BSN. However, most if not all Boston hospitals want a BSN. Also, if you want to grow in the field into an educator, management or administration position then you definately will need to continue onward.

Like the other posters I too had all my prereqs completed and only had to focus on the nursing courses. There are 4 nursing courses in the LM/RC program and I took 1 per 16-week semester. I had 2 other classes I needed, which I did over the summer months.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

cclem1 · Jul 2, 2009

I think the accelerated BSN programs are certainly doable if you are able to make that your first priority and you can set aside all other obligations to focus on school. I have heard of others who have kept part-time jobs while doing the accelerated BSN programs. I know for me, my kids will always come first, so I had to choose a program that I think will be manageable. I am starting Mount Wachusett Community College in the fall and it is one evening of class, one of lab and one of clinical (which can be done on the weekend), and will take four semesters. I also have met all pre-reqs besides two, which I will take during the summer. It is definitely a longer road to my goal of MSN (or even BSN), but realistic for me.

In terms of the tuition, I would think most people take out loans for most of it. I think even if you are paying $50,000 for tuition, it's still a worthwhile investment and can be payed back over a long period of time.

It's all about what is realistic for you! Good luck everyone!!

A_Simp · Jul 2, 2009

Is it true that there are certain areas of nursing that you won't be able to do if you have an ASN vs. a BSN?

I made my last post before you posted but so far I have not seen much of a difference between ASN vs BSN with the exeption of going into management and administrative roles. There are some practice area that might require additional training to work in such as OR, critical care and giving chemo but after you pass the NCLEX, we all are "RNs" and are able to practice according the state's nursing practice act.

What is big is becoming Board Certified in your speciality such as oncology, cardiology, critical care, med/surg, etc. Once you have worked and met the experience requirements you can sit for the certification exam and become board certified.

I think CCLEM1 is correct saying you will need to determine what is right for you and your lifestyle. Most ASN programs have a majority of non-traditional students going back for the 2 or 3 career change and they all ready have some type of degree, which was true in my case. Most also were juggling married life, kids and working on top of school even more so if you attending the evening/weekend programs.

I ended up taking out student loans and my ASN ended up costing about $18,000. If I continue on for RN-BSN, I calculated it would be about another $10,000 through UMass Boston. However, I am entilted to $2,000yr in tuition reimbursement and my hosptial just started a "Student Loan Forgiveness" for those pursuing higher degrees (BSN,MSN), offering I think about $5,000. So there are some creative ways to be able to minimize your costs.

CLLB585 · Jul 24, 2009

I go to MCPHS Worcester for the accelerated nursing program. I really like it. It is definitely fast paced and not for the faint of heart, but it is so worth it. I'll be, technically, finishing my "second year" in 2 weeks and I've only been going since Jan. The professors are very friendly and helpful and the program is small, so you get to be close to your classmates, which provides a good support system. The labs are very well equipt, so you get good practice before going out in the field.

I would definitely recommend the school, especially if you want to be finished quickly!

bananrob · Aug 4, 2009

Hi CLLB585,

Thanks so much for your view of MCPHS. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I actually decided to attend so I'll be starting in January! I'm so excited. Have you started your clinical rotations? Where are you working? Are you enjoying it? Do you feel prepared?

How are you classmates? What would you say the age range of your class is?

Thanks so much for responding with your opinion of school, I appreciate it.

CLLB585 · Aug 4, 2009

We are just finishing our first rotation of clinicals. We finish thursday, then we have a final on Monday and we are off for 3 weeks! I am at Whittier Rehab on their medically complex unit. I am really enjoying it! I like our clinical professor and the staff are very friendly. We get to deal with lots of ventilators and g-tubes, which some of the other locations do not get to see as much.

We have a pretty awesome class. Everyone is very friendly to each other. They go out for drinks after the end of each semester. Everyone is very helpful with eachother. Our's classes age range is a bit younger than previous classes. We run from 23-34.

That's awesome that you are coming in January! You won't regret the decision!

Feel free to ask any questions! I know that I was very curious waiting to begin the program!