St. Kate's worth the cost?

lukeslichy · Apr 19, 2012

The benefit in going to St. Kates is the fact you can get directly into the program. Is it better than Century or Inver? Actually Inver and Century's NCLEX pass rates are much higher than St. Kates. I am currently finishing up my second semester of Invers nursing program. I already had a 4 year degree and I couldn't stomach paying the high tuition rate at St. Kates for the exact same degree. I did think about it though because the process of getting into Inver or any other college is a total pain in the butt. Honestly if I were in your situation I would lay out the classes you still need to get degrees at both colleges see which program you could get through faster. If in the end you can get through St. Kates a year before Inver/century well maybe that's your best bet because you'll have that year to make an RN's salary. Also if science classes aren't your strong suit it may be hard to get into Inver/Century if you don't keep your science GPA above 3.5.

You said you haven't had science since high school, you probably need to take General bio, A&P 1&2, and Micro (in addition to whatever other prereqs you need) before you can even start a nursing program. I would highly recommend doing those at a community college, actually when I took micro many St. Kates students were in my class since they didn't offer it over the summer at St. Kates.

Anyway I hope this jumbled mess helps ya. My brain is fried, it's working overtime right now with end of the semester tests!

Feel free to PM me or ask me questions if you have them!

Zebro2010 · Apr 19, 2012

I've been accepted into St. Kate's pre-nursing track and have this question: Is the St. Kate's associate in nursing program really worth the extra tuition money (>$600/credit), or would it be better to take 1+ years of prereqs at comm college and apply to an ASN program at Century or Inver Hills (
Pertinent details: I'm an older student with young kids; BA in philosophy (4.0 GPA); math minor; no bio or chem since high school.
I'd be grateful for any advice. Thanks!

Hi Sejones,

I am currently a student in the associate program in the 2nd half of the 3rd semester. I do agree with some of lukeslichys comments and insight. My experience is that it is in fact extremely competitive to get into the Comm. College (CC) programs and I had a 4.0 in my sciences and got in at NHCC. However, during my 1st semester of program I really had a difficult time with how the program was basically "figure it out" even though I was passing I was always anxious and felt like I was waiting for the shoe to drop FAIL!. I never failed but I really struggled with the lack of encouragement in the program and it felt like the instructors just dumped it in my lap and that was that. Now I have to say that others have gone through the program obviously, but it just wasn't for me. I actually WALKED AWAY from my spot and went to St. Kates. Just like you I struggled with the $ and is primarily why I hadn't even considered St. Kates previously but I needed to explore my options. I too am an older student, a career changer, and maybe I expect to have a more respectful and collaborative process with my education. Although it is more expensive I AM TRULY A PROUD KATIE I love my education experience here and all of the instructors are encouraging and collaborate with the students for their success. I have no regrets in changing programs and currently St. Kates has been really working hard to incorporate some great improvements to the program that have been evident during my experience. All in all this is simply my experience and I hope this helps you in your decision making process.

Zebro2010 · Apr 19, 2012

OMT... St. Kates has had lower 1st attempt RNCLEX passing scores than other programs in the past . However, the latest numbers are in and the RNCLEX pass rate for the December 2011 grads is 90.2% Their hard work and changes are showing.

lukeslichy · Apr 19, 2012

Zebro-

Ah yes I forgot to mention that. I heard that their pass rates were starting to climb again recently!

sejones · Apr 19, 2012

Thanks so much! This is very helpful.

fianne · Apr 19, 2012

I thought about going to St. Kate's too but recently learned that their post-bacc program has been canceled and they are figuring a way to establish a direct entry masters programs for 2013-2014 or later. It's pretty much up in the air. I'm so disappointed because I missed the train, so to speak. Now I have to look elsewhere.

From my own researching and poking around the forums here, it seems people who got their ADN are limited if they intend on getting higher degrees. If you want to go higher, I would suggest getting a BSN or MN if you already have a BA degree. You could go ADN and then go ADN-RN and then RN to BSN but, for myself, I know that life happens and I may not have the time or money to keep going in the future.

sejones · Apr 23, 2012

Good point. By the time I line up the prereqs, the childcare arrangements, the financial piece, etc. it would be nice to come out with at least a bachelor's!

Feistn · Apr 23, 2012

I personally couldn't justify the cost of St. Kate's. It would have been super convenient to where I live and everything, but it would have cost $30-40K, and honestly, I just can't justify it. They DO say that they'll transfer things in if you've already taken them, so that might save you some money. I already have loans from my undergrad, and I just can't stomach it.

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Apr 24, 2012

I think the low pass rates concern their BSN program- I knew someone who had to take the NCLEX 3 times before she passed and she went to Kates. There have been other things I've "heard tell" but since it's hearsay I'm not going there. I don't know if they got a slap on the wrist from the MN BON or what. I've heard their Associates program is great, really great- but pricey. Given the economy right now and how new grads aren't having a lot of fun trying to find a job, I would advise you to look into the community colleges. You'll have less debt (possibly). Of course I'm biased, as I graduated from Century, and I had a pretty good time in that program, myself.

Anyway, if you have a few pre-req's to take I'd recommend looking into a community college- get your foot in there, and then you have a better chance of getting into the program there (by there I mean like Century, Inver, MPLS Comm/Tech).

Wait- you have a BA already, right? Why not look for a direct-to-BSN or MSN program?

sbbemanRN · Apr 28, 2012

This reply was provided by a recent grad an instructor in the program. Just their point of view, but something to think about.

I am a recent graduate from the University of St. Catherine Associate Degree Nursing program. I would say what appealed to me was the option of evening and weekend classes. I am a full time working adult and needed a program that allowed me to work while attaining by degree. I also found the small class sizes and personal attention you receive to be a big contributing factor to my success. All the faculty want you to succeed and take personal ownership of your educational experience. Is the cost worth it? I would say definitely it was for me. The pass rate from what I have been told of my graduating class for NCLEX was 90.2%. The curriculum is rigorous but they really prepare you well for the NCLEX exam. Almost all of my classmates that were in my clinical group have been hired and begun their nursing career just a couple months after graduation! The St. Kates name does carry some weight and potential employers do take a second look at our resumes. Ultimately you must take into consideration what is best for you. I wish you much success in whatever choice you make!

Lisa- recent ADN graduate

KCRustin · Jun 15, 2012

Sejones,

I am in the middle of the ADN program day and I love it. Definitely worth the money. They have had problems in the past but the new director of the program has really been proactive and made a lot of corrections in the program. We have Kaplan all the way through helping with critical thinking skills and the material itself. I have another degree as well and was able to transfer most everything into the college. I did take my pre-q, except for micro, at St Kate's. I needed the 1-on-1 with instructors for A&P and was able to learn a lot and get down good study habits for the nursing courses themselves.

Good luck!

Katelyn