Need advice about City College nursing program

[paramedic90]

I have recently been accepted into City College's nursing program in their Altamonte Springs campus. I went in to speak with a counselor and she told me that they just had their first nursing class graduate and none of them have taken the NCLEX test yet, so I cannot get any ideas on their pass rates, or employment rates. Well after further investigation I found out that they are not ACEN or CCNE accredited, but they are approved by the Florida BON. So basically my question is would I be wasting my time going through an unaccredited program, even though I will still be able to sit for the NCLEX? Also, if there are any City College nursing graduates out there I would love to hear your input, good or bad! I dont want to be making a mistake by choosing this school...

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Yes, you are wasting your time for several reasons. One, you have no idea how good this school is. What if half the class fails NCLEX? You would have wasted money. Second, is this a for profit school? Any time and money waster. Third, employers want people who have graduated from accredited schools.

[paramedic90]

Yeah I asked about the pass rate for the NCLEX and the counselor said the first graduating class just finished this past semester...that comment alone made me nervous since you have to have 'x' amount of graduates pass the NCLEX before you can become accredited. THEN when I asked about accredidation she kind of side stepped the question, she said "well if you wanted to get your BSN you could always get it here, but that just depends on the recieving school", which is what EVERY unaccredited school I have talked with has said. I do know of some for-profit schools that are accredit such as Keiser in Orlando, along with Herzing. Keiser is getting better recognition at the hospital I work at, so I may attend there since I have almost all of my prereq classes done.

[Medic6758]

Since you state you have most of the prerequisites done, then you can apply anywhere you choose. However I would not apply at any College if it is not accredited.

[paramedic90]

I am a new mom so most schools do not have the schedule to meet my needs, or I would not be considering a private school since it comes with a HEFTY price tag, but my plan is to attend school to get my ADN but then finish at UCF with my BSN. So in order to do that I have to make sure that the school is accredited. Thank you both for your advice :)

[RunBabyRN]

Would it be less expensive to pay for child care and lower tuition than for expensive private school tuition? It might be something worth pricing out. Are there any 2 year BSN programs in your area? I know that some of the state schools here in CA are moving to that model (including mine).

I'm glad you're looking to pass on this school. It definitely sounds questionable, and for how hard we work to become new grad nurses, any setback that might keep you from getting a job should be avoided. I have had several jobs I'm applying to ask about accreditation, so it's absolutely vital.