*Need advice! LPN first then BSN- Jersey College

amoLucia · Dec 10, 2016

This is a commercial TECHNICAL school program. DO NOT BE MISLEAD by it name.

Despite its name, it is NOT related to The College of New Jersey (aka the old Trenton State College). TCNJ is one of the campuses of the State of NJ's higher education school system across the state. TCNJ is also located in Ewing, NJ.

Jersey College is a tech school, like ITT or Lincoln Tech. This one has branch campuses also in Florida. Typically, tuition at tech schools is HIGH (and I do mean HIGH, leaving students with student LOAN burdens post graduation). VERY IMPORTANTLY, you will need to do scrupulous research to learn its accreditation by nationally accrediting bodies.

Do your research yourself. Do NOT rely upon others to tell you "yes, they're accredited". You need to know EXACTLY & FOR SURE that the accreditation is accepted by credible sources.

This is critical if you have any desire to transfer your 'credits' for higher ed programs (in or out of state) as many may NOT accept 'credits' from tech schools because of the lack of PROPER accreditation. Proper school accreditation may also affect your ability for job mobility because you may only be 'hirable' in the state in which you trained.

There is also the issue of the job market's hiring of tech school grads. I guess it all depends on a school's individual reputation. If they turn out well prepared grads, then the job market is favorable. Regardless of tech school education aside, there is also a limited job market window for LPNs.

I don't know this school. They could be OK. But you reallllly need to go in fully informed so there's no surprises and disappointments as you go along.

NurseH1903 · Dec 10, 2016

Thank you for your response! I completely agree, and have been trying to do as much research in this is as possible. The information I'm finding is limited to red flags and full of mixed reviews from previous students. Leaving it very difficult to decide if this school is the correct move for myself and my ideal timeline for a career. Thanks again!

rosemiller · Dec 12, 2016

Choosing the right school can be a difficult choice but the best thing you can do is to experience the school first hand. Go see the campus and tools they have, meet with the individuals you will be working with for your education. Take a list of questions with you. I agree with what amolucia said about career schools but I will tell you I've heard great things about the school you're looking into and know they have a lot of grads, which means they must be doing something right! Best of luck with your career!

dava5580 · Dec 23, 2016

I am familiar with the school and if you plan going for your BSN you might as well do the RN program at a community college and save yourself some money like the other reader wrote their tuition is very high for my first module I was told I would have to pay 1200 a month the first three months then 1100 the next three months 495, 595 before my loan would even kick in then you have to give them 500 before you can even start classes

RNmakin · Dec 24, 2016

Dava5580 was this recent . I was looking into this school but don't think it is for me anymore

NurseH1903 · Dec 24, 2016

Hey everyone!! So I've decided on attending Jersey College School of Nursing, despite reading all of the mixed reviews online. The admissions process went very smoothly and they answered any questions that I may have had. After passing the entrance exam I attended the open house for the school. Seeing the format of the program, meeting all of the professors and speaking to current and previous students of the school is when I knew this school was for me!! Yes the tuition is slightly high but it is similar to the cost of any other program near me. I am enrolled in the 12 month LPN program. They give you the option after the first term to work as a CNA or go right through to your RN after the LPN term is over. They voiced how this next year is going to be vigorous. Just as any other nursing school would be, no one is going to hold your hand, there will be tons of reading involved, weekly tests, quizzes, simulation labs and clinicals. I'm very hungry to learn and cannot wait to begin this journey in the beginning of January 2017! As for the deposit, I did pay the required $500 deposit, however that includes holding your spot in the program and ALL of your books a back pack, 2 scrub tops, 2 bottoms and lab jacket. Also included is pen light, medical scissors, stethoscope and blood pressure cuff! Financial aid is also wonderful! They really strive to help thier students as much as they can to not be stressed out by the monthly payments and be able to focus on their course work. Also Jersey College School of Nursing is accredited which is wonderful since I plan on going for my BSN in the future. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to be a Jersey College Nursing student! The program and the future outcome fits my current timeline in life while making it pliable to achieve my goals. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask! Happy Holidays & Happy new year all! :)

tee.321 · Feb 10, 2017

I am a current student at Jersey College - School of Nursing. I started the RN program in November, 2016 and have just completed my first term. Nursing school is everything everyone has said it would be: busy, strenuous, stressful and time consuming. You get what you put into it. I have seen a lot of people either drop out or get kicked out due to financial aid issues, personal issues or lack of motivation and attendance. I attend the campus in Jacksonville and I personally have not had any issues with this institution.

If anyone is debating on whether or not to attend this school, this is my opinion: Everyone has their own unique experience. I can sit here and type a novel about the good, the bad and the ugly ... but at the end of the day, that is MY experience. There are unknown factors that you do not know that could have contributed to the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you're serious about looking into this school (or any for that matter), take it into your own hands and do the research. Do the research, tour the school, talk to students, instructors, etc. If you feel comfortable, make the decision to attend the school. If you don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about it, save yourself the headache and go somewhere else.

If anyone is curious or wanting to know, this is what I have experienced thus far: The staff at Jersey College - School of Nursing (JAX) have been extremely helpful! They all have open door policies and allow students of any program (LPN / RN) to ask questions, request help, etc. Seeing as I have been out of school for nearly 10 years, I had to adjust to the online exams that are taken for certain classes. There are a few instances where the institution was unorganized, but I take it with a grain of salt. There's always a better way of doing stuff. Jersey also includes tutoring sessions and a student success workshop to help first term students to get into the hang of things and to find their footing in nursing school. Like I said initially, I have no issues with this school. I actually enjoy it and have come to form a close knit group with my peers. Good luck to those of you who are looking! ~

akanini, MSN, RN · Mar 22, 2018

Any updates to this thread? I know someone interested in the LPN program at Jersey College.

shauneej · Apr 27, 2018

Any updates? How's everything progressing?

shauneej · Apr 27, 2018

How was your experience?