Need some advice UTMB or SJC

[alexemt]

A little back ground. I am currently a paramedic that is doing the transitional program to RN @ SJC south. I originally quit my job after 11 years to go back to school and finish my degree. I applied to UTMB and TWU and was turned down, so I retook A&P 1/2 and Micro and used my paramedic certification as a back door into the RN program since I wasn't accepted into UTMB. I took health assessement, drug dosage, skills last semester. Now I am taking medsurg with the clinical, and intro to nursing. I have managed to do really well with an extraordinary amount of hard work. I am told that medsurg is the hardest part and everything else is downhill. Well as fate would have it, I get my acceptance letter a month before this semester is over from UTMB.

It's bitter/sweet. I have very little time to do things as it is now. I would have to retake all the nursing classes I have taken plus some. How doable is the BSN program? 1 year (summer 09-summer 10) seems abit stacked, especially for someone with a wife and kid at home. I told myself when I got denied that I would to the RN-BSN program after I graduated, that would add 1 1/2 yrs. What experiences have you all had with either programs? Did any of you do the commute from Houston to UTMB? Oh I would graduate w/ my ADN in May 2010 and would be able to take a greatly needed break this summer. Thanks for any responses.

[LuckYNurSe28]

I am not sure how true this is, but you might not have to re-take all the classes. Did you call UTMB and ask them? They might accept some of the classes you are currently taking.

[AggieQT]

Luckynurse is right. Several of my classmates were able to receive credit from various classes they took at other schools prior to enrolling at UTMB. Just a thought, and asking never hurt anyone. Be sure you save the syllabus though, so they can see what was taught.

As far as commuting, I commute from NORTH Houston and it really isn't bad. I have done EVERY SINGLE one of my clinicals in the medical center in Houston except one, which I did at Clear Lake Regional. They always ask for preference and they take into account where people live when assigning clinical sites.

Do what is best for you and your family. Not sure if tuition is an issue. But UTMB has one of the largest scholarship/endowment allotted amounts for their students out of Texas nursing programs. Any other major at any other institution, and I would have NEVER qualified for free money (I never did pre-UTMB)... but through grants and scholarships, I believe my total cost out of pocket for my ENTIRE schooling was probably around $500. They really try to give everyone money as long as you apply and write an essay- no guarantees, but nothing in life is a guarantee...Oh and I also pay the same amount of tuition as I did when I paid out of district fees at a junior college… 5K a year… not bad at all…

Also keep in mind that you would end up probably saving money in the long run with tuition if you go to UTMB, versus the ADN then RN-BSN route. Many hospitals are on a hiring freeze right now, and many are getting rid of the “perks” such as tuition reimbursement.

I say push through it and go to UTMB, but again... do what is best for you… From what I understand you would graduate in May of 2010 with an ADN… OR in August 2010 with a BSN… Saving over a year of school… and possibly a ton of money.

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the luck… Nursing School is a wonderful adventure, and one crazy ride… but well worth it in the end :)