Need feedback about South Florida (Miami) nursing schools.

Christina_NICU · Aug 3, 2005

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_consumer.html

At the bottom of the page there are scores for 03-04. I don't know how to get more updated results. For exmaple, I go to FIU but our NCLEX scores for the last few semesters have been in the 90's...not the 80's anymore.

From what I've heard (now this is probably very very biased, lol) people have told me a lot of persons apply to the private schools because they have lower requirements, exmaple 2.5-8 GPA instead of 3.0 at some. (I don't know if this is particualrly true since I've always gone to FIU).

I found it pretty easy to get into FIU's nursing program. Just turn in everything on time and have the pre-reqs done. Pretty simple. I'm enojying my time here. I like my instructors and clinicals. If you wanna know anything specific about FIU just private message me.

CraigBSN02 · Aug 8, 2005

Hi, I have applied to a couple of nursing school in Miami (Barry, FIU, and MDC). How can I find out about their NCLEX scores?.
Can you share your experience with any of these schools?.

Hey, I'm a Barry alum c/o 2002. I think my experience is recent enough to be valid. I loved Barry's program, it really prepared me for nursing. Judging by the most recent statistics, here are the NCLEX pass rates for 2003-2004, followed by the number of students who were eligible and the number who passed on the first try:

Barry - 69.9% total 83, passed 58

FIU- 88.6% total 123, passed 109

FAU- 78.6% total 56, passed 44

UM- 91.3% total 46, passed 42

BCC- 81.5% total 486, passed 396

MDCC- 74.8% total 528, passed 395

Wow, I didn't realize they were so bad! Seriously though, that program at Barry prepared me well for the NCLEX; I passed first time with the miminum number of questions. As far as admissions go, I transferred in with ~90 credits from BCC (equivalent to a AA in Lib Arts), they accepted ~60 credits and gave me a scholarship since my GPA was 3.22. Had my GPA been above 3.5, I would have gotten a larger scholarship.

As far as perceived quality of the education goes, that's an individual response. Overall, I felt Barry did a great job. Other grads will tell you the same thing about their program. However I met a few people from FIU who did not care for the program and felt they were unprepared for the NCLEX and the real world (they graduated in 2002). Conversely, my sister and mother went to BCC and graduated in 2003 and 2004. They had their struggles and it seemed that some professors were more adversarial with the students (ie: looking to 'weed out' the weak ones).

The best way is to visit the campuses that you are applying to, talk to current professors and students, see if you like it. You'll be spending 3-4 years there and spending beaucoup $$$; it pays to research it for yourself.

-Craig

RN, BSN and others...

JackieFL · Aug 9, 2005

Hey, I'm a Barry alum c/o 2002. I think my experience is recent enough to be valid. I loved Barry's program, it really prepared me for nursing. Judging by the most recent statistics, here are the NCLEX pass rates for 2003-2004, followed by the number of students who were eligible and the number who passed on the first try:
Barry - 69.9% total 83, passed 58
FIU- 88.6% total 123, passed 109
FAU- 78.6% total 56, passed 44
UM- 91.3% total 46, passed 42
BCC- 81.5% total 486, passed 396
MDCC- 74.8% total 528, passed 395
Wow, I didn't realize they were so bad! Seriously though, that program at Barry prepared me well for the NCLEX; I passed first time with the miminum number of questions. As far as admissions go, I transferred in with ~90 credits from BCC (equivalent to a AA in Lib Arts), they accepted ~60 credits and gave me a scholarship since my GPA was 3.22. Had my GPA been above 3.5, I would have gotten a larger scholarship.
As far as perceived quality of the education goes, that's an individual response. Overall, I felt Barry did a great job. Other grads will tell you the same thing about their program. However I met a few people from FIU who did not care for the program and felt they were unprepared for the NCLEX and the real world (they graduated in 2002). Conversely, my sister and mother went to BCC and graduated in 2003 and 2004. They had their struggles and it seemed that some professors were more adversarial with the students (ie: looking to 'weed out' the weak ones).
The best way is to visit the campuses that you are applying to, talk to current professors and students, see if you like it. You'll be spending 3-4 years there and spending beaucoup $$$; it pays to research it for yourself.
-Craig
RN, BSN and others...

Hi Craig, I appreciate you sharing your experience. I decided I am going to Barry and I am looking forward to enjoy my time there. I found out that FIU's program is a bit disorganized for the admission process so that makes me a little apprehensive to go on into their program. On the contrary, I really like the staff and admission process at Barry. It was very smooth. I've heard great things from other students from Barry while I was on campus. I have also considered UM, but very expensive. I will be starting this Fall with 2 pre-requisites and I am entering the program in Springs. Thank you.

CraigBSN02 · Aug 9, 2005

I found out that FIU's program is a bit disorganized for the admission process so that makes me a little apprehensive to go on into their program.

Yeah, I have heard that about FIUs admissions. :rotfl:

Good luck, you will enjoy your time there. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.

-Craig

RN, BSN... and others

KristinWW · Aug 16, 2005

Hi Craig, I appreciate you sharing your experience. I decided I am going to Barry and I am looking forward to enjoy my time there. I found out that FIU's program is a bit disorganized for the admission process so that makes me a little apprehensive to go on into their program. On the contrary, I really like the staff and admission process at Barry. It was very smooth. I've heard great things from other students from Barry while I was on campus. I have also considered UM, but very expensive. I will be starting this Fall with 2 pre-requisites and I am entering the program in Springs. Thank you.

Yakie, Barry is very expensive as well. Check into tuition before making a decision. Good luck!

JackieFL · Aug 16, 2005

Yakie, Barry is very expensive as well. Check into tuition before making a decision. Good luck!

Hi Kristin, Yes they are a bit expensive. I think I might qualify for scholarship. Thank you.

JEMO · Aug 20, 2005

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_consumer.html
At the bottom of the page there are scores for 03-04. I don't know how to get more updated results. For exmaple, I go to FIU but our NCLEX scores for the last few semesters have been in the 90's...not the 80's anymore.
From what I've heard (now this is probably very very biased, lol) people have told me a lot of persons apply to the private schools because they have lower requirements, exmaple 2.5-8 GPA instead of 3.0 at some. (I don't know if this is particualrly true since I've always gone to FIU).
I found it pretty easy to get into FIU's nursing program. Just turn in everything on time and have the pre-reqs done. Pretty simple. I'm enojying my time here. I like my instructors and clinicals. If you wanna know anything specific about FIU just private message me.

Christina, what is the GPA requirement to get into FIU. Also, do they have a direct entry program.

bonesjordan · Sep 2, 2005

Hi, I have applied to a couple of nursing school in Miami (Barry, FIU, and MDC). How can I find out about their NCLEX scores?.
Can you share your experience with any of these schools?.

I graduated from Barry May 05.....though it was the hardest thing I've ever done, I performed well and loved all the profs. I feel that I received a first rate education. I originally had also intended to go to FIU thinking there was no way I could afford private school. I was accepted to FIU went to orientation day, went home and cancelled my check. They were totally disorganized and I thought, there's no way I can deal with these people for two years. A friend told me with my grades I'd get oodles of scholarships....and I'm grateful I did, though I'm still now in debt for 20 G's. I was also accepted at MDCC, and sometimes regretted not going there because my grades were good enough to get me into the Baptist on-site program. I've heard that the associates program gives you more practical clinical experience, though everyone at the University level will tell you not to worry about that because after a few months of work you'll be equal in clinical skills and superior in critical thinking skills. Had I gone to MDCC I wouldn't now be in debt....but life's a trade off.....and I think I'm more likely to be hired as a Barry Grad. (I just started applying and have an interview at my first choice hospital next week).

Looks like you probably just started at Barry this week, good luck, work hard, ALWAYS read the assigned material before you go to class and enjoy the friendships you'll make.

bonesjordan

mary777 · Sep 23, 2005

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_consumer.html
At the bottom of the page there are scores for 03-04. I don't know how to get more updated results. For exmaple, I go to FIU but our NCLEX scores for the last few semesters have been in the 90's...not the 80's anymore.
From what I've heard (now this is probably very very biased, lol) people have told me a lot of persons apply to the private schools because they have lower requirements, exmaple 2.5-8 GPA instead of 3.0 at some. (I don't know if this is particualrly true since I've always gone to FIU).
I found it pretty easy to get into FIU's nursing program. Just turn in everything on time and have the pre-reqs done. Pretty simple. I'm enojying my time here. I like my instructors and clinicals. If you wanna know anything specific about FIU just private message me.

If you don't mind me asking you what your GPA was when you got accepted into FIU. I havn't taken the NET test yet, but I have applied and sent everything over hoping to get into FIU for January. Would you know if the school goes by the NET test to get accepted. I've got to call tommorow and find out about the NET. Any suggestions you would give me to increase my chances of getting in for the Spring term. Thanks

bonesjordan · Sep 26, 2005

If you don't mind me asking you what your GPA was when you got accepted into FIU. I havn't taken the NET test yet, but I have applied and sent everything over hoping to get into FIU for January. Would you know if the school goes by the NET test to get accepted. I've got to call tommorow and find out about the NET. Any suggestions you would give me to increase my chances of getting in for the Spring term. Thanks

I don't believe FIU requires NET scores but that's easy enough to find out....read their material or give them a call. I did it because I was thinking I was also considering MDCC...if I recall they have a brochure showing sample questions. The only thing I remember was having to brush up on was weird percentages....like what's 88 1/3 % of 323?

I had straight A's from MDCC....so acceptance based on GPA wasn't an issue for me. Again their GPA req't should be clearly posted on their website.....I think its 2.5 or something similar......though they'll obviously accept higher scores first. I read something somewhere about private Universities having a lowwer GPA standard....which I think is not quite right.

I would definately recommend MDC or any private U over FIU.....you certainly can't count on them to give you accurate information at least during the application process.

Where ever you go though...expect to work like a dog. Once you're finished though...you'll really feel like you accomplished something.

Best of Luck future R.N!!!

Christina_NICU · Sep 26, 2005

http://chua2.fiu.edu/Nursing/GENERIC%20BSN%20PROGRAM/UGGenericPoints.htm

FIU requires the NET. The required GPA is 3.0

UM's is 2.8. Barry is 2.7. Nova is 2.75.

MDC's is 2.0.