Need help choosing between programs.

MAJCAC · Apr 13, 2019

Program B.

It's nice to get the authentic university experience, and although not typically a deciding factor in getting jobs post-grad, having a degree from a more prestigious university definitely doesn't hurt.
If you ever plan on getting your MSN and this 4 year school offers the program, then that is even more reason to choose program b as you would not have to worry about transferring credits from another school if you chose to go back.
You aren't worrying about whether or not you've been accepted into the program until last minute and have time to actually get prepared before school starts.
Even though you graduate 1 year earlier going through program A, you only do 6 months less of school, which isn't a lot, not to mention that I consider more training a positive thing.
As a harder program, despite being more stressful and time-consuming, it only means you will be a better prepared nurse the day you hit the floor.

Unless program B is literally 3x more expensive total, then I would definitely take that route, and either way, I'd heavily consider it for all the reasons covered above.

GratefulHeartMurse · Apr 17, 2019

How do you tell what program is going to better prepare you? Small class size? Better NCLEX pass rate? I have two community colleges that I am looking at.

The first is closer to home (40 minutes each way) and has smaller class size, but consistent mid to low 80% on NCLEX. Also, this program requires pathophysiology and pharmacology prerequisites, which I did well in but do not feel like I learned much as I took them online. Also, I worry that the school has a less than stellar reputation with the local hospitals and what that might do to my job opportunities.

The second program is an hour away and has a NCLEX pass rate in the low to mid 90%. Pathophysiology and pharmacology are not prerequisites there.

Do hospitals pay much attention to the school you went to?

GratefulHeartMurse · Apr 17, 2019

Does any one know how much it matters if your program is ACEN accredited?

The programs I am looking at are as follows:

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MAJCAC · Apr 17, 2019

11 minutes ago, SitayAdobo said:
Does any one know how much it matters if your program is ACEN accredited?
The programs I am looking at are as follows:

It matters quite a bit.

"The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are two of the most recognized accrediting agencies in the nation. They’re also two of the most influential agencies – often determining eligibility for student aid or employment feasibility. Financial aid agencies simply won’t fund non-accredited nursing programs and employers aren’t comfortable hiring graduates from non-accredited nursing schools.

To ensure nursing students can secure sufficient financial aid and find employment, both the CCNE and ACEN impose strict requirements onto a wide variety of eligible programs. CCNE vs ACEN accreditation differs in the sense that the CCNE does not accredit LPN, Diploma, or ADN programs while the ACEN does.

All baccalaureate, graduate, and residency nursing programs operating under CCNE accreditation do so in accordance with nationally recognized standards. Nursing certificate, diploma, and professional degree programs operating under ACEN accreditation do so in accordance with the same standards as well. And participation in both is completely voluntary."

moto.ri · Apr 17, 2019

On 4/13/2019 at 12:52 PM, MAJCAC said:
Program B.
It's nice to get the authentic university experience, and although not typically a deciding factor in getting jobs post-grad, having a degree from a more prestigious university definitely doesn't hurt.
If you ever plan on getting your MSN and this 4 year school offers the program, then that is even more reason to choose program b as you would not have to worry about transferring credits from another school if you chose to go back.
You aren't worrying about whether or not you've been accepted into the program until last minute and have time to actually get prepared before school starts.
Even though you graduate 1 year earlier going through program A, you only do 6 months less of school, which isn't a lot, not to mention that I consider more training a positive thing.
As a harder program, despite being more stressful and time-consuming, it only means you will be a better prepared nurse the day you hit the floor.
Unless program B is literally 3x more expensive total, then I would definitely take that route, and either way, I'd heavily consider it for all the reasons covered above.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and well thought-out post. Apologies for my late response -- taking the TEAS tomorrow and studying for this exam has been taking over my life.

You make a lot of really great points. I had never even thought about the benefit of going to a 4-year university in terms of helping me get into a masters program later.

I am waiting to receive my financial aid/merit based aid from Program B because that will heavily influence my decision making. Further, I need to do well on the TEAS to know if Program A is even a factor. I was offered guaranteed admission to Program B but conditional acceptance to Program A (if I rank in the top 50 scores of the 90 candidates, then I will be accepted.)

Program A is $24,000 for the entire program (not including financial aid or merit based aid.)

Program B is $48,000 per year so $144,000 total (not including financial aid or merit based aid.) As you noted, the amount of aid given will definitely be a deciding factor.

Thank you again for your response -- I really appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful week!

moto.ri · Apr 17, 2019

1 hour ago, SitayAdobo said:
How do you tell what program is going to better prepare you? Small class size? Better NCLEX pass rate? I have two community colleges that I am looking at.
The first is closer to home (40 minutes each way) and has smaller class size, but consistent mid to low 80% on NCLEX. Also, this program requires pathophysiology and pharmacology prerequisites, which I did well in but do not feel like I learned much as I took them online. Also, I worry that the school has a less than stellar reputation with the local hospitals and what that might do to my job opportunities.
The second program is an hour away and has a NCLEX pass rate in the low to mid 90%. Pathophysiology and pharmacology are not prerequisites there.
Do hospitals pay much attention to the school you went to?

I do not think hospitals pay as much attention to the school that you went to, rather that you have a BSN instead of an ADN. My suggestion would be to go to the program with the better NCLEX passing rates. I feel like that is really indicative of the quality of the education. You're going to school in order to be a nurse and pass the NCLEX -- they should be setting you up for success. If they have a low NCLEX pass rate, that means they probably aren't teaching their students well.

40 minutes vs an hour is only a difference of 20 minutes. I'd chose the second program for sure.

GratefulHeartMurse · Apr 17, 2019

Thanks Moto.ri and MAJCAC,

You both made strong points. I applied to a private college for their BSN program and was accepted but declined because it was going to require me to work 2 days per week (to cover what the loans would not) while taking 16 units per semester, not to mention the $70k I would owe after grants and scholarships. The ADN programs at the local CC are going to be a fraction of the price and I would be taking 9-12 units per semester. Now, I guess I have to decide if I want to move my family to another town to get into the better program.

I really appreciate the help! Thank you again,