Need help deciding which school to attend in PA

cianni2000 · Feb 19, 2013

Hey everyone!! I am new to this site and am looking for some input from fellow students or nurses. I was originally planning on going to Delaware County Community College, but recently someone told me that Harcum has a better program and that employers like to see that you went to Harcum. Does anyone know how true this is?? Has anyone attended either of these schools?? I have to go PT for school, so there are not too many choices out there. Most places do day programs, but I'm 30 and have to keep a FT job to pay my bills. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Hope everyone has a wonderful day, and Thank You in advance for any help :)[/quote']
Hi April1031. I too am deciding between harcum and dccc(accepted to both). For what I have researched, dccc is a better program with higher success rates on the nclex and the price is substantially cheaper. The plus with harcum is that for the evening weekend program it's only 18 months. The class size is around 35 students. The price is about triple the cost of dccc. From my current experience, dccc has been very organized with information concerning the clinicals/class times upfront while I still haven't heard what the exact schedule for class and clinicals will be with harcum and won't until April. I have been going back and forth on which one to choose for a while now. Harcum starts in may and dccc in sept. Hopefully this will help you will your decision.

April1031 · Feb 24, 2013

Hi Cianni2000,

Thank you for your input!! I agree with you...the price difference is definitely alot. After lots of consideration, I decided to go with DCCC. It's 6 months longer, but that's bc they don't do summer clinicals. Harcum doesn't seem to want to help, from my experience, they can never give me straight answers. DCCC has been awesome, and like you said...at lease they can tell you your schedule. Best of luck to you in the program :)

cianni2000 · Mar 6, 2013

Hi Cianni2000,
Thank you for your input!! I agree with you...the price difference is definitely alot. After lots of consideration, I decided to go with DCCC. It's 6 months longer, but that's bc they don't do summer clinicals. Harcum doesn't seem to want to help, from my experience, they can never give me straight answers. DCCC has been awesome, and like you said...at lease they can tell you your schedule. Best of luck to you in the program :)

Great@ April1031. I think DCCC is one of the best choices. Good luck to you as well.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2013

Good day:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/770539/nclex-performancern_pdf has the NCLEX first time pass rates for Pennsylvania schools.

Thank you.