Northern AZ U vs. U of A??

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 26, 2010

Moved to the AZ Nursing Programs Discussion forum

KristeyK · Jul 29, 2010

UA is supposed to be in the top 10 in the country for Nursing schools. Otherwise, I could not tell you the difference. (However, as a U of A alumni with a non BSN degree, I'd tell you to go there! )

Good luck with your decision.

TinkRN8 · Jul 29, 2010

UA is supposed to be in the top 10 in the country for Nursing schools. Otherwise, I could not tell you the difference. (However, as a U of A alumni with a non BSN degree, I'd tell you to go there! )
Good luck with your decision.

:yeah: :yeah: I am with KristeyK. Another U of A alumni here. Also a non BSN degree. Have heard good things about NAU too. U of A does have an excellent nursing program. Had I been able to move back to Tucson, would have applied there myself.

azhic13 · Jul 31, 2010

I dunno man, I think I might have to lean toward U of A on that one. I've heard really great things about their program, and it wouldn't be quite as distance based as the NAU one might be. Congrats either way :twocents:

Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN · Aug 1, 2010

There is a NAU satellite campus in Tucson. I believe it's near Prince Rd. I've heard good things about it, but it's a new program.

silentRN · Aug 1, 2010

I've lived in both Flagstaff and currently live in Tucson...I say go to NAU because it's in the mountains, Tucson not really a dream city to live in.

pitaya · Aug 2, 2010

I've lived in both Flagstaff and currently live in Tucson...I say go to NAU because it's in the mountains, Tucson not really a dream city to live in.

Whoa, I love Tucson! I'd much rather live there than in Flagstaff.

Another non-BSN UofA alum here! Go to UofA! Basically, my friends who couldn't get into UofA's nursing school went to NAU, so I think UofA's better, but that's the only basis for that assumption.

giardiafan · Aug 2, 2010

Tucson's UofA, by no means, is in the top 10 nationally. The school intentionally misrepresents itself. The nursing GRADUATE PROGRAM was ranked #6 in the nation by US News & World Report in 2009. In 2010, that ranking dropped to #32. Still, the administration still cheerleads 'We're #6!!.' Shame on them for not including any fine print.

Having said that, the traditional BSN nursing program has a good, solid reputation. I am graduating from the UofA's accelerated/2nd degree program (avoid at all costs), but we share some instructors across programs. The teachers are decent, and the organization of the program, plus the 2 year timeframe, make for a valuable experience. The College of Nursing administration is pretty damn inhospitable, and there is a new Dean who is cleaning house. There are a number of instructors on their way out, and a new wave coming in. Such is the nature of organizational change. You might find the UofA program underwhelming in terms of communication and organization. It's a DIY program, really. Take your classes, get an externship, find a job.

Surprisingly, for all their talk and energy about being highly ranked (again, that WAS the graduate program), there are few extracurricular activities, and very little to do with the colleges of medicine, pharmacy, and public health. That's really sad, as in the real world, all professionals work together to keep people healthy. But at the UofA, everything exists in a vacuum. You can have a bake sale and sell cookies (smile and contribute $18 to a worthy cause), but if you are looking for more meaningful ways to contribute to research, help a local organization, or deepen your nursing knowledge beyond the basic lectures, you're on your own.

As well, the current economic situation means significant cutbacks. Who knows what the college has planned for 2011....but you can be sure that they are cutting corners and forcing instructors to take furlough days per university mandate. You may not feel it in the beginning, but during the second half of your studies, you'll wonder why the simulation lab is so poorly stocked with equipment, or why special request resources are nonexistent.

Have fun!!

desertdog · Nov 4, 2010

Boy--> RN2b, hi there! I was wondering which program you chose and how you are feeling about the program? I'm hoping to have to make the same choice for the Spring (fingers crossed). How is the schedule and workload? Do you like it? Is is pretty well organized? Any input that you have would be so greatly appreciated!!

Boy-->RN2b · Nov 6, 2010

sent you a pm

desertdog · Nov 7, 2010

Thank you so, so much!!! I will PM you as soon as I'm up to 15 posts :)