Nursing Program opinions

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I'm still waiting to hear back from places, but was wondering if anyone had any opinions on programs as graduates or former students of the schools here in Houston. I am getting a bad vibe from HCC (e.g., crazy [more than usual] professors), and not heard great things about HBU. I have heard positives about Lone Star. Was wondering about TWU-Houston or UT-Houston?

Thanks y'all!

Specializes in NICU Level III.

I went to TWU-H and it was a great program. A little disorganized here and there (we were also moving into a new location) but all schools are.

I applied to UT-Houston because my sister, cousin, and many friends graduated from there and they say the program was great and the professors were really nice. Lonestar, i've heard, is great also (had a couple graduate from there also). Those two were the ones that had the best ratings (according to former students) but TWU was up there as well, although some people said it was pretty hard (but then again, nursing school IS hard) so you gotta take all that with a grain of salt.

Good luck applying!

Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

you cant compare ADN to BSN programs. you have to know what you want to go for and compare schools at that level.

well, I don't know why you can't compare ADN to BSN programs, seeing as how it's very competitive to get accepted to ANY program. The question to ask is: what nursing schools have the highest/best NCLEX passing percentage. below's a link to the 2009 passing rates, I like to pay attention to the number of students that go take it and how many pass and compare that to the actual number of students that program starts off with: point being: some accept 40 students, but only 10 make it to take the NCLEX and they ALL pass and the school has a 100% passing rate, but overall they lost 30 students! It says alot about the program.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursingeducation/edudocs/2009-NCLEX-RN.pdf

Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
well, I don't know why you can't compare ADN to BSN programs, seeing as how it's very competitive to get accepted to ANY program. The question to ask is: what nursing schools have the highest/best NCLEX passing percentage. below's a link to the 2009 passing rates, I like to pay attention to the number of students that go take it and how many pass and compare that to the actual number of students that program starts off with: point being: some accept 40 students, but only 10 make it to take the NCLEX and they ALL pass and the school has a 100% passing rate, but overall they lost 30 students! It says alot about the program.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursingeducation/edudocs/2009-NCLEX-RN.pdf

Oh I'm sorry. i interpreted his post. I was assuming he wanted to apply at both of the programs.

Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
well, I don't know why you can't compare ADN to BSN programs, seeing as how it's very competitive to get accepted to ANY program. The question to ask is: what nursing schools have the highest/best NCLEX passing percentage. below's a link to the 2009 passing rates, I like to pay attention to the number of students that go take it and how many pass and compare that to the actual number of students that program starts off with: point being: some accept 40 students, but only 10 make it to take the NCLEX and they ALL pass and the school has a 100% passing rate, but overall they lost 30 students! It says alot about the program.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursingeducation/edudocs/2009-NCLEX-RN.pdf

oh wow.... I dont know how HBU has so little candidates....

Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
well, I don't know why you can't compare ADN to BSN programs, seeing as how it's very competitive to get accepted to ANY program. The question to ask is: what nursing schools have the highest/best NCLEX passing percentage. below's a link to the 2009 passing rates, I like to pay attention to the number of students that go take it and how many pass and compare that to the actual number of students that program starts off with: point being: some accept 40 students, but only 10 make it to take the NCLEX and they ALL pass and the school has a 100% passing rate, but overall they lost 30 students! It says alot about the program.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursingeducation/edudocs/2009-NCLEX-RN.pdf

to follow up with that link. i am applying to MSU as a backup school. it was shocking to see the NCLEX pass rate. the previous years were average but it had me puzzled.

In no way am I trying to put ADN students down. But it was shocking to see how people who take more classes in BSN nursing(even though it is like 5 class difference of nursing classes) can get lower than an ADN program. doesnt make sense to me. Maybe the ADN schools that scored higher had better teachers? I dont know...

I really dont know what MSU is? But Im graduating from a ADN program. I wanted to get my BSN because I already had all my pre-reqs done, so it seemed like the best thing to do, but the BSN programs are 1. VERY COMPETITIVE!! I mean, they have thousands applying from 100 spots or less as you can see, I know that some have more than 100 testing for their NCLEX but that's because they accept twice a year, but same thing: 1000's for 100 spots or less! 2. I know some hospitals want BSN nurses, but at the end of the day, there's not that many BSN graduating compared to ADN (depending in the area). But that's SOME hospitals that are picky like that. 3. You do have ALOT more credits per semester in a BSN than a ADN. I know in my program we were doing 9-10 credits a semseter (and let me tell you that's ALOT of work!) compared to UT-houston that now they are doing like 17-18 credits a semester! Yeah, I really feel for those students, if I complained of no life, I can't even imagine theirs!

So, like me, I will cont with my BSN, but the good thing about getting your ADN is: 1. it's SO much cheaper than getting your BSN! ($2300- compared to $16000!) and grad nurses from both BSN and ADN get starting pay about the same! 2. I can get my hospital to help me pay for my BSN! so save me some money! 3. It's closer to home! than driving to the Med Center. And if you have kids, that's always helpful. Saves on time travel and gas money as well.

As to teachers, I don't know. I had GREAT teachers! But also some no-so-good ones! Just remember, not everyone's meant to be a teacher. But that's no excuse in nursing school, you still have to do the work! so good luck!

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