NURSING SCHOOL OPTIONS in PA/NJ

NaomieRN · Dec 1, 2005

Just wanted to ask for some advice. I'm making a career change to nursing and im currently taking the pre-reqs. My question is about nursing schools and the different options. I just can't believe how expensive some of these programs are. Drexel's ACE is 27k, plus books and other expenses!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really want to be a nurse but im hesistant to take a loan this big out. Does anyone know what my other options, less expensive are?

Hello

Dont worry about the amount of the loan. I am going to a very expensive school here in Connecticut. After you graduate, you might find a hospital that will pay all your loans if you work for certain amount of time. That is what I am hoping to do. If I dont find a hospital that will pay back my loan, I will work one extra shift to pay the loan fast. Taking a loan for education is a better investment, than taking a loan for a brand new car. You will make that $27,000 in less than 6 months depends of what area you choose to work. If I were you, I would not focus on the price tag, but focus on the best nursing program. Education is a lifetime investment!

Good luck

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 1, 2005

Hello
Dont worry about the amount of the loan. I am going to a very expensive school here in Connecticut. After you graduate, you might find a hospital that will pay all your loans if you work for certain amount of time. That is what I am hoping to do. If I dont find a hospital that will pay back my loan, I will work one extra shift to pay the loan fast. Taking a loan for education is a better investment, than taking a loan for a brand new car. You will make that $27,000 in less than 6 months depends of what area you choose to work. If I were you, I would not focus on the price tag, but focus on the best nursing program. Education is a lifetime investment!
Good luck

I agree with this post. I too attend a very expensive school in Connecticut. Much more than 27,000. If this is what you really want, it is well-worth it.

Good luck

coltrane02 · Dec 1, 2005

yeah, you both make sense but i still have loans from my previous undergrad degree. tacking 30 somthing K on top of that will crush me. Any thoughts on local community colleges? I've heard CCP is good but the school is just so big and impersonal.

lmacks4 · Dec 1, 2005

Hey, I hear ya with the Drexel price, i may do their bsn co-op but since i already have a deg it would only take 3 years..But thats like 75 grand its insane. Even though its a great school I may have to go elsewhere. I mean my rents alredy paid for my first deg. I cant expect them to help me out that much...Anyway i'm from philly, if your looking for cheaper schools...try temple, west chester, although depends if ur instate or not. ccp ive heard okay things about but that would get u an associates i'm not sure what u are goin for? Holy family, gwynedd mercy, even rutgers.. anyway good luck with the search....hope this helps

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 2, 2005

yeah, you both make sense but i still have loans from my previous undergrad degree. tacking 30 somthing K on top of that will crush me. Any thoughts on local community colleges? I've heard CCP is good but the school is just so big and impersonal.

Not sure of any. Good luck in finding an affordable program.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 2, 2005

Check out our PA nursing forum for more info.

PA SBON approved porgrams: Professional Nursing Programs

Jefferson Health System has transitioned Methodist School of nursing from diploma to ASN program. Episcopal, Frankford and Northeastern still with diploma programs. Lasalle University has 25 yr old BSN program that is well respected and cost less than other BSN program in the city. Have you looked at Temples program since state school? Harcum College and Eastern University also programs to look at just outside Phill. In northeast, Holy Family Univ has several options too.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

Your best bet is community college if your looking at price. If you already have a degree, it should only take 2 years and you wouldn't be paying rediculous amount of money for university tuition.

NaomieRN · Dec 2, 2005

yeah, you both make sense but i still have loans from my previous undergrad degree. tacking 30 somthing K on top of that will crush me. Any thoughts on local community colleges? I've heard CCP is good but the school is just so big and impersonal.

I already have a $25,000 from getting my Bachelor Degree. By the time I complete the nursing program, I may be close to $50,000. I took two loans in the past for two cars that I no longer drive. I am not worrying about the money. I am working now, and hoping to continue to make payments, while I am still in school. The nursing school I am attending in connecticut, have a 100% passing rate in the past few years. In addition, tutoring is available. So far, I am doing well.

One way I saved, I took some classes at a local community college before I apply to the school. I transfered 18 credits. I am also taking a clep exam in December. Most of my classes were over 10 years old, when I was going to school for my Bachelor Degree. I saved close to $7000.

The higher the loan, the more effort I am making. I dont want to pay and not pass the classes.

SerenityR.N., BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

I go to Harcum and the full tuition now is 21K. I started in May 2005 and will be finished in Dec 2006. The tuition includes EVERTYTHING except your shoes for clinicals. It includes, ATI NCLCEX material, PDA and about 3 programs to download, ALL Textbooks, Uniforms and accessories (BP, study ref.), a kaplan review course.....thats all i can think of right now. You can also try DCCC 610-359-5000 (ask for admissions). Harcum is 610-526-6123. CCP is 215-751-8000 (ask for admissions). I work full time and i was still able to get a lot of financial aid, not just loans. Also, once you graduate you can apply for the loan forgiveness program....you can get more info about this @ http://www.pheaa.org (click loan forgiveness.