Philly area schools?

i go to drexel's program...can't say enough about the director/instructors....they are great...over 5 clinical sites to choose from...

great program.

I interviewed and was accepted to both Crozer-Chester and Lourdes. Both of those are excellent programs, lots of great clinical experience (swans,a-lines, central lines, regionals etc), supportive of students and plenty of clinical sites. Both are integrated programs and start clinicals 1 day week in the first semester.

Villanova/Crozer is a bit more student friendly in their schedule (6a -3p) and allow 4 weeks vacation. Crozer participates in the co-op with other Philly schools, so there is a lot of driving between classes in the first two semesters. Crozer accepted 24 students this year and starts in the Fall. Villanova has more nursing BS classes but you can take more of them as a non-matric student.

An advantage of Crozer is that they do rolling admissions so you can interview and find out if you have been accepted before the app is even due at Lourdes (app due in Nov and interview in Dec.).

You will put in more clinical time at Lourdes and have a more erratic schedule, but may also get more cases/ experience. Lourdes is used to having the SRNAs and they allow them to do just about everything including big cases. They promote very early independence. Lourdes accepted 12 students this year.

Both schools have had 100% pass rates on boards!

I chose Lourdes because I live in NJ and I get in-state tuition (saves about $10,000), it is a short commute from my house (15 min) and it starts in May (finish 3 months earlier).

IMHO there are advantages and disadvantages to every program. You just have to choose which ideosyncrasies (sp?) you are willing to deal with. Either school will provide you with a solid education and great clinical experience. PM me if you have specific questions.

Keep in mind that Drexel is already accepting apps for 2006, so if you are interested, you will need to get your info in. From what I have heard, Drexel also has a strong program. It is a little more pricey than the other Philly schools. (except U. Penn)

Drexel is already taking 2006 apps? So they already have their 2005 class? I thought their deadline was in September

Thanks for the info. guys. Yes, Drexel is definitely accepting apps for 2006, their class starts in Jan. I may hold off until Jan 2007 on them, then I would have time to sit for my CCRN exam before I apply (I have to wait until Oct. when I have a year of experience). I went to Drexel for my BSN, and because it was the accelerated program (my class was only the second) it was really disorganized. The financial aid dept. was a major PIA too. I am sure the anesthesia program is much, much better then my program was.

This may be rumor, but someone I work with said he spoke with Lasalle/ Montgomery program and they too have their 2005 class filled and are accepting apps for 2006. This is second hand info, so take it for what it's worth. Either way, it shows you must be organized and plan ahead.

Yes, Lasalle/Montgomery is now accepting apps for 2006, and so is Nazareth, I spoke with both program directors. Yikes!!!! I need to get on the ball if I want to start school sometime this century..... :uhoh21:

QUOTE=TraumaNurse]This may be rumor, but someone I work with said he spoke with Lasalle/ Montgomery program and they too have their 2005 class filled and are accepting apps for 2006. This is second hand info, so take it for what it's worth. Either way, it shows you must be organized and plan ahead.

if you don't mind me asking, what turned you off from penn's program. just curious. i am in the philadelphia area. working in tele, soon to move to icu and then sometime in the next few years apply to crna. i have some info on all of the schools you mentioned, but just wondering what was different for penn?

Price! Check out Penn's Tuition!

i don't care what your school name is....Penn's tuition is ridiculous!!

Yeah, I can't afford tuition at Penn. I already have a ton of loans. Drexel is the second most expensive but their tuition is at least somewhat realistic.

It is expensive. However, I am sure it is a great program and in the end you become a CRNA. If I had to choose b/n having a student loan to pay off but was able to pursue my goal vs not being able to become a CRNA....I'd find a way to pay the tuition.

Oh, I totally agree, CCU RN, but considering that there are lots of schools in Philly to chose from, I will apply to the other 5 first. That being said, becoming a CRNA is my ultimate goal and I will do whatever it takes-- that includes going into a ton of debt.