Pre-Nursing Help in Tampa Bay

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I need a little help with my school selection. I recently graduated from USF with my BS in Health Science. I'm trying to go to school for Nursing, but I'm not sure of which direction to take. I've applied to USF Accelerated BSN (Fall 2019), UNF ABSN (Sumer 2020), and UF ABSN (denied). My GPA isn't the greatest 3.6. So, I really hope to get into USF since I stay in Clearwater and don't want to relocate to Jacksonville. I want to go to school asap to finish sooner. I have also thought about going back for my AS at SPC or HCC. I can do RN-MSN. I wouldn't do RN-BSN because I already feel I'm going backwards. I've thought about Galen and Rasmussen, but I'm worried about accreditation and job placement after graduation. I would have to travel to any school I go to. Rasmussen in Tampa is about $16,000 with my prereqs transferred and takes 18 months. I could take the TEAS and start Oct 2019. Galen in St Pete is about $21,000 and takes 24 months. I haven't done too much research on them. I'm hoping someone with experience can help me out.

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I have done similar research into accelerated BSN programs, ADN and RN bridge programs. HCC seems to be a great option financially, Galen and Rasmussen seemed great but are 2-3 times the cost and accelerated progs advise you not work at all during enrollment due to such heavy courseload in conjunction with clinical hours. Both schools are ACEN (2 yr program) and CCNE (4-yr) accrediated which opens more doors to career opportunities after graduation. Galen requires you to retake some pre-reqs if they are older than 3 yrs. USF seems like the best option if you can manage the accelerated portion. Since I have a BS degree, all these options were worth me looking into as well.

Good luck to you on your decision.

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19 hours ago, Yvonne2014 said:

I have done similar research into accelerated BSN programs, ADN and RN bridge programs. HCC seems to be a great option financially, Galen and Rasmussen seemed great but are 2-3 times the cost and accelerated progs advise you not work at all during enrollment due to such heavy courseload in conjunction with clinical hours. Both schools are ACEN (2 yr program) and CCNE (4-yr) accrediated which opens more doors to career opportunities after graduation. Galen requires you to retake some pre-reqs if they are older than 3 yrs. USF seems like the best option if you can manage the accelerated portion. Since I have a BS degree, all these options were worth me looking into as well.

Good luck to you on your decision.

Thanks so much for your feedback. I didn't get into USF so that's out of the picture because I'm not applying next year. I have decided to apply at HCC because I feel it would be easier to get into than SPC will. Then while working I'll go to school online for my MSN. This way I don't have to Bachelors.

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Seems like you have a grasp on the route you are going, I would also apply to SPC and even Pasco-Hernando State College since all of these colleges are competitive (upon TEAS & GPA). I have heard great things about PHSC from recent RN grads.

Good luck!

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I looked into PHSC but it would cost too much bc I don't stay in Pasco or Hernando County. Thanks for the advice.

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I understand, I would probably attend PHSC Porter Campus (Wesley Chapel) if it was 2 consecutive days on campus and the rest online. Especially since it is about $4500 for the program I need there vs. the $17000 at the private college I am starting soon. My program is charging 3x what state colleges charge!

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Wow what school are you starting? Is it for an AS or BS?

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I am enrolled in an ADN Program due to finish end of 2020, was able to transfer all of my gen ed credits. Then I will look into direct entry masters in nursing programs. I saw that many of those programs cost atleast $1000 per credit hour, not sure if that is Florida in-state cost as there is right now not many of schools in this state with the direct entry program (Miami Regional has one). I had been researching so much but as for now I am content with the path I chose.

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On 7/1/2019 at 12:20 PM, Yvonne2014 said:

I am enrolled in an ADN Program due to finish end of 2020, was able to transfer all of my gen ed credits. Then I will look into direct entry masters in nursing programs. I saw that many of those programs cost atleast $1000 per credit hour, not sure if that is Florida in-state cost as there is right now not many of schools in this state with the direct entry program (Miami Regional has one). I had been researching so much but as for now I am content with the path I chose.

That's an amazing choice. I know you will be a great nurse.

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On 6/27/2019 at 2:16 PM, Mamaof02 said:

I looked into PHSC but it would cost too much bc I don't stay in Pasco or Hernando County. Thanks for the advice.

How would staying out of county cost too much? The tuition per credit doesn't change if you live out of county.

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