Pre-nursing student, PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE

Ilovelucy2 · Dec 12, 2008

I was recently accepted into a dual enrollment program between two schools. I would have to do two years at Pennyslvania Institute of Technology (recieving an associates degree in allied health technology). Leaving there I will have certificates in being a Medical Assistant, An EKG tech, a Phlebotomy Tech, and a Mental Health Tech. After that I will go right into my junior year at Drexel. Because it is dual enrollment, I am GUARANTEED a spot in their nursing co-op program. I think that this is good because of the waiting list that many colleges and universities have for their nursing schools. BBUUUTTTT I attend Central High of Phila, which is one of the top schools in Pennsylvania. Alot of my friends are trying to make me feel bad about doing this program, telling me that im too good for this program, and that its an insult to Central.
I just wanted to know what you guys thought:typing. By the way its my first post. Thanks!!!!!!! (268)

With all of those certificates, you won't make much more than minimum wage (at least in VA). I would go to a 4yr university that has a nursing program. I fyou've got the grades, and from a top high school, don't settle for mediocracy. Go for it, be confident, and pray alot- nursing school is NO fun, but we need you!

mizfradd, CNA · Dec 12, 2008

I say go for it! :yeah:

Dual enrollment is for the exceptionally bright and I think your friends may be a little jealous perhaps because they realize they won't be seeing you as much due to your studies and perhaps even of your acceptance into dual enrollment.

Plus...an added benefit is the GUARANTEED spot in their nursing co-op program!

Central 268 · Dec 12, 2008

Thank u, but it is a 4 year university. I do two years at PIT and then my last two years at Drexel University, coming out with my BSN from Drexel.

Ilovelucy2 · Dec 12, 2008

Thank u, but it is a 4 year university. I do two years at PIT and then my last two years at Drexel University, coming out with my BSN from Drexel.

sounds good to me then! go for it!

Central 268 · Dec 12, 2008

Thank you. This is something i really want to do, and i want to make sure i get the best education to do so.

amjowens · Dec 12, 2008

Because you attend a good school, I assume you understand the value of core courses which prepare you for further education. For example, I think you'd invest in your career by completing science, math, and humanities courses (college-level) if you hope to enter a nursing program. The technical programs you describe certainly have their place-IF you have a desire to go to work and practice any ONE of those fields. It doesn't sound like that's your goal, though, and as a nurse, you'll be able to perform the tasks anyway. It's just so important, especially if you want to go into advanced practice nursing, to have some kind of base of science/math, etc. And, I absolutely agree with the poster who noted the income potential of those programs...unless you really are interested in those programs, I think that's an awful lot of money to spend at a four year college for what you're getting.

amjowens · Dec 12, 2008

BTW, forgot to say, that your friends sound to have a lot to learn! I know of a lot of people with degrees from colleges that would probably fit into what's socially acceptable for your school, yet are strapped with a massive amount of debt, and with an income potential less than mine. I think education and status are more about how you conduct yourself, how much you know (and who you know), and how you communicate. At any rate, I think both are a little overrated (I don't think of knowlege and continuous learning necessarily the same as "education").

A lot of the community college-prepared individuals are the ones who went on to further their education and become leaders in their field. You can go to any college and be a success-it's all about strategy and smarts!

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 12, 2008

I say go for it, nothing like being accepted into your last 2 years straight away, saves a lot of worry and time. Good for you!

Just a little note - no one really cares about high school, it's college (and University) that matters, do what works best for your goals and forget about your friends and the 'status' of your school, do what works for you.

FutureNurseSaga · Dec 12, 2008

As long as those credits are transferable... What if you change your mind down the road and realize you just wasted thousands of dollars on credits that won't transfer anywhere... now that would suck.

If it is like you say it is and the spot is 100% guaranteed and I would go ahead and do it. I am at a community college right now finishing up my pre-reqs. I chose to go to a cc because it is the most economical route to where I want to be. In the end the RN who graduated from a fancy 4-year private school and I who will have gone to a cc then a state school for my BSN will make the same amount of money only difference is that that fancy private school grad will have thousands of dollars to pay back in school loans.

Do what you need to do to get to where you want to be. You know you are intelligent and have great potential. You don’t need the name of a fancy uni. to back you up.

hellerd2003, RN · Dec 12, 2008

Thank u, but it is a 4 year university. I do two years at PIT and then my last two years at Drexel University, coming out with my BSN from Drexel.

Pardon me, but if you're from an elite high school, with impeccable GPA, why would you not just apply to Drexel (or any other elite 4-year school of your choice) and get a BSN?

guest239592 · Dec 12, 2008

Quick question, is this the Drextel online program? There's been recent news that the state of FL i believe is considering not letting grads from the online program sit for the NCLEX. Just something to keep in mind. Also, I'd say go for the BSN, you won't regret it especially if you want to go on in nursing to advance practice