Private nursing school?

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Hi everyone! This is my first time posting, but I have used this site for a while for viewing discussions. I know there is a similar topic on this from a while ago, but mine is a little different.

I recently submitted my Maricopa nursing application and now I'm on a wait list that can take up to 2 years. I have considered the CEP route, but believe that my GPA will not be high enough to get in. My family keeps telling me I should pursue the Private route, as long as the private school will take my credits I received at community college. I have done research on the private colleges and have narrowed it down to Chamberlain or Carrington college of nursing. I understand that the price for private colleges are significantly higher and have most of the information about both schools, but I'm now at the point where I just want to know is the education good and does the school feel like a 'scam'. I have read reviews from students in other states saying that they felt like the schools were a scam and wasted their time and money. Can anyone who has recently gone or attended one of these schools give me some advice on what they think of the nursing program?

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Let me start by saying that I haven't ever been to either school. However, I do know people that have, and they were happy with the education they received. On the other hand, they weren't happy with the humongous student debt they had to carry. When you say significantly higher, you are not kidding. One friend has student loans totaling close to $90,000.

As far as the education goes, my understanding is that they are accredited schools so they have to maintain the same standards as the community colleges. I don't think they are a "scam" per se, but I personally would never pay that much for a degree.

I strongly urge you to apply for the CEP. How would you know whether you'll be accepted or not if you don't try...? They other thing is to consider your age with regards to the wait list at Maricopa. If you are younger, then 2 years isn't such a big deal. If you are in your 50s, then obviously time is something to consider!

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Yes your right, that's why I'm going to apply for the CEP program at the end of next week. Thank you for the information, I appreciate it!

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Yes your right, that's why I'm going to apply for the CEP program at the end of next week. Thank you for the information, I appreciate it!

You're welcome! Remember, if you apply for the CEP and don't get accepted - your original nursing program application is still working it's way through the waiting list. Also, you can reapply for the CEP the next round, and the next...and so on, until you either get in to CEP or you end up getting a place because you're at the top of the wait list!

Best of luck to you!

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I do not have any experience with private schools.

I graduated from a Maricopa school without being in a CEP. My concern for your situation is with you graduating without your Bachelors (BSN). It has been said that by 2020 all RNs will need their BSN. But even right now in 2017 (almost 2018), it is very difficult to get hired without your BSN complete. I know this from personal experience. I figured as long as I was enrolled in a BSN program I would be just fine, it was sooooo difficult to get a job. And you only have 1 year after you graduate to get hired as a new grad, after that your not a new grad, and have no experience. By the time you graduate most all new nurses will have their BSN complete. And that's a lot when it comes to landing that job.

Of course there could be exceptions to this happening to you with out a BSN, but something to really consider if you do not get into a CEP and want to wait 2 years for a 2 year associate program.

Another route to consider is start through Maricopa in the LPN program. Once you get that 1 year done, you can bridge into the RN program. You will then land into block 3 of the RN program and finish in one year. You can then start a CEP mid Program.

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I do not have any experience with private schools.

I graduated from a Maricopa school without being in a CEP. My concern for your situation is with you graduating without your Bachelors (BSN). It has been said that by 2020 all RNs will need their BSN. But even right now in 2017 (almost 2018), it is very difficult to get hired without your BSN complete. I know this from personal experience. I figured as long as I was enrolled in a BSN program I would be just fine, it was sooooo difficult to get a job. And you only have 1 year after you graduate to get hired as a new grad, after that your not a new grad, and have no experience. By the time you graduate most all new nurses will have their BSN complete. And that's a lot when it comes to landing that job.

Of course there could be exceptions to this happening to you with out a BSN, but something to really consider if you do not get into a CEP and want to wait 2 years for a 2 year associate program.

Another route to consider is start through Maricopa in the LPN program. Once you get that 1 year done, you can bridge into the RN program. You will then land into block 3 of the RN program and finish in one year. You can then start a CEP mid Program.

Good point! BSN is def the way to go if you can. You can bridge from the Associates at Maricopa now. As long as your grades are good, then I know at least one of the Universities will allow you to bridge to my knowledge. That will take a little longer, of course, but it'll be worth it in the end.

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