Private School VS Community College

caliotter3 · Apr 27, 2011

If you can afford it, the private school may be the way to go to get in, get it done, and get out. But just do your investigating and have your eyes open. Lots of people complain about the quality of instruction at private schools. Remember that getting through the school so that you can take the NCLEX is your goal. Good luck with your decision.

UVA Grad Nursing · Apr 27, 2011

You may also want to check with some of the nursing recruiters in your area. I am aware of several hospitals in my region that will not even interview graduates from many of the local for-profit schools.

soxgirl2008 · Apr 27, 2011

I'd definitely take a closer look at the colleges like people have said.. Where I'm at the private schools are often easier to get into, but the teaching isn't always very good and many of them have had problems with people passing the NCLEX on the first try.

mik510 · Apr 27, 2011

Look at your financing and your options. You should definitely do your research and see which school has a good passing rate for NCLEX and clinical rotations. I am currently attending a Community College in the south bay, took me two years to finish my pre-reqs. I am going to attend University of San Francisco nursing program this upcoming fall and it is a really good school. Even though the price of the school is a lot, i truly believe it is a good investment. At the end of the day, you want to pass NCLEX and take in what you get in nursing school.

best of luck

NewSN13 · Apr 27, 2011

You may also want to check with some of the nursing recruiters in your area. I am aware of several hospitals in my region that will not even interview graduates from many of the local for-profit schools.

I second this. I am also in an area where the hospitals won't hire grads from the for-profit schools (including Carrington). Unfortunately, many students in these programs don't find this out until they have spent a significant amount of money.

In your shoes, I would also consider which program is going to give you the most bang for your buck. What jobs are going to be available upon graduation from each program and does the potential pay warrant the cost of the education? Again, with the possibility of limited job opportunities (in an already depressed job market) that a for-profit education may present, does it make sense to pay tens of thousands of dollars for the degree?

SFLady · Jul 6, 2011

There are a few factors when considering a nursing program. All depends on what best fit your needs but the biggest two would be cost and time. Also try to consider what the pass rate of their students nclex exams. The nursing program is trying to prepare its students to pass the boards. if the school has a very high pass rate, then go for that school. you want to be as prepared as possible when entering the profession as a nurse. everyone is different.

ProudMom511 · Jul 6, 2011

Wait till done with the pre-req, give the community colleges a shot, apply to as many as you can to increase your chances of getting in, you never know that you may get in. I applied to 4 colleges this year (first try), rejected by 2, wait-listed in one and got accepted to the other. Private school should be the last choice.

layleebug · Jul 7, 2011

This might help you with choosing your college: http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2011/02/18/why-im-staying-away-from-for-profit-education.aspx

I'm actually going to plan on attending a private but non profit school... long story short- I hate the thought of paying back $54,000 in loans, but the benfits outweighs the negative factors.. just look at your options and make the decision based on what you want to achieve.. good luck