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Debt worth saving time/graduating early?
Hello, I need help on deciding what to do here. ? I had to take a break from school for personal reasons that put me a semester and a half behind, I don't want to spend more than 3 years to obtain my BSN. Which is why i am having this dilemma in the first place. I am still a year away from finishing my pre-reqs. But I need to decide which Nursing program to go to! I'm taking pre-reqs at Hillsborough community college, and they do have a Concurrent ADN/BSN nursing program, but It will take me 3 years just for the ADN and extra 2 semesters for the BSN. In total, 4 years basically. Its one of the most competitive programs, and to be accepted to the concurrent part of the program you need an invitation from the university that offers the BSN. So there is 0 guarantee that I will be accepted into the ADN program and into the concurrent BSN part of it. I will also have to take out student loans for this program but the debt wont be nearly as high- around 12k at most. I am considering Galen College of Nursing- Tampa Bay, it has the highest pass rates of the colleges around me, it will allow me to graduate with a BSN (which is what I have wanted from day one), and I've heard its one of the top programs (not easy obviously, but prepares their students very well). Additionally, they don't require any prerequisites, as long as you have the admissions requirements they will accept you into their program. However, even with most of the general eds/pre-reqs transferred in I am looking at anywhere from 42k to 48k in student loan debt. I have basically no idea how much new grads make in the Tampa Area but I'm assuming it ranges from $21- $28 at the highest. With quite a bit of budgeting I could manage to pay it off in a few years. But I am still very unsure of which route to take.... Is getting my BSN a year earlier worth the debt? Should I simply stick out the extra year and take the cheaper route?
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For those looking into ADN Programs in the Tampa Area.
Hello! ? I am a Pre Req student right now and as such, I have been doing lots of research into ADN programs here in Tampa (I recently moved here). Once I complete my Pre Reqs I will be applying (or considering) to: Hillsborough Community College (HCC) St. Petersburg Community College (SPC) State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Galen College of Nursing Keiser University Rasmussen University The reason I am posting this is because I made a table (of sorts) that includes all Pre-Requisites necessary for their Nursing Programs. There are two versions: This version checkmarks only the Pre-Requisites: Tampa ADN Program Pre Reqs ONLY.docx Here I included Pre-Requisites, and other symbols for General Education courses: Tampa ADN Program PreReqs + Gen Eds.docx (Checkmarks means they are pre-reqs, the thumbs ups are supporting courses and the atoms are science general eds.) I did try to find the minimum TEAS score for all of them, if they have a "?" it means I did not find the required scores, or I don't know if the college requires TEAS. In case the word documents don't work, here's a link to a Google Drive folder with the files and program outlines of the colleges (except keiser and SCF): https://drive.Google.com/file/d/16y_scbuJ3bwFBucWPpZb4I9R6k7CKg9f/view?usp=sharing All information is from their websites, and while it is a little messy I thought this might help other students that are currently in the same boat. Of course, I would always speak to an advisor but I think this is a nice little table to help you know what each college is asking for. As students its our responsibility to know exactly which courses are necessary (to save both time and money); I find this even more necessary when dealing with Advisors that aren't that great. ? I hope someone finds this helpful! Oh, and if the colors bother you, I believe you can download the docs and change it in Word. ?
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Nursing programs in Tampa (HCC, USF, UT)
Thank you for replying. I hope you get in! ? HCC is my first choice right now because of the USF Concurrent and location. Its definitely very attractive, especially this part!
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Nursing programs in Tampa (HCC, USF, UT)
Anyone? I've been trying to find out about these programs but there's not alot of actual student reviews from schools like HCC. ?
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Day Shift or Night shift?
Thank you so much for your advice! And yes, I am finding that there are more night shifts are available than day shifts. Hopefully I can pass my test and get a job at a hospital soon! Whichever shift I will make sure I follow your advice.
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Nursing programs in Tampa (HCC, USF, UT)
Hello, I need your help and advice! I recently moved to Tampa, FL. I want to know more about these colleges (Hillsborough Community College, University of South Florida and University of Tampa) and what their nursing programs are like. I still have a year of pre-reqs left, so I would be a transfer student. HCC would be the easiest option for me as it is close and affordable but I have heard (and read) not so great things about the college. I want to complete my prereqs and then apply to a BSN program, which is why I also want to know more about universities like USF and UT. How hard is it to get into these programs (Do they have long wait lists)? Are they good programs or are there better options? I would appreciate any help at all! If there are other community colleges or universities you could recommend please do. ?
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Day Shift or Night shift?
Hello. I just completed my CNA training program and am currently waiting to get a test date. I am studying/practicing the skills and hopefully I will be able to pass the test. While I wait, I’m trying to figure out what job openings are available in my area and I have a few questions. Firstly, what shift do you think is best for a new CNA? I plan to work in a hospital (I paid for a CNA + PCT course) and many hospitals in my area are looking for PCTs. Most of the jobs listed are night shifts. I want to be able to gain lots of experience and really get my “foot in the door” since I do want to complete a BSN and become an RN. Would the day shift be “too hectic” for a new CNA/PCT? Is the night shift too slow? I would *love* a 3-11 shift but from what i’ve seen they’re kind of rare. Is it okay to start out in night shift for a few months and then switch? Also, if you have any tips for me in regards to the State Test or as a future new CNA I would appreciate them!
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Help! Which nursing school?
Hi. I'm a high school student and I'll be graduating soon. I live in Puerto Rico, and got accepted to the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez campus and Universidad del Este. I'm unsure on which school I should go to. UPR Mayaguez is considered one of the best schools in Puerto Rico which means the name carries prestige. From what I've heard and according to their student outcomes, (97% pass rate) they have a good nursing program. Universidad del Este is less popular since its private (more expensive) but what interested me the most about it is their curriculum (they also offer a concentration in ER and ICU nursing which no other school here does.) For me the PROS of the UPR Mayaguez Campus are: Good school/Good reputation More affordable 2 years of prerequisites could allow me to have a smoother transition into college life The professors are very good. Most have PhDs. Would allow me to participate more in college activities (clubs,organizations,etc.) and travel abroad in exchange programs. UPR CONS: No minor 2yrs of prerequisites instead of hands on practice The UPR students tend to protest and shut down the schools which in turn holds back students for up to a semester or more Further away from home = expenses for dorms and transportation Universidad del Este PROS: It has less credits overall (132) but 95 of those are nursing based courses Nursing clinicals begin in second semester Less prerequisites Smaller classes (only 25 students) Offers a minor CONS: Expensive credits Recently accredited (In 2017) All of their courses are specifically offered during that semester only. Which means I can get held back a semester if I don't pass or can't take a class May be too fast-paced I really need some advice from nurses and nursing students alike. To clarify, I mention the college experience because I would love to relax a bit after this senio high school year since after Hurricane Maria the school year it has been chaotic. However, I wouldn't give up a better education for a little bit of 'relaxing'. That said, is it better to attend a prestigious school with 2yrs of prerequisites that may allow me a better college experience or a less known nursing program that offers more nursing courses and hands on practice?
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UF Fall 2017 BSN
Hey Tesriel 👋 Congrats on being admittedly to UF! I'm interested in UF's nursing program... And trying to find out more info about it. How are you enjoying the program? Are the professors good? And if you don't mind me asking, what were your stats (gpa, volunteer hours, experience)? Thanks :)
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Usf fall 2016
Hi, I know this is an old post but i'm really just trying to find info on different nursing programs and i'm also interested in the USF nursing program. Since you have attended USF, what so you think of the nursing program? How are the professors? If you could provide me with any information about the USF nursing program that would be great! Thank you :)
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Help! Should I pay out of state tuition or off put college for a few years??
Thanks for the advice! After posting this, I reconsidered California's cost of living, and the nursing programs in California a little bit more. I decided to remove California from my list of potential states to move to. I just don't think it's worth it to risk paying out of state tuiton plus trying to juggle the cost of living. Especially if there's better and more affordable programs (as well as lower cost of living) somewhere else. I've been looking into as many schools as possible all over the US, but mainly Florida and Oregon. Florida simply because I do have family there, and supposedly the University of Florida has a very good nursing program. If not for the fact that I have family there, I probably wouldn't consider moving to Florida. I know Oregon has a high cost of living, but it really is the one state that I would love to live in. I am aware that essentially everywhere nursing programs are competitive. I'll definitely take your advice into consideration, some places are insanely competitive (as you mentioned, population density is definitely a big attribution). Thanks for the reply, and the advice. :)
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Help! Should I pay out of state tuition or off put college for a few years??
Thanks for replying! I definitely don't have enough money to pay off out of state tuiton in CC's where it's close to 20k. I'd need all the federal aid, and scholarship money I could get. I thought about a gap year would be best if it meant I could get settled in, work, and gain residency. However, I've heard that gaining residency in some states (especially if they think it's for education purposes) is very difficult. This worries me because it might mean that I would have to spend more than a year without going to college to qualify.
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Help! Should I pay out of state tuition or off put college for a few years??
I agree with you on the waitlists, sometimes its just crazy waiting for so long! Thanks for the info and the link. I'm definitely checking it out Thank you!
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Help! Should I pay out of state tuition or off put college for a few years??
Thank you for replying! $4,000 sounds great, and the concurrent enrollment program does interest me. I never considered Arizona, but I'll certainly look into it. I'm not very interest in online programs- they're just not for me. The waiting lists are definitely something I don't want to endure so I'll try to find cc's without them- thanks for the heads up! I thought about taking a semester or the months before the spring term to take CNA classes, but the tuiton really threw me off. I'll rethink it again. I'm not too sure if I could handle two full years without going to college, the anxiety would eat me up- so thanks for the input. I'm glad you're doing great in your college experience, a full ride scholarship is amazing, and good luck with your CNA classes!
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Help! Should I pay out of state tuition or off put college for a few years??
Hello everyone! I am a new allnurse user, and I need your help. I am a high school senior and I had a bit of a plan to complete my ultimate goal: obtain a BSN, but I might have to alter or change my plan entirely... Here is my plan: After graduating high school, I would take a gap semester/year (its looking more and more like I will take a year). During this time I would become a CNA, to gain experience and to see if nursing is truly a profession I want to pursue. I would also volunteer, and explore college options, among other things. After finishing my gap year, I plan to attend a community college to complete the prerequisites for nursing school (or obtain an ADN). After completing the prerequisites I plan to transfer to a 4 yr. University as a Sophmore, to finish the last two years and obtain a BSN. However, there are a few problems: 1. I am from Puerto Rico, therefore, I am considered an out-of-state student in all the US states. 2. Obviously, the high out of state tuiton, both in CC's and 4yr. universities. Plus, the cost of moving to a new state. 3. I may qualify for student aid. However, that doesn't cover alot of the tuiton and I do not feel confident depending on scholarships (i don't know if i will be able to get a scholarship) I want to study nursing in the US mainly because: the colleges and universities are amazing the quality of life is better, plus much better salaries there are many of opportunities it has always been my dream to work and live in Portland,OR or California I am very conflicted because I do not know how to approach the cost of tuiton. I checked for out of state tuiton prices in Cali, and Oregon, even some of the cheapest cc's cost from $19,000 to $29,000+. I don't like the idea of off putting college for too long, but it seems that I might need to. Should I become a CNA, work for 1 year (or more), become a resident, and then apply to a CC? Or is it better to just attend a 4yr. University as a freshman and pay the out of state tuiton for that? (I say this because I'd rather pay $20k+ a year for a good university education over a community college education, this is not to say that cc can't be good, but I would rather pay that amount of $$ for a university.) Orrrr should I forget the gap year all together and apply to a community college for an ADN, become an RN, work for a few years, and then take an RN to BSN program? Please comment your opinions/suggestions. Thanks :)