LAS16

I am a graduate of Chamberlain. Ziggie you are not too far off with your opinion. I have a RN position in a very competitive, sought after specialty. I was well prepared and educated after receiving my BSN from their program. Every one of my classmates passed NCLEX on their first attempt, every one! The majority of them have jobs in great areas, critical care, peds, ED, ect., even during this tough time for nurses r/t hiring freezes. Chamberlain gives a lot of student oppurtunities that would otherwise not have them, that is true, but it takes a lot of work to succeed in nursing school. You also have to keep in mind the campuses outside of STL are very new programs, while STL was previously a school by another name. It takes time to tweak a programs. The education facility is a foundation, how you choose to grow is totally in your hands. I am very happy with my education, I always had a support staff at school that genuinely cared about Nursing and the students. Good luck! If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

I graduated from Chamberlain-BSN programs and I got one of three positions offered against 26 other candidates, 3 months before graduation, in a PICU. My classmates have all found jobs in various large St. Louis (including Barnes, SLU Children's, Cardinal Glennon and St. Johns's in ICU's and ED's). I am not sure where your stepmom works, but my "word" is just as credible. Just thought I would put this information out there for all of those reading this post.

I'm sorry if this is coming across as being aggressive, it is not meant to be, but I find it rather irritating that you have so many bad things to say about Chamberlain. I really feel the need to address it directly this time. From what I have gathered, you do not have much experience with the school, let alone the On Campus BSN program. You do understand that the ASN online program is seperate from the On Campus program right? It appears to be rather a tort than good advice. That being said, in my personal opinion, maybe it is better to leave the advice/opinions toward the school up to students that have actually experienced the educational experience? Please try to understand where I am coming from various perspectives. 1)As a student I don't appreciate the slander, when I work very hard to earn my education. 2) You probably know first hand that getting into a nursing school is a challenge, why potentially limit people's options by offering an empty opinion? I appreciate your understanding in advance and will respect any feedback.

Oh goodness I just wrote out such a long reply and somehow it got deleted. OKay so I'm going to try this again; just a shorter version and you can message me with specific questions, but being 2 different campuses I can only give you my reponses on experince within my campus. I am getting very close to graduation with the BSN on campus program. If you happen to read any threads about negativity towards the school IGNORE THEM!!! They pertain to the online program (which doesn't exist anymore)---they are totally seperate and people love getting the facts misconstrued. Okay, since I am already into my speciality rotations I have experience working along side students from other area schools. The education is closely comparable to say the least. We take the same classes, have the same quality in clinical roation and lab experience. I am fully planning on getting a post graduate degree and I have already began talking to an admissions counselor from a univeristy who told me all of my classes are transferable. Furthermore, I feel like I am academically prepared to earn a graduate degree. I also wanted to tell you, that you are entering a new program so it may have it's little wrinkles that will need ironing out. I also know that almost all nursing schools have long wait lists. So, even though being a "guinea pig" for a new program may prove to be slightly irritating at times, it sounds like the lesser of the 2 evils to me:chuckle!!! Just kidding about the evil part, its really not that big of a deal. I honestly think you made a good choice, honestly! I also believe your state's program should be accredited since it is in the Chamberlain network. I would check into it just to be safe, but I couldn't imagine the school would proceed with enrolling if it wasn't. I really love my school and almost all the instructors I have had the pleasure of mentoring and learning from. I actually had the chance to meet a few instructors from your campus. They were visiting and sat in on our small group simulation lab. They were very nice and also very knowledgable (both amazing qualities to have concurrently in an instructor). I hope this helps you relax a little:nuke: and congrats on taking your first step on your path to becoming a nurse. I truly find it rewarding (even through the really rough moments!!!!) I know I had so many questions before I started and didn't have a reliable outside source to turn to. I will be happily be a reliable resource for you and I hope I addressed your main concern! Like I said previously, please ask any questions I will be glad to help you in anyway!

First off, Congrats!!!! Welcome to the wild adventure of Nursing school. I am in Missouri. I attend classes on campus. From my understanding, the clinical sites change each trimester. The school contracts with different hospitals depending on the amount of students in the class and also depending on how many other nursing schools are at that hospital at that time. So far, the sites for Fundamentals are generally at local long-term care facilities (nursing home-type facilities)...but don't worry, that is only for Fundamentals . I actually got lucky enough to do my Fundamentals rotation on an orthopedic floor in a hospital. The other sites i know of are; SLU, Forrest Park, Mo Baptist, St. Lukes, St. Johns, Des Peres, St. Marys, VA etc. I am not sure where the Peds rotation is since I have yet to start it. Good luck and if you have any other questions be sure to ask. I know there are always so many questions so I am happy to be a resource or at least be able to point you in the direction.

I just replied to your other post before I saw this one so I will just answer on this one. Generally, I really like the program. The instructors (98% at least) are very dedicated to their students. I have not experienced ANY problems (with instructors, financial aid, clinical sites, admin. etc) and I have been there for 3 trimesters. Yes, it is expensive but you will be getting your BSN and most hospitals have tution repayment programs (they also offer a payment plan which is convenient). The only downfall is the breaks between semesters is minimal, 1-2 weeks, so it gets a little intense. The good thing about the short time between semesters is that you stay in routine ( we just had a little over 2 weeks for Christmas which actually seemed like an eternity!!!!). I had all but 3 pre-reqs completed before I started (stats, nutrition and econ) and I had 2 years (6 trimesters) to graduate, which is good because those classes are scheduled throughout the clincal portion and did not delay me starting the clinical portion of my education. Overall, I really do love it. Yesterday, I left clinical with a smile on my face and overwhelmed with feelings of accomplishment and happiness. Nursing school (everyone I'm sure) is very time consuming and stressful, but I think I am finally adjusting to lack of sleep and information overload and really enjoying where I am at right now in my education. Oh and as far as NCLEX pass rates, last quarter the BSN on campus program had a 100% pass rate, which is very promising that the program is headed in a good direction. If you have any other specific questions please let me know, I'd be happy to get back with you. Good luck!

If you want info on the BSN on campus program I would be more than happy to answer any questions. The on campus program is completely seperate than the online program. I did almost all of my pre-reqs elsewhere and I am in my third semester of actual nursing classes so I should be able to answer your questions acurately from a current student's standpoint.

Thanks I will be sure to get in touch with you. It is really neat that you get to return to provide some insight on how to make the program better. It is always nice to know they are always making an effort to improve. BTW where did you decide to work after graduation?

Chamberlain's on campus programs are fully accredited. If you have the majority of your Gen eds out of the way you could be finished with your BSN as early as 2 years from the time you start. I'm not far from graduating now and in hindsight I wish I would of started there earlier than wasting a year on a waiting list just to get an ADN from a CC. I have been reading a lot of posts that are really down on the school because of the failure surrounding the online program. I understand the frustration with trying to find a program, I have been there. I just want to spread the word that Chamberlain is an option worth looking into. On campus programs do take a lot of time and travel but in the end I believe it is worth it. I hope this helps open up your options.

I am in the BSN on campus program right now and I think it is what you make it. Nursing school is not a walk in the park--it takes a lot of time and SELF dedication. In my own personal opinion, the instructors are good--I think you cannot compare instructors unless you have experienced other programs. I am happy with the program. As far as the online program...well that is another story which baffles me. How anyone can learn these skills effectively online is unimaginable.