MICHEVOG

Yes..start a Riverside group...great way to meet people ...

Hi Heather, I am starting the RN program in Jan. 2011...can't wait!

Thanks very much...great info. This is all good input. My comments were not meant to sound pejorative; I'm not sure what, in particular, was perceived as dismissive. I am merely looking for a variety of viewpoints and to tap the cumulative knowledge of the forum participants. Kf15: Yes, good link and I did read it. I keep coming up with questions...the further I dig, the more questions I have. Like: When job postings state that the RN must be a "graduate of an accredited nursing institution" and they don't state the accrediting agency, which one(s) are they referring to? Is this just for jobs that are looking for a BSN RN?

Not only is it 20 years old, but it's a BFA with very few non-art related classes (maybe Psych 101 and English comp) No math or science. I'm basically starting from scratch. I am still confused about the whole "accreditation" issue. If a school is approved by the governing state Board of Nursing and is approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Dept of ED....then???? What is Apollo lacking in terms of being a legitimate school to recieve an associated degree of Science in Nursing? I've just given myself a headache!

I was absolutely hoping to hear positive points about this program, but all of these postings and opinions have been helpful. 46K seems like highway robbery for the most part. So far, the only advantage I see is the 2 year timeline...which is important to me. What to do, What to do.....

Originally Posted by MICHEVOG 1. Do I need a BSN to work in an ER? 2. Assuming I pass the NCLEX, will I have any problems relocating to another state? I realize all states have their own criteria for licensing... 3. Will the lack of NLNAC and CCNE accreditation prevent me from working in any particular place? 1. no 2. no 3. no I'm a little confused. If your answer to #3 is NO, then what accreditation should I be looking for in an associates degree program??

Thanks everyone for your replies...I appreciate them. I must say a few more things. 1. Exercising impulse control has no bearing on this matter. Leaving a career of 15+ years and going back to school for a completely new one has been a huge decision and one that involves MANY factors....none of which are "impulses" or "lack of patience". 2. I am looking into schools in other states....less expensive, community colleges with shorter waits. 3. I will not be staying in AZ after graduation..moving back to the East Coast/NY area....Relocating for a job is the plan. 4. YES, a 3 year period before I am able to begin a nursing program is THAT BAD. Add another 2+ years to graduate?? Not a viable option for me at this point in my life. I need to get a degree, pass the boards and start working. Kf15: I'm posting as fast as I can. I look forward to speaking with you, but I don't understand why you were on the floor if you just went through the program...Because tuition is now $6000 more than you paid? Can't wait to hear the details.

Ya ready for this one??? 46 big ones. Yep. 2 Semesters of Prereqs (8 months) and 4 core nursing blocks...6 semesters total(with a week in between each)...Includes: all books,NCLEX fee(if you pass it first try) and a few other minor fees. I'm looking at this enormous tuition as the cost of not having to wait for 3 years just to START school, which is how long it would be for me at MCC...

Have only posted once, so can't PM yet...would love to discuss the details...I'll contact you soon and thanks for the info.

Congrats on Passing!!! Yay for you! What's a Nurse extern and are you recommending this while still in school? How difficult was it for you to get a job? Thanks so much for responding.

Hello, I have spent the last 6 months scouring Nursing websites and talking to nurse friends and relatives. I am 40 years old and have decided to change careers and become a RN! After extensive research on local school options, I've come to the conclusion that the time it would take to actually graduate from MCC negates it as a possibility for me. I earned a BFA 20 years ago and have no transferable credits. I am in need of information/opinions of APOLLO COLLEGE (westside campus) from Nurses who have graduated from this school or students who are presently attending the associates degree program. I have concerns about their accreditation. They are approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, Dept. of Education Private Post Secondary, and the ACICS....Not NLNAC or CCNE. There are only 2 schools (U of P, U of Wisconsin) that will accept transfer credits from Apollo to advance to a BSN. I am interested in ER work and assume I will eventually want to get my BSN. A few of my many questions are: 1. Do I need a BSN to work in an ER? 2. Assuming I pass the NCLEX, will I have any problems relocating to another state? I realize all states have their own criteria for licensing... 3. Will the lack of NLNAC and CCNE accreditation prevent me from working in any particular place? It has been VERY difficult getting information from anyone other than Apollo employees ...I'm looking for unbiased opinions and info. I look forward to hearing from someone with insider info on this School.. Anxiously awaiting replies! MV