Puerto Rico school feedback?

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Anyone out there have info on the school in Arecibo, PR? It is a 24 month program that begins in August.

I'd love to hear anything, thanks.

zzzzzgirl

Ok, so here's my dilemma. I got into Johns Hopkins ABSN program but unfortunately it looks as though I may not be able to afford the $64,000 tuition. Even, if it turns out that I can secure enough private loans to fund my education there, I'm not sure if it's worth it to be in that much debt. That would mean that I would have to put my nose to grindstone to pay back my loans for the next 10-15 years. Is that really worth it? I originally applied thinking that the financial aspect wouldn't matter-only the education.

I've researched schools that are still accepting students for their Summer/Fall 2010 ABSN program such as Thomas Jefferson, , and InterAmericana. InterAmericana is by far the cheapest but I'm not sure how well the degree will transfer to the states and to other universities in case I want to pursue an MSN. The plus side about studying in PR is that I would get to learn Spanish which is something that I always wanted. Also, someone mentioned earlier on the thread that we might get to see some health issues that aren't as prevalent in the states which would be a great learning experience. Basically here are my goals: I want to earn a BSN in a short period of time (less than 13 months), be equipped to pass the NCLEX upon graduating, have the flexibility to travel without heavy financial obligation, and finally be eligible for a decent MSN program. Does any one have any opinions on what I should do?

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Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.

I don't think you'll have any problem transferring your degree to the U.S., hollybegolly. My best friend works for an optometry chain and a ton of the doctors that work there graduated from La Inter. They have a school of optometry there. So, if doctors can work in the U.S. with no problem after graduating, I don't think nurses will have a problem. Plus, they are always recruiting for nurses over here. One of the nurses at the hospital that I go to says that there are always ads in the paper every week for nurses, and even offer bonuses. I think the big factor there is that the need for bilingual (English/Spanish) nurses is increasing rapidly, so PR is the perfect place to look!

Honestly, I don't know why anyone would be a nurse here. My husband's cousin has worked for the same company for over 20 years, is basically the head honcho there, and has a master's degree, and she makes....get this...$14 an hour. Yes, $14 with a MASTER'S DEGREE. I told her she's crazy for not moving to the U.S. But, she is happy here and loves her country, so it's fine for her I guess. Groceries and stuff are expensive here, but there is no property tax, so once you finish paying for your house, you don't pay anything else, ever. So, I guess she can live comfortably.

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Thanks for your insight. That gives me something to think about.

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designer-mommy, can you PM me? I will also be attending in August and would like to meet those who will also be in the program.

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Designer Mommy-- You are very Hopeful..I am planing to move to PR this june..I am going to email you! the email addy in your profile is correct right? I don't Know if I can send PM's yet

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Designer Mommy-- You are very Hopeful..I am planing to move to PR this june..I am going to email you! the email addy in your profile is correct right? I don't Know if I can send PM's yet

You will be able to send PMs once you have posted at least 15 times.

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Wow I am so glad I found this thread. A Puerto Rican friend suggested doing this to me 5 years ago and I just dismissed the notion as ridiculous! Now I'm regretting it big-time ugh! Could have graduated and earning decent money right now, and also trilingual. Aaaagh missed opportunites! But hey it's better late than never....I will be watching out for this thread and following the advice of good people here....Keep posting guys, keep the information coming!

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Hi there everyone. I have read through the whole thread and still feel like I have a few questions.

First, what kind of prereqs must I have for the English trimester nursing program? And I can't see how it is accelerated on the website, so was that information found out through contacting the school? If I entered their regular nursing program, would I even need prereqs, or could I complete the 3 years without have to do chem, math, bio, nutrition and the sorts?

And has anyone applied to or learned anything about la universidad del turabo's program?

Thanks for any information.

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Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.
Hi there everyone. I have read through the whole thread and still feel like I have a few questions.

First, what kind of prereqs must I have for the English trimester nursing program? And I can't see how it is accelerated on the website, so was that information found out through contacting the school? If I entered their regular nursing program, would I even need prereqs, or could I complete the 3 years without have to do chem, math, bio, nutrition and the sorts?

And has anyone applied to or learned anything about la universidad del turabo's program?

Thanks for any information.

Hi! You don't need any prereqs at all. You can incorporate them in with the nursing classes. Supposedly if you have all of your general classes, you can be on the "advanced" track and get finished in 2 years. I have no clue how that would work, or even if it would work at all. As far as chem, math, bio, LOLLLLLL The general classes there are SO easy. My hubby is taking the only math class that is required for the BS degree and it is the most ridiculous math class I've seen. I am NOT kidding when I say it is elementary school math. They are teaching them stuff like 4+-5. NO JOKE. He got a 108 out of 100 on his test yesterday, that's how easy it is.

As far as Turabo, I haven't checked anything out there, because it looks like they're not accredited?? I do NOT want to have to stay on this island after graduating, so I want to make sure I'll have no problems making the transfer to the U.S. I really wish I could go to Turabo though, because that's not far at all from me, probably like 10 minutes.

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Thanks designer-mommy for the information. That is very useful.

What should universities be accredited by? The American Association of Nursing Colleges? Or the Nursing League? How do I know what to follow.

Thanks again.

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designer-mommy- I emailed you yesterday, let me know if you got it?

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...As far as Turabo, I haven't checked anything out there, because it looks like they're not accredited?? I do NOT want to have to stay on this island after graduating, so I want to make sure I'll have no problems making the transfer to the U.S. I really wish I could go to Turabo though, because that's not far at all from me, probably like 10 minutes.

Turabo is accredited by the CCNE. It has a better reputation academically as well. I spoke to one of the Deans in English, over the phone, 6 months ago. All the classes are in Spanish, and it's not like an accelerated-type program. It is normally a 4 year program with the general ed. type classes mixed in. She said it would be possible to obtain credit for these classes by having transcripts evaluated etc. Apparently, it's a good school. Give them a call.

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