"Too many" nursing programs?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I had to look something up on my state's BON website today and was surprised by the number of new nursing schools that have just recently opened up and are applying for initial accreditation. Most of the names were completely unfamiliar to me. Since I'm sure this is a nationwide trend, what are other nursing students' thoughts on the number of new nursing schools popping up?

While I'm glad that this will give more people the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing, I'm concerned about what is going to happen to the job market here... Especially since it's already saturated with new grads. As excited as I am to start my career, I'm not looking forward to the job search once I graduate. :anbd:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
As excited as I am to start my career, I'm not looking forward to the job search once I graduate. :anbd:

I feel ya! But I'm going to think positive and hope their projections for a nursing shortage in the near future is correct.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I feel ya! But I'm going to think positive and hope their projections for a nursing shortage in the near future is correct.

I know, right... I'm definitely crossing my fingers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"Too many" depends on which side of Nursing Education you are on. I am sure the 2/3 to 3/4 (depending on who's stats you are looking at) of nonaccepted qualified applicants and those on 4 year waitlists would think that there aren't enough schools. Where those looking for jobs post school think there are too many schools.

I think there are way too many schools, I rather have one hurdle (struggling to get into school) instead of two (add in the job search).

The thing is, as the amount of nursing students continues to grow, those generic brand nursing school students are going to find it ever harder to get a job. Sure it will be hard for everyone, but I see the hiring gap extending beyond BSN vs ADN and into State and Prestigous Private vs For-Profit private. Its already happening outside of nursing, grads of For-Profits are seen as less qualified for jobs than their State and Prestigous College educated peers. This is worrisome because those for-profits promise and cost so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most of the programs that I'm aware of in my home state (Indiana) do not operate on wait lists. Acceptance to a program is merit-based, which is 100% the way it should be, I think. Nursing should stay a competitive field. From what I've gathered from this site, it seems like wait lists are more common in west coast schools.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

No wait lists in Oregon. Completely merit based. It seems as though California is the only wait list state. We have one new school, ITT Tech. I don't spend much time worrying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The number of proprietary schools in my area is amazing. What's even more amazing is that many of them don't bother to tell potential (or current, for that matter) students that they don't have or have lost their accreditation, and yet people pay them highly inflated tuition to go. The problem is that the community colleges worth anything and the universities around here have enormous wait lists which take 2 - 3 years to get through. That's crazy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The number of proprietary schools in my area is amazing. What's even more amazing is that many of them don't bother to tell potential (or current, for that matter) students that they don't have or have lost their accreditation, and yet people pay them highly inflated tuition to go. The problem is that the community colleges worth anything and the universities around here have enormous wait lists which take 2 - 3 years to get through. That's crazy.

Most of the new schools that are opening up around here are proprietary schools as well. Most of them seem to be accredited by the state BON but not by the NLN. And from what I saw today on the BON website the pass rate for many of them is really, really low - like 50-60%. And yet people are paying $40k to go there. :uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Good thread. I'm happy to read that students are beginning to "see through" the hype and over-blown sales tactics of some of these for-profit schools.

Stick with a known non-profit educational institution that has a track record of success and a solild reputation. Choose a quality education over convenience. A "shake out" of the poor-quality schools and their graduates has already begun -- and you don't want to be caught up in that and find yourself left out in the cold.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This goes along with some observations I was thinking on posting earlier today. I start my program in about a month and I have perused these boards and talked with other nursing students and nurses. One trend I am seeing is that everyone and their great uncle seem to be applying to nursing. A few friends mentioned that it seems to be the career-of-choice for mom's returning to work/school, second-careerists, and those enamored by the seemingly high pay (I know, I know . . . not necessarily the case, but for some over $7/hour is high) and short time for schooling.

I am a former teacher and we always struggled with bringing a level of professionalism and respect to the profession. I feel nursing is so similar. You have incredibly dedicated and highly education nurses, but there are also those that, well, aren't (as in many professions--but the helping professions seem to get the short end of the respectability stick). And the addition of all these new programs (many are probably hungry for funds) means more and more people going into nursing, some not so qualified.

I was somewhat relieved to hear that if you can't meet the minimum grades in the program, you are out. So, maybe schools take in several (merit or not) and know that the first term or so several will fall out (in the program I am attending nearly half were gone by the end of the first year). I mean, we are talking life and death . . . if I fail, get rid of me. I need to improve and try again or maybe I have no business being a nurse.

Forgive me if I am generalizing . . . just trends I am seeing (doesn't necessarily apply everywhere or to everyone).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I started my program last year I was surprised to find out that I was one of the youngest people in the class... I'm 22. I'd say the median age is probably 32 or so - tons of second career folks. Most of the people I go to school with seem to be interested in the profession for the right reasons, but there are definitely a few who are obviously just in it for the "money."

Whenever I tell someone that I'm in nursing school their standard response seems to be, "oh, you're lucky! You'll NEVER have trouble finding a job!" And I just want to roll my eyes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Most of the programs that I'm aware of in my home state (Indiana) do not operate on wait lists. Acceptance to a program is merit-based, which is 100% the way it should be, I think. Nursing should stay a competitive field. From what I've gathered from this site, it seems like wait lists are more common in west coast schools.

No wait list at state schools in Hawaii. 100% merit based. The private universities here may have them but my public university does not, and the CC doesn't as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment