RN program advice

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Hi, I'm new to this website........and already I love it!

In March I will graduate with an associate's degree for (MAA) Medical Administrative Assistant from Southwestern College in Florence, KY.

However, when I finish I would like to start an RN program (2-year) as soon as possible.

I attended the info session at Christ 2 or 3 weeks ago (starting with the very next group they will no longer be offering the full tuiton reimbursement contract).

I visited Beckfield in Florence, the admissions rep was not very knowledgable.....and I looked up their NCLEX results for 1st time test-takers for 2007 and it was only 67%

I'm trying to compare schools, but would like to get students' (or friends of students) opinions on schools in the northern ky/cincinnati area.

I've also looked a little bit into Good Sam, UC(Raymond Walters), CTC, etc.

Any advice is appreciated!

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Specializes in MedSurg.

I am a graduate of Beckfield College RN program March '08. Although their 1st time NCLEX scores are low, that was a compliation of our very first 3 classes that graduated. I can assure you when the 2008 scores come out, they will be extremely higher...so far from my class that graduated in march '08 everyone but 2 ppl passed NCLEX on the first try that would give us a 97% pass rate...however, a new class just graduated and so far they have been doing well on NCLEX to...So I look for our pass rate to be at least 85% by the end of 2008, so check with the KBN once they release those numbers.

Beckfield is a new program, I was in their 4th class to graduate. They are improving their program more and more as they go so I am sure they will give you everything you need to be a successful nurse :)

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hes2371---

Thanks so much for your reply.

I'm looking at all my options, but I truly just wanted Beckfield to be a great school that I would be proud to go to and confidently pass the NClex on the 1st time around.......it's location is convenient for me, and I honestly didn't want to drive to ohio everyday for 2 years for school.

I think I've just been "traumatized" :bugeyes: by Southwestern......I feel like I was completely ripped off.....that school is a joke.

I'm only finishing now because I just have my externship left for next quarter, so I'll graduate in March '09 with an associate's degree (MAA).

The next RN program at Beckfield starts in April '09, so that would be perfect timing.

What kind of out of pocket expenses did you have at Beckfield?

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hes2371---

Sorry for the questions.....but I forgot to ask.......

Are you working now as an RN? and if you don't mind, where?

Also, the reps told me that Beckfield has an articulation agreement with NKU if I choose to get my BSN. Do you know anything about that?

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Specializes in MICU, ER.

I too am a Beckfield graduate and while no program is going to be perfect, I loved my experience there, so much so that I would like to one day go back and be a clinical instructor for them. I graduated in Sept. 08 and so far all of my classmates that haven taken NCLEX have passed on the first try. I'm of the opinion that because Beckfield is a new program looking to be both fully accredited and develop a BSN program they are going the extra mile to make sure they put out graduates that both pass NCLEX on the first try and are good clinical representatives of the program once they are hired. As far as the admissions rep not being knowlegable...call and ask to speak with the Director's assistant. She is great and I think all first round interviews go through her now.

I can confirm that NKU and Beckfield are fully matriculated now. I am working with the director of the BSN program now to get in for the fall class. They take all of the credits from Beckfield. There may just be a class or two (electives) that you may have to take and you can do that at anytime really.

It's expensive but not undoable. PM me if you want any other info. I'm sure the other Beckfield grads on here will be candid with you about the good and the bad of their experiences at the school.

BTW I work at University ... and there are lots of us here and at Children's

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PM me if you want any other info.

I tried to PM you, but I couldn't see that option anywhere.....I think my member status isn't high enough or I don't have enough posts yet.

I'm of the opinion that because Beckfield is a new program looking to be both fully accredited and develop a BSN program they are going the extra mile to make sure they put out graduates that both pass NCLEX on the first try and are good clinical representatives of the program once they are hired.

That's great.....that's exactly what I want to hear. Of course any staff of a school will most likely recommend it, but I like to hear what students really think about their school because it's a more unbiased opinion.

...call and ask to speak with the Director's assistant. She is great and I think all first round interviews go through her now.

Would that be Melissa Joos? A friend-of-a-friend is a student there now and she told me to talk to her, though I'm not sure of her title. But when I visited the campus and specifically asked for her, the receptionist said "oh no...you need to speak with Tom Tolliver"....he's just an admissions rep.

I can confirm that NKU and Beckfield are fully matriculated now. I am working with the director of the BSN program now to get in for the fall class. They take all of the credits from Beckfield. There may just be a class or two (electives) that you may have to take and you can do that at anytime really.

So do you plan on working full time and going to school part time to work toward your BSN?

What is the difference in the work force for RN-ASN vs. RN-BSN? More money? Different duties? Different title?

Sorry for all the questions........and thanks so much for the info!

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Specializes in MICU, ER.

Yep Melissa Joos is the one you want to speak with regarding the program specfically, but you have to start off meeting with an admissions rep who gathers all the prelim info and forwards it on depending on the program...seemed to just frustrate me to tell ya the ruth. Anyway...Yes I will work full-time and complete my BSN. My manager is VERY accomodating with school schedules and we self-schedule which is an added bonus. No difference in the rate of pay, title, or duties for a ADN(ASN) vs. BSN (yet anyway). In some hospitals, you cannot act as charge nurse without a BS degree but apparently not on my unit. In fact, I know of two managers who only have an AAS. IMO, it is better to go ahead and get the BS degree, you never know what life may throw your way, or what opportunity may be presented to you and you don't want to have not having that degree (or a Master's) hold you back. CARPE DIEM!!!

Hope that helps...

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Specializes in MedSurg.

Yes, from the get go when i started beckfield in '06 i was told that you could go to NKU for your BSN and they would take your credits from Beckfield. I am one who chooses NEVER TO GO TO SCHOOL AGAIN!!!! I did my time, I am finished, now i just want to be a NURSE!!!!

I work at Christ Hosp as a RN. I don't know anyone who didn't get a job right out of school most had jobs waiting for them before we finished. The Lukes really seem to like Beckfield graduates, so does St. Elizabeth, University, Childrens, Good Sam, Christ, Ft. Hamilton, Mercy just to name a few those are the hospitals that my classmates got jobs at.

Good luck with everything...when you do get a chance to talk to Melissa you will find she is a very nice person :)

:nurse:

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hes2371---

Thanks so much for your reply.

I'm looking at all my options, but I truly just wanted Beckfield to be a great school that I would be proud to go to and confidently pass the NClex on the 1st time around.......it's location is convenient for me, and I honestly didn't want to drive to ohio everyday for 2 years for school.

I think I've just been "traumatized" :bugeyes: by Southwestern......I feel like I was completely ripped off.....that school is a joke.

I'm only finishing now because I just have my externship left for next quarter, so I'll graduate in March '09 with an associate's degree (MAA).

The next RN program at Beckfield starts in April '09, so that would be perfect timing.

What kind of out of pocket expenses did you have at Beckfield?

My mom just finished her classes at Southwestern on the 23rd of Dec and she said the SAME exact thing.

To all of the other posters: THANK YOU very much!! I'm getting ready to move back to NKY in early March when my husband transfers overseas and I didn't know much about Beckfield. I was so set on Christ but just posted a thread asking about Beckfield as well. This made my decision! Its so hard doing this from 2500 miles away, especially when the school wasn't around when I lived there last. Again, thank you VERY much!!

ONE question though: What are the requirements to get in? Any testing? What classes do you have to have? Christ told me to take my hs level biology and chemistry through nursingabc.com. Thats what I am doing right now, just won't get done by Jan 15th. Its fully accredited through Geneva College in PA. Would this be something that is required? I emailed Beckfield in early December asking questions but no one has responded, maybe b/c I'm in San Diego. :uhoh21:

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One other question. How much did Beckfield cost?

I have my english.

I'm pretty sure it will seem cheap, as I was just quoted $50,000 for a 2 yr ADN program out here in San Diego.

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I applied to Beckfield about two weeks ago in hope of getting accepted for the April 09 term. As of yet I haven't heard anything. Tim Tolliver (the admissions rep) told everyone that attended the information session that he suspected that class would fill up by the beginning of February. Does anyone who attends have an idea how long it takes from when you apply to when you may get an interview? Also, if accepted do you have any suggestions as to things I can study before April to help prepare? I plan to attend a CNA class at St. Elizabeth in March so if I choose to work during the program I may have a little help getting a job.

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I applied to Beckfield about two weeks ago in hope of getting accepted for the April 09 term. As of yet I haven't heard anything.

Have you heard anything yet?

I filled out an app about a month ago. Melissa put it on 'hold' until I sent my transcripts from the end of that quarter....it just ended, so I had it faxed on Monday Jan 5th. Melissa called me today, but I missed the call. So now we're in a game of phone tag.

Does anyone who attends have an idea how long it takes from when you apply to when you may get an interview?

Yes, if anyone knows anything about the process, please let me know.

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