SBU/ST. JOHN's or Ozark Tech

[bell47]

I'm trying to make a choice. I can either try and get in to OTC's LPN program (which has no waiting list)and get an RN afterwards through another program or try for St. J's ASN/RN program. My final goal is to get a BSN as quickly and cheaply as possible. It seems that SBU/ST. J's may take to long to get in, not that OTC is easier but there is no waiting list. Any incite from former or current students at these schools would be most appriciated.

[gm7180]

Not sure this will help you answer your question, but this is what I am doing. I am working with the Academic Advisor at St.Johns/SBU on a course plan. I will be starting on my pre-reqs with this coming summer session at OTC. I will take most of my pre-reqs at OTC and transfer to St.Johns/SBU once I get to A/P.

I also start next week as a Nurse Assistant at St.Johns. So you could consider looking at the job opportunities at St.Johns, because the St.Johns/SBU School of Nursing gives preference to current SBU or St.Johns employees. Plus St.Johns has a tuition assistance plan that will pay up too $3,000 a semester. You then have to agree to work for St.Johns a year for every $3,000.

Also their is nothing wrong with going for your LPN at OTC if this is the easiest route for you now. I know at St.Johns/SBU they have a LPN to RN bridge program, so you could always continue towards becoming an RN down the road.

Good Luck and congrats on wanting to become a nurse.

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

Cox School of Nusring also has a program as well. They start classes 2x per year. I'm already in (and almost done) with another nursing program but I still get info all the time from Cox about starting their program - so I'm not sure if there is much of a wait list or not. If I would've had the $$$ that would've been the best program because I already hold 1 BS degree and could've gotten my BSN in 18 months, but I couldn't afford the tuition at the time.