Schools and accreditations

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Hello everyone! I have some questions that I'm going insane trying to find the answers to. I don't really know what path I'm going to take yet. There is a nursing school really close to me that I CAN get into. They don't operate with a waiting list, they just go strictly by test scores and if you do not get in (high enough test score) then just try again next time. So, if I study hard enough I can get in (per the school).

My first question is: Does it matter what accreditation the school has specifically or just that it is accredited. It is an ADN program at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Tx.

Secondly, to be accepted you have to have major health insurance. Well, unfortunately I don't have that, and can't afford it AND school. So I was looking into medical assisting or surgical tech certs to get a job that I can get health insurance through. After getting a job then continue on to Nursing school. Again - the same question about accrediations applies to this. I don't want to waste my time and money on something that isn't going to get me a job! Also, which would be better to go with medical assisting or surgical tech? Which would prepare me better for being a nurse? I know I will have to take all the classes still in nursing school, but just as far as experience, you know?

I really want this. I'm just really confused. Also, from what I have seen high school doesn't play much of a part in this. Is this true? I didn't graduate high school. But the schools that I have seen will let you take entrance exams instead. Is this the norm? Will it affect my job prospects not having graduated from high school?

Any and all help you can give me would be very much appreciated!

Thank you!!!

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I wouldn't attend a school that wasn't accrediated, personally. It can cause problem later on if you try to pursue a higher degree.

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If students graduating from Weatherford's nursing program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and be licensed by the state of Texas then the program is properly accredited.

Nursing assistant vs. Surgical tech? Either will give you healthcare experience but the CNA route will be much quicker. Also, surgical techs may do clinical rotations and also be required to have health insurance. You'll have to ask at the school that offers the program.

At my school, a community college in Louisiana, if you didn't graduate HS you have to take a test that assesses your ability to benefit from college level education.

The best way to get all of your questions answered for your particular situation and school is to make an appointment with the allied health advisor at your school. Even if your not currently admitted counselors are happy to help with your decision making....that's what they are there for!

M

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.
If students graduating from Weatherford's nursing program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and be licensed by the state of Texas then the program is properly accredited.

Nursing assistant vs. Surgical tech? Either will give you healthcare experience but the CNA route will be much quicker. Also, surgical techs may do clinical rotations and also be required to have health insurance. You'll have to ask at the school that offers the program.

At my school, a community college in Louisiana, if you didn't graduate HS you have to take a test that assesses your ability to benefit from college level education.

The best way to get all of your questions answered for your particular situation and school is to make an appointment with the allied health advisor at your school. Even if your not currently admitted counselors are happy to help with your decision making....that's what they are there for!

M

That isn't necessarily correct. Most unaccredited nursing programs are APPROVED (not accredited) by the State Board of Nursing. Thus the graduates of those schools are graduating from an approved nursing program (on the state level) but not accredited by any type of agency. Thus the graduates are still able to sit for the NCLEX, but may face a great deal of opposition if they choose to pursue a higher degree. Also, some hospitals check to see if the nursing program you graduated from was accrediated at the state and national level.

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

I just found a link that talks about the difference between state approval and accreditation. Here is the link:

http://www.nursingdegreeguide.org/articles/education_basics/nursing_school_accreditation.php

It is more toward the bottom, although it is interesting to read it all.

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Sistermike,

Great link.....I stand corrected! Did a quick search of the NLN accreditation site and Weatherford College's nursing program is accredited.

M

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Thank you all so much for your responses! Hopefully I will be able to figure this whole thing out and just get started! My husband also suggested something that I'm considering. What do you all think?

He said I could go into the military and get my school for free, and the healthcare problem would be solved as well (for the whole family to boot!)

Consider the Navy - I could go in as a corpsman, get my training, go to school further and get a degree and then maybe become an officer and further my career in the Navy by becoming a nurse. (College is going to love me - how's that for a run on sentence?!) ;)

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.
Thank you all so much for your responses! Hopefully I will be able to figure this whole thing out and just get started! My husband also suggested something that I'm considering. What do you all think?

He said I could go into the military and get my school for free, and the healthcare problem would be solved as well (for the whole family to boot!)

Consider the Navy - I could go in as a corpsman, get my training, go to school further and get a degree and then maybe become an officer and further my career in the Navy by becoming a nurse. (College is going to love me - how's that for a run on sentence?!) ;)

Before making a hash decision, such as joining the military, just to receive health benefits, check with your school about health insurance. Most colleges/universities offer or work with a local insurance carrier to offer health insurance at a very discounted price. I am under my parents health insurance still (I am still young enough to do that), but my school offers health insurance for $40 a month. It of course a pretty sad insurance policy (although for a student who has no major health concerns, it is pretty good), and the school of nursing accepts it.

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Excellent! I had no idea some schools offered that! Thank you for informing me Sistermike! I will DEFFO check into it!

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Hey there I'm starting the ADN program at Weatherford College this fall, during oreintation they are suppose to discuss student insurance that can be obtained while in school, I hope this helps!

Good luck,

Jennifer

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