Sentara's new BSN program

sneakymom2011 · Jul 20, 2009

I'm currently enrolled to start in their last diploma class.

We got the information a week ago (at our registration) that they were starting a BSN program.

There's more prerequisites than the diploma program, their new website has everything that you need.

The entrance test is going to be different too, I took the NET, and they're not using that.

I believe they told us you needed 30 out of the 40 credits to apply, and that they're starting online nursing prerequisite classes in the fall, that is if you got everything finished.

We were given the chance last week to opt out of the diploma program if we wanted to, and to try for the BSN. I came pretty close to doing so. I've got almost everything I need to get into that program. And- from what I've heard, there's not a whole lot of hospitals hiring a diploma grad, so I'm probably going to have to get the BSN.

But they'll have a bridge program, so that's what I'm going to do. We were told that just because we got into the diploma program, that didn't guarantee us a spot in the BSN program.

Cheryl

hoping2nurse · Jul 20, 2009

What online prereq's could you take this fall? Isn't it just nursing courses that you'll need once you complete all the general education requirements?

I already have BA so I have 27 of the 46 hours (still a lot to go!). I'm debating between there and getting my associate's from TCC then my BSN from ODU as I'll have all their pre-req's the same time I could start TCC. What to do, what to do! :)

So, area hospitals aren't hiring diploma schools? Isn't MCI a diploma too as they are awaiting certification for an associate's?

sneakymom2011 · Jul 20, 2009

The 2 online courses are actual nursing classes. And I forgot what the names of them were.

But they'll probably tell you next week :nuke:

And yes, you have to have everything done before you start nursing classes. I'm in my last week of Math 158, and I need to get the grade from that to them ASAP. They'll take an unofficial grade, I'm hoping they'll take the email my professor sends me with the grade (it'll either be a B or C, depending on how I do the final).

We were told that Sentara would take a diploma grad, but nothing on any of the other hospitals. So I really don't know. I didn't know MCI was a diploma as well. When I was looking at schools- I saw Sentara and decided on that school b/c I'd heard good things about them.

If I didn't need to get a job ASAP, I would have done the BSN. Much easier to get it done all at once. I've worked and gone to school before, and it was NOT FUN. But maybe it'll be different with a bridge program.

Cheryl

hoping2nurse · Jul 20, 2009

Cheryl, you are so helpful, thanks!

So I'm assuming when Sentara goes BSN, the only Sentara hospitals hiring for Sentara grads, will be over? Meaning grads could get jobs at Chesapeake Regional, for example? I hope their BSN transfers to ODU if I decide to get my Master's as well. Did they mention that?

When you have enough credits to apply to Sentara and aren't quite finished with the other courses, how do they admit you? Do they send you tell them when you would like to start (based on finishing pre-reqs) and they hold you a spot in that class? I know you said you were finishing your math course now and starting next month.

Good luck in Algebra!

Epona · Jul 24, 2009

Just curious. How can Sentara offer a BSN program when they are not a university or college??

Wondering.... thanks.

hoping2nurse · Jul 24, 2009

Just curious. How can Sentara offer a BSN program when they are not a university or college??
Wondering.... thanks.

Not sure. I don't know how any of the local accelerated programs can offer degree (associate's or bachelor's) when they aren't colleges or universities? Do employers really "care" where you get your degree, diploma or bachelor's? I mean, if it came down to an MCI grad, TCC grad or ODU grad all applying for the same job, who would be hired; would it be based on the school attended?

I know when I get the information from Sentara regarding their BSN programs, I'm going to meet with someone from ODU to make sure it would transfer there for their Master's programs.

sneakymom2011 · Jul 24, 2009

Not sure about that one either.

But I know it's been accredited, we were told that last week.

And I've read that it doesn't matter where you get your degree. Well, as long as the college, school etc are accredited.

I don't know if the credits will transfer to a master's program. But I have no desire at all to go that far LOL. I'll get the BSN only b/c it would give me far more opportunities than a diploma would.

Cheryl

aliviahs.mom07 · Jul 24, 2009

Just curious. How can Sentara offer a BSN program when they are not a university or college??
Wondering.... thanks.

Sentara is actually a college now. If you visit their website their new name has been changed to Sentara College of Health Sciences. = )

tessa45 · Jul 24, 2009

Sentara is working with ODU. I am sure if you get a BSN from them it would transfer into ODU's master's program. Does this mean Sentara will no longer offer an RN program?

jspar007 · Jul 26, 2009

Not sure. I don't know how any of the local accelerated programs can offer degree (associate's or bachelor's) when they aren't colleges or universities? Do employers really "care" where you get your degree, diploma or bachelor's? I mean, if it came down to an MCI grad, TCC grad or ODU grad all applying for the same job, who would be hired; would it be based on the school attended?
I know when I get the information from Sentara regarding their BSN programs, I'm going to meet with someone from ODU to make sure it would transfer there for their Master's programs.

I am not sure if ODU grad has any advantage in job seeking- Sentara will probably hire their own grad over an ODU grad :) or hire the students that have taken the Sentara scholarship while attending nursing school.

turtlesrus · Jul 27, 2009

I am attending the open house this saturday. I have been comparing the Sentara program with TCC. Has anyone got an opinion on the comparison of the two programs?

Cyn