SMCC vs USM

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I have been accepted to both USM's nursing program and SMCC's program. I am wondering if anyone has insight about each program. I have taken all of the prerequisites for each. If I was to attend SMCC I would graduate with my ADN in May 2023. If I decided to go to USM I would graduate with my BSN in December 2023. I'm leaning towards SMCC because of the affordability factor and it would allow for me to start working as an RN faster. I would love to hear from other's experiences at these schools. Thank you! 

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Specializes in Medsurg/tele, IMC/PCU.

Hi there,

From a financial standpoint, SMCC is a better choice -- you can start working sooner (well, as long as you've already completed your prerequisites and other graduation requirements -- I don't recommend taking the other classes while also taking your nursing courses), and many employers offer tuition reimbursement while you pursue your BSN. That being said, the time it takes to complete all your prereqs. and other classes required for the ADN degree through SMCC is basically one semester shorter than if you got your BSN through USM. And then you have to add on 2-3 more semesters to get your RN-BSN, as most employers require you to pursue your BSN within 12 months of hire. I can't answer which is the better option for you, but I personally went the ADN route, and while much cheaper, I definitely dread having to pursue my BSN while working full time. Good luck!

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Don't know if you've made a decision yet but I just graduated from SMCC's program this past December and loved it. The instructors are approachable and very thorough and the support for students was unbelievable. The chair of the program is also a really nice guy and is always willing to help students out when asked. The clinical rotations were great, even during the pandemic, and I genuinely feel well prepared as a new grad. I passed the NCLEX first try and tbh, I found the rigor of the program's tests to be on par with it. I couldn't recommend the program more, the cost and the overall experience.

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7 hours ago, Adam D. said:

Don't know if you've made a decision yet but I just graduated from SMCC's program this past December and loved it. The instructors are approachable and very thorough and the support for students was unbelievable. The chair of the program is also a really nice guy and is always willing to help students out when asked. The clinical rotations were great, even during the pandemic, and I genuinely feel well prepared as a new grad. I passed the NCLEX first try and tbh, I found the rigor of the program's tests to be on par with it. I couldn't recommend the program more, the cost and the overall experience.

Hi! Thanks so much for your response! I ended up choosing SMCC. I finished my first semester in the fall and start my second semester in a couple days. I am glad I decided to go with SMCC. It’s hopeful to hear you had a great experience. Best of luck with your future endeavors as a nurse and congratulations on passing the NCLEX! 

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Are graduating soon? If so, what specialty did you decide on? I got into the ED. It's very difficult but I'm enjoying it.

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Adam D. said:

Don't know if you've made a decision yet but I just graduated from SMCC's program this past December and loved it. The instructors are approachable and very thorough and the support for students was unbelievable. The chair of the program is also a really nice guy and is always willing to help students out when asked. The clinical rotations were great, even during the pandemic, and I genuinely feel well prepared as a new grad. I passed the NCLEX first try and tbh, I found the rigor of the program's tests to be on par with it. I couldn't recommend the program more, the cost and the overall experience.

How is the 2nd and 3rd class schedule? I know the first semester there's lecture only once a week. I plan to continue working fulltime wfh. My job is pretty flexible with my schedule but Im really weighing in between Hinds, SMCC, and Fletcher (Alexander). 

Smokey1129 said:

Hi! Thanks so much for your response! I ended up choosing SMCC. I finished my first semester in the fall and start my second semester in a couple days. I am glad I decided to go with SMCC. It's hopeful to hear you had a great experience. Best of luck with your future endeavors as a nurse and congratulations on passing the NCLEX! 

How is the 2nd and 3rd class schedule? I know the first semester there's lecture only once a week. I plan to continue working fulltime wfh. My job is pretty flexible with my schedule but Im really weighing in between Hinds, SMCC, and Fletcher (Alexander) for the best schedule for my life right now. 

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Specializes in Medsurg/tele, IMC/PCU.
Krystan E said:

How is the 2nd and 3rd class schedule? I know the first semester there's lecture only once a week. I plan to continue working fulltime wfh. My job is pretty flexible with my schedule but Im really weighing in between Hinds, SMCC, and Fletcher (Alexander). 

Hi Krystan,

It's been a few years since I completed the program, but I have friends who have enrolled since then. My understanding is the semester is still set up so there are four days of classes per week for the first two weeks, and then just class Monday and Tuesday mornings for the remainder of the semester. Clinicals are a little more challenging to predict because you get very little notice of time and location, they vary semester to semester, and are dependent on facility and availability. I generally had either two 6 hour or one 12 hour clinical each week between Wednesday and Friday; however, my clinical for the final semester was either Tuesday or Wednesday overnight. It's certainly possible to continue to work full-time, but the clinical placements can create a real scheduling challenge.

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