So many schools!!!

[Nurse_Wanna_Be84]

In today's society there are so many options for nursing school. I was burned in the past by a fly by night LPN program. Now as a Mental Health Tech working in a Hospital I want to go on and get my RN degree. But with that old saying "Fool me once shame on you..." I find i am more scared than ever about these schools and what they are "selling". I have been told that ITT Tech is pretty good. I took their HESI and passed with an 88. Not entirely sure what that means except that im approved because I can read and write and do basic 6th grade math? I was told that i should look into Miami Dade College and now I'm really researching to make sure i don't screw myself over yet again. I find myself weighing pros and cons of the schools. Breckenridge has immediate entrance into the program but how do i know if it is legitimate accreditation? MDC is a federally funded college in the state of FL much like any other state college..how is their accreditation different from ITT Tech? I realize that one is significantly cheaper than the other, but at this point in time I am no longer worried about cost so much as value of education and if that diploma is going to be worth something to the hospital currently work for. So many choices and a giant headache. If you ladies/gentlemen have any advice I'd greatly appreciate it!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Accreditation: Check accreditation on the ACEN or CCNE websites. These are the two national organizations that accredit nursing schools. Attending an unaccredited program can affect your ability to further your education, and in some cases, even apply for jobs as some facilities are requiring applicants to have graduated from an accredited program.

BON Approval: The state's BON website should provide a list of approved programs. You may even be able to find a list of first time NCLEX pass rates there as well. A school with a low rate should raise some flags as a low pass rate is indicative that the school does not adequately prepare its students to pass the minimum competence exam for entrance into the nursing field.

[Nurse_Wanna_Be84]

Thanks so much for the help!

[elkpark]

ITT and "schools" of its ilk are ridiculously overpriced and are do not have good reputations. Please don't throw away good money on a proprietary school. Stick with the legitimate schools. In terms of accreditation, you would want a program which is ACEN or CCNE accredited for nursing, and which has SACS general academic accreditation (in FL, which appears to be where you're located, since you mention Miami Dade). Best wishes for your journey!