Rush vs TCU

pink.berry · Oct 13, 2014

I'm in a similar boat as you, torn between UMiami and TCU... am now leaning towards TCU because it's cheaper, seems like a super solid supportive environment, and would allow me to save a good amount of money/travel working the first eight months. Which program did you like better?

mmrn1989 · Oct 13, 2014

I felt that everyone at TCU was very warm and welcoming. They seemed genuinely invested in each student's future. There are pros and cons to each that is for sure. I like that at Rush the class size is smaller. I also like that you would stay in Chicago for the entire program. What clinical site were you assigned?

traumaicu123 · Oct 13, 2014

I have coworkers that went to TCU CRNA program and really enjoyed it. Both are good schools and you will receive a great education at either program. I just can't see myself living in Chicago during the winter =x haha. The cost of living is lower in Fort Worth so you would save money throughout the years.

pink.berry · Oct 14, 2014

I chose and was assigned Tampa! I love Tampa General, it's a big teaching hospital on the water that has everything and would love to be around constant sunny weather for 16 months. I'm from neither Florida nor Texas so I like how I'll be able to be in different areas throughout the course of the program. Hbu?

AlphaAgonist · Nov 3, 2014

Rush. Every time. Currently a DNP-CRNA student at Rush. I know someone who had the same deal TCU vs. Rush. He chose Rush for many reasons. You can PM me I can get you in touch with him or answer any questions you might have.

Screen name · Nov 4, 2014

Which one has better clinical experience? This is a question you should ask the school directly.

MWICURN · Oct 4, 2016

I hate to resurrect an old discussion, but I am in this same boat. I have been accepted to RUSH and TCU and I am having difficulty deciding. Alphaagonist I am too new to be able to PM, but I would like to know more about your experience.

mmrn1989 · Oct 4, 2016

I can tell you it's a good dilemma to have. I made the decision to attend TCU and it ultimately came down to location for me. My family is in Texas and grocery shopping/cost of living in Chicago was a big turn off, given you are living on student loans. Further, Rush is a little bit longer than TCU (as I recall). I liked that TCU had 8 months online so I could travel nurse a bit after I got accepted. Both TCU and Rush will provide you with an excellent education. TCU has outstanding scores on the certifying exam, which I'm sure Rush does as well (haven't looked in awhile.) I can give you info on TCU, not so much on Rush. Let me know if you have any questions! :) congratulations!

MWICURN · Oct 6, 2016

Thank you for replying mmrn1989. My dilemma comes down to clinical experience. I know you can never guarantee that everyone will always have a thorough clinical exposure, but I have this nagging doubt in the back of my mind that the chances of obtaining a solid clinical background are lower with TCU. Distance sites, in sometimes smaller hospitals, 60ish students needing placement, etc etc. Whereas with Rush it seems it would be a more controlled environment. TCU said that if a clinical site ends up not working out, that they will swap sites, which sounds like a pain if the next site warranted a complete move of my stuff. Thoughts on this?

mmrn1989 · Oct 6, 2016

Doubt is never a good thing. What clinical site were you assigned? My clinical experience is going excellent so far, especially as far as variety. Keep in mind that you will be competing (so to speak) for cases with residents at some places you go. I remember being told there were residents at Rush, could have changed since then. Both schools are going to guarantee you get the experience that is necessary to be a competent provider of anesthesia. I would not let fear of a mediocre clinical experience keep you from TCU. You will be good. But if you want I can answer other questions about TCU and give you info on the clinical site you are at through email!

MWICURN · Oct 6, 2016

That would be fantastic, I would like to ask you a few more questions if you don't mind. What is your email? Or, if you are able to, you could PM me. I don't have enough posts to be able to PM.