Temple v. Drexel v. Jefferson Nursing Program

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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]Hello!

I'm new and just have things on my mind about school. I'm deciding to go to Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) soon. But after that I'm not sure what nursing school I want to go to. Either Temple University, University, or Thomas Jefferson University. I think I can get my ASN at CCP and after that take the test to be an RN? Or am I missing something? I want to get my BSN at one of the colleges. I'm more drawn to TJU, but open to any discussions. Anyone? All comments appreciated!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Yeah, CCP offers ASN degrees for their Nursing program. After you pass the NCLEX exam (after graduation), you will become an RN.

I think I was drawn to TJU when I went to their orientation. It seemed like a very good program. I didn't look to Temple's program, so I can't really say much about it. I do believe temple is a less expensive school.

Since I already had a bachelor's degree, I decided to go to 's 1-year ACE program. The tuition alone is $33,000, and above that I will need to pay for books, uniforms, etc. I believe the FACT program I was looking to at Jefferson was similarly priced. Both programs are for 2nd Bachelor's degree, non RNs.

Unless you have a lot of money to spare, I would consider working as an RN, and taking classes towards a BSN at the same time. I don't know about first degree BSN, but there are BSN bridge programs for those that have an RN. Many of those programs can have online classes. Chances are, if you are employed full-time, your workplace will have some sort of tuition reimbursment plan. That could make attending a more expensive university cheaper. If you wanted to get a bachelors, it would probably take at least 2 years after graduation. At $33,000 tuition, that is $66,000 debt, not including books and cost of living. If you are working, you could go part time (less per year), and recieve some reimbursement from your job.

If you haven't already, I would attend orientations for all of the programs you are interested in. They can answer more of your questions, and you can get a better 'feel' for the programs, or at least the administrators involved (that are hosting the sessions).

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CCP has a long waiting list and it takes now 3 years to finish.

Angela - Philly

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do you suggest i go somewhere instead for my ASN?

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Excelsior College (distance learning), Harcum College, Roxbourgh School of Nursing, Frankford School of Nursing, Gwyneed Mercy Collge, Abington Memorial Dixon School of Nursing - just to name a few....

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
Excelsior College (distance learning), Harcum College, Roxbourgh School of Nursing, Frankford School of Nursing, Gwyneed Mercy Collge, Abington Memorial Dixon School of Nursing - just to name a few....

I know that Harcum offers a Associate's degree, but I believe their tuition is about $30,000 (It is for their 1 year program for people with BS degress). That includes books and uniforms though.

Do those other programs offer ASN degrees, or just RN?

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You can only do your Excelsior RN if you already have an LPN (they may also accept paramedics, but I am not sure about that. But you need to already have a medical degree before starting Excelsior online).

Please check the NCLEX pass rates of the programs you are thinking about. Harcum has a pretty dismal pass rate. I don't know about the others mentioned here.

http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/lib/bpoa/20/nurs_board/nclex_performance-rn.pdf

I already have a BA, so I'm starting Jefferson's FACT 1-year program in May. Jefferson also has (1) an ASN (2-year) program and (2) a regular BSN program, which is the last two years of college (i.e., you enter the program as a junior). As much of a fan of Jeff as I am, I think their ASN program is pricey (About $34-35,000 for the two years), and if you can get into CCP and do their ASN, you'll save yourself some $$$ and then you can do your BSN elsewhere.

Poke around these forums and do a search, and you'll see people talking about the pros and cons of each program you're interested in. One thing I will mention is that has a higher attrition rate than Jeff, so if you look into Drexel's program, ask them about their attrition rate. I don't know anything about Temple's attrition rate.

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CCP has a long waiting list and it takes now 3 years to finish.

Angela - Philly

No. CCP does not have a waiting list. You apply and are accepted or rejected and have to apply again the next year.

The nursing program itself is two years, but due to prerequisites you need to apply, many people will spend a year at CCP getting the prerequisites before the nursing program.

Not sure where you got your information from, but I'd stop passing it on.

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No. CCP does not have a waiting list. You apply and are accepted or rejected and have to apply again the next year.

The nursing program itself is two years, but due to prerequisites you need to apply, many people will spend a year at CCP getting the prerequisites before the nursing program.

Not sure where you got your information from, but I'd stop passing it on.

Hiddencat is correct. CCP has NO waiting list at all and the actual ASN program takes 2 years + however long it takes you to complete prerequisites.

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Thomas Jefferson University is definitely the best nursing program of the three you listed. No doubt about it.

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