Think I might have found something...but i need opinions!!

suzanne4, RN · Apr 6, 2005

I graduated from a Diploma program and have never looked back. Personally, I think that you get the best clinical training that is available in these programs.

You only take the NCLEX exam once, it is accepted by all states. So don't worry about that.

Many Diploma programs are now affiliated with universities or community colleges for their basic classes, which menas that you get college credits for them.

It all depends on what you want to do later, but you can still easily do a bridge to a BSN without any problem. If you like the program, and it is approved by the Board of Nursing, then go for it............

FlyGuyRN · Apr 8, 2005

Thats a tough one. I think there is enough "free money" out there from Pell Grants and scholarships that could cover a large portion of academic costs. I would borrow the rest from the govt. low interest loans, don't have to start paying until 6 months after you drop below full time. New grads are making pretty good money. If your disciplined enough you could pay back the loans fairly quickly. Also many hospitals will offer you some sort of tuition reimbursement programs if you agree to work for them for a certain period of time, usually 1,2, or three years. Others offer a "retention" bonus every six months depending on how much you work. I think my last one was about $450.00. Also, most hospitals offer a few thousand dollars sign on bonus. I recieved $3,000 for a one year commitment. I wish I had taken more advantage of all the "free money" offered for scholarships. Many of them are based on need, others grades, others require a short but intelligent essay. My point is there are many ways to pay for tuition. I think you should pick the place where you REALLY want to go, in your heart. You will have alot of fun and fond memories after you graduate from nursing school. As for the program, it doesn't matter as long as you learn, pass the NCLEX and can put the title RN after your name. I always advise people to get their AA degree simply because it's usually the fastest way to become an RN. Then you can decide on where you want to go for your BSN, Masters, or PhD. Lastly, I wish there was a spellcheck on this forum.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2005

They will offer you a job. UPMC and the Pittsburgh area needs nurses. As far as the degree..if you stick with UPMC,they have a tuition reimbursment program for thier employees.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 9, 2005

problems i'm thinking of....it's a diploma program. is there a problem with having your diploma?

pa has:

22 hospital diploma programs

25 associate degree programs

34 baccalaureate degree programs

see sbon approved: professional nursing programs

from st. margaret school of nursing website:

academic credits and transfers

required college pre-requisites include: anatomy and physiology i, english composition, and introduction to psychology.

courses in anatomy and physiology ii, nutrition, microbiology with lab, human growth and development, and introduction to sociology are to be completed during the nursing curriculum.

... the nursing school maintains agreements with several area colleges and universities. these agreements allow nursing school graduates to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing (a bachelor's in the science of nursing, or bsn).http://stmargaret.upmc.com/schoolofnursing.htm

st mary nclex pass rate 88-92% past three years:

nclex performance - rn so must be a good school!

if they dont offer me a job, they pay for my school, and i get to go whereever i want

not accurate!

"completion of the loan promissory note will occur during the first week of enrollment"

if you don't go to work somewhere in upmc system you will be obliged to pay back this loan after graduation. upmc is a huge system in pittsburgh. you say you want to return to

columbus ohio. can you wait for two years to do that, otherwise you will be saddled with $10,000 loan?

pa state has a nursing loan forgiveness program for new grads, but must have graduated from a pa nursing program and work in pa: nursing loan forgiveness for healthier futures

look to see if hospitals in columbus area have nursing loan forgiveness program for new grads, as many facilites in pa do. link to ohio's nursing loan forgiveness program: http://www.regents.state.oh.us/sgs/nealp.htm

good luck in whatever you decide!

*LA* · Apr 12, 2005

Alright...after ALOT of searching, I stumbled upon St. Margaret School of Nursing, which is based out of the Univeristy of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Perks include a Tution Reimbursment Plan. Once i've graduated, I sign a 2 year "if they need me contract". If they offer me a job, I have to take it for 2 years... if they dont offer me a job, they pay for my school, and I get to go whereever i want. So a total fee for school would be about 1500 dollars. Which sounds GREAT. Problems I'm thinking of....It's a diploma program. Is there a problem with having your diploma? I was hoping to graduate with some sort of degree....And also.. this school is in pittsburgh and after the two years, i'm hoping to work in the columbus ohio area. Will it be a problem moving? Is my rn license good where ever i go? THanks ya'll!

I graduated from a diploma program in 1990 and the amount of clinical experience was invaluable.

you can always go back and get your BSN after you graduate (which is what many of my friends have done)

either way, I wish you all the best

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ps > as far as I know, you only have to take the exam once? JUST NEED TO PAY FOR ANOTHER LISCENSE WHEN MOVING TO ANOTHER STATE

(osrry, didnt realize that the caps btuuon was on)

dyslexics of the world untie !