Torn Between Nursing Schools

Nurses Nurse Beth

Published

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I need some help ASAP about choosing a Nursing program. My choices are Chamberlain and South College. The pros/cons of both Both are for profit, neither has a wait list, they both will accept my transfer credits, South College is new to the Atlanta Area and doesn't have a history. Chamberlain has been in Atlanta for quite a long time and Chamberlain Nurses are getting jobs. I am so torn because South College is closer and my commute would be shorter.

Chamberlain I would have to use public transportation because of construction. I like that South College is new to the area but my fear is the lack of resources. Such as, clinical sites, medical resources. I feel that going thru school you have to have a study partner. Help me please. I trust your judgement. I am a non-traditional student.

Dear Torn,

I'm not able to endorse one college over another, although there is a student forum here. You might want to pose your question there.

You didn't mention accreditation, which is a must. Nursing program accreditation is separate from college accreditation. Attending a non-accredited program can mean graduate programs would not accept your credits.

The Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the accrediting branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It accredits nursing programs at the bachelor's, master's, and postgraduate levels. There's also the Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Reputation and longevity are important factors. Reading your post, it sounds like you know the best answer.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Are these your only two choices? Are there no reputable non-profits with good reputations you can consider?

Being in a hurry is not a good reason to choose a school. Because you have to ask yourself WHY there's no wait to get in- and sometimes the reason is because their 'admission criteria' is predicated on you being able to get loans/ write checks- not a real indicator of a quality education.

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
On 12/19/2019 at 8:49 AM, meanmaryjean said:

Are these your only two choices? Are there no reputable non-profits with good reputations you can consider?

Being in a hurry is not a good reason to choose a school. Because you have to ask yourself WHY there's no wait to get in- and sometimes the reason is because their 'admission criteria' is predicated on you being able to get loans/ write checks- not a real indicator of a quality education.

Both answers above are good ones. Added to it not being a real indicator of a quality education, it is also not a good indicator of the student's ability to be successful in their curriculum. Some of what makes other schools difficult to get in has to do with the ability to satisfy the pre-requisites.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agree with the advice above.

PLEASE don't choose a school based on your commute, which is just a temporary issue.

Also, are Chamberlain nurses really getting hired, or is that part of their sales pitch? When I went back to grad school I looked at all of my options, and I found that the for-profit schools had slick sales pitches and were pushy. I wouldn't trust their promises without really knowing the facts.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSICU.

Have you looked into your community colleges? It may take a bit longer but I'm also sure you will get a better education and NOT leave school with tens of thousands in student loans. I am also a non-traditional student, going into nursing from social work. And I am 38 so I understand wanting to be done with the school part and into the career part asap, but being a better, safer and more competent nurse is the highest priority. I chose an ADN program at my community college because it is the best program in my area and ultimately saved me 35k over the MEPN program is was also accepted to. And for-profit schools likely cost at least that much or more! And you wouldn't even walk away with a reputable degree as I would have. 100% consider your other options!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi @araew2129 I tried private messaging you but the link isn't working. I saw in some threads you mentioned programs that are RN to MSN which require a non nursing bachelors degree. I am finishing up my last year of a biology degree. I'm 29 years old and want to be working as soon as possible. I'm torn between dropping out of University to pursue ADN and then work my way up to MSN, or finish my bachelors in biology and do an ABSN program followed by a MSN. The direct entry MSN programs seem to be too costly and don't provide enough experience. Do you have any advice on sticking it out and doing the ABSN or opting for an ADN instead? My ultimate goal is to work as a Nurse Practitioner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSICU.

I dont have any experience directly with ABSN programs as we dont have an option for that in my city (only ADN, BSN, or master's entry). If you are that close to finishing, I would assume that it would be a good idea to finish. If you still had 2 yrs to go, I would say invest that time in the ADN program, but if you are in your last year I would go ahead and finish up while I was making sure I had everything in line to apply to either and ADN or ABSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment