Towson or Stevenson

jtk57 · Apr 8, 2009

I am a prospective student as well, and I am considering attending Stevenson because I was accepted there ( I am a TU Biology undergrad). The Towson nursing program is a great regional program and I know for a fact they have turned out some very good nurses (I am married to one). I was waitlisted there and am coming to terms with the fact that I will not get in this semester.If money is any object, Stevenson is a private school and considerably more expensive than a state school like Towson. Stevenson gets criticisms about their program having a lower-than-desired first time NCLEX pass rate, but I have been told they have addressed their issues and are taking active steps to increase their pass rate, and it has increased in recent years. They have never lost their accreditation as a nursing program, which was something I had mistakenly thought. Given a choice, I would have selected Towson because it is much cheaper. It is also much larger than Stevenson and it is in a much more urban setting, which may be a plus or minus. They are very different schools in many respects, and your experience at each would probably be very different as well. I would recommend visiting them both if you have not. On a personal note, I made a decision a long time ago that I am going to become an RN and I will make sure to get the most out of any program I attend, so I am happy just to have at least one school option. If you end up with two schools to choose between, that's awesome! I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 8, 2009

On a personal note, I made a decision a long time ago that I am going to become an RN and I will make sure to get the most out of any program I attend, so I am happy just to have at least one school option. If you end up with two schools to choose between, that's awesome! I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

I also had this attitude and figured NCLEX is a solo sport so I wasn't real concerned with NCLEX pass rates. Stevenson is expensive but fwiw they have a great reputation for their ADN to BSN program if anyone out there is considering that.

Agrippa · Apr 9, 2009

I would say follow the money. Do whats cheapest. Anyone's single experience at one program or another is anecdotal and you cant possibly judge a whole program on that. Every program has good and bad classes/administration/professors/etc.

So since there is no clear certainty on the above factors, choose based on a factor you are sure about - your cost of attendance.

sewnew · Apr 13, 2009

stevenson gets criticisms about their program having a lower-than-desired first time nclex pass rate, but i have been told they have addressed their issues and are taking active steps to increase their pass rate, and it has increased in recent years. they have never lost their accreditation as a nursing program, which was something i had mistakenly thought.

fyi, towson had the same exact problem that stevenson had. they had very low nclex pass rates on the first try as well.

http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=education/nlcex_stats.html

note the asterisks next to towson's stats in 2001, 2004, and 2008. villa julie/stevenson univ. also had the same problem. note the asterisks in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

*program fell below required passing rate for maryland schools.

**program fell below required passing rate for maryland schools for the second consecutive year and is on conditional approval from the board of nursing.

***program fell below required passing rate for maryland schools for the third consecutive year and the board may withdraw approval.

Itshamrtym · May 20, 2009

Wow, wasn't aware that Stevenson had NCLEX pass rate problems... As another poster stated: A good friend just got her BSN (was ADN). from Stevenson and raved about it...!!!!!!! She graduated with high honors. Now she attends TOWSON for Masters.... go figure.... GOOD LUCK to all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jules A, MSN · May 21, 2009

Wow, wasn't aware that Stevenson had NCLEX pass rate problems... As another poster stated: A good friend just got her BSN (was ADN). from Stevenson and raved about it...!!!!!!! She graduated with high honors. Now she attends TOWSON for Masters.... go figure.... GOOD LUCK to all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't recall if I've said it in this particular thread or not but once again NCLEX pass rates didn't impress or deter me one way or the other. IMO passing the boards is a solo sport and while it has no bearing on what kind of nurse I would be I'm confident that I could have passed just by studying the guides without ever having stepped foot into a nursing class. My thoughts are to go for the quickest, cheapest and one that you can get accepted into. Good luck.

terps97 · May 21, 2009

I have chosen to attend Stevenson this fall for the 2nd degree transfer BSN. It will take me 2 years to finish. I was a little concerned at first about the pass rate problem they had from years past, but the advisor I met with assured me that this was mostly due to a program they offered for people who tried to work full-time while in the program. They have since changed that program to a 3-year program to slow it down a bit. Their pass rate last year was in line with UM (86.2%). They have also started a review process after each course, giving mock exams with NCLEX exam questions that cover topics from those classes taken each semester. I'm confident that I will do better there with the smaller class sizes and because the schedule works so much better with my crazy life (I have 3 young kids). When I figured in childcare costs if I were to go to UM it came out to be the same or even more than Stevenson will be. Good luck in your decision!

Sonia,RN · May 27, 2009

Towson is cheaper and easier. I went to Towson. graduated in '00, and the only problem I saw was, it was too easy for slackers to pass. That's what hurts the university in the NCLEX. But it's so cheap and the campus is central and cute. I don't know Stevenson. But I was poor at the time so I went to Towson. I would recommend it in a heartbeat, I'm doing my MS there now.

pinkiepie_RN · May 27, 2009

Towson is cheaper and easier. I went to Towson. graduated in '00, and the only problem I saw was, it was too easy for slackers to pass. That's what hurts the university in the NCLEX. But it's so cheap and the campus is central and cute. I don't know Stevenson. But I was poor at the time so I went to Towson. I would recommend it in a heartbeat, I'm doing my MS there now.

I second that about it being easy for slackers. I don't know how some seemingly smart people failed and some girls with rocks in their brains made it through. I liked and would recommend the program. I just graduated last week. :)

tinediddy · Jun 14, 2009

Hi. Does anyone know if there is a waitlist for the 2nd degree BSN at Stevenson? I'm going there on Monday to see what they tell me but just wanted a heads up if any of you knew.

JennyA - you said you are going there in the fall, when did you apply? What are their requirements? I have a bachelor's degree but I need to take the Anatomy & Physiology classes.

Thanks!

SnoopysAunt · Jun 14, 2009

Tine--

I just started the program at Stevenson as a second-degree student. I am registered for full-time, but I might switch to part-time for the fall. I am not sure if there is a wait list... I got the impression they were filling the class until the last minute though. I got my acceptance towards the end of May. I had to register for the prerequisite summer class, and I got an email from the advisor saying she needed my decision because they had more potential students than spaces available.... But she also could have been putting pressure on me to make my decision. Let me know what you find out-- I'd be interesting in knowing if there is a wait list.

JennyA- You must be in the Tuesday afternoon informatics class cause I don't know you!