UNC-CH versus DUKE for BSN

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi,

I've been accepted into the 14-month BSN program at UNC-CH to start this coming May (2004). I also applied to the Accelerated BSN program at DUKE and, less relevantly to this post, to the one at Johns Hopkins. I'm from the West Coast and I've never seen either school (Duke or UNC-CH). Duke has not sent out their admissions decisions yet. However, Duke did send me a lot of informational materials with the application, and UNC-CH did not (in fact, all that I have received from them has been my acceptance letter--which I find kind of cheap..considering my application fee). I've read as much as I've found about both programs online. My friend who did her undergrad at UNC-CH (but not in nursing) said that she thought CH was a nicer area and that she'd rather go to school there. However, from what I have read in the materials that I received from Duke, it looks like Duke has set up a very good ABSN program. My long term goals are to become an ER nurse or a CCU nurse or a trauma center nurse. In the shorter term, I'm thinking about joining the Peace Corp or Doctors (Medics) Without Borders (however, I may hold out on those experiences until I have a year or two of United States nursing experience under my belt). I'm 24 with an undergrad degree in biology/pre-med. Any opinions about the two ABSN programs would be EXTREMELY appreciated by this West Coast gal!

Thanks,

Calicamper

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg..

Hi Cali,

Although I don't know anything about either schools Nursing Programs, I live outside of Raleigh and can at least tell you a bit about the area.

My oldest son was considering Chapel Hill last year - we went on a tour and have to say it's an incredibly beautiful campus in a very, very ($$$) nice area. I grew up near Harvard Square in Mass and Chapel Hill reminds me of that area (has a very New England look). Chapel Hill sort of grew up around the University, so all the local businesses, etc. really cater to the students and there's lots to do there.

I've never been to the Duke Campus, but have been to Durham (where the University & Hospital are located) many, many times. Durham is a very spread out City and for years has had lots of problems with crime. I know you're not going to pick your school based on the looks of a place - but personally I would not move to Durham - I'd pick Chapel Hill.

My husband is a Peri-Natal Therapist (works with the preemies and is on the transport team at his hospital). He applied there years ago when we first moved to the area (thinking with their well-known name, they'd offer the best salary). They were offering the lowest wages of any hosital in our area - which was very surprising. From what I hear - their base salaries for Nurses and Techs are still a bit lower than most in the area.

I hope some of this helps you out a bit. SusanNC

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Duke doesn't pay a high. Got salary info from them recently. Also have heard that they don't exactly treat their nurses too kindly. I wouldn't know, never worked there, just passing along what I have been told. Really like Chapel Hill, though. Kinda centrally located, in my opinion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Calicamper - Congrats on your acceptance to UNC - I heard there was a lot of competition this year! Anyways, from what I have heard, I would definitely choose UNC over Duke for the following reasons:

1) Tuition. UNC's tution is about 1/3 of Duke's (but I guess if you're coming from out of state, this might not matter to you). But UNC does have a really good program where the hospital will give you $1000 for every month you agree to work for them after graduation, up to three years. (For examply if you agree to work at UNC for 3 years, they'll give you $36,000 right up front to pay for tuition, living expenses, etc...) Duke has a tuition reimbursement program, but it only covers tuition, and you don't get it until after you've started working for Duke Hospitals. (if you agree to sign on for 3 years, they'll repay you 1/3 of your tuition each year, minus taxes taken out).

2) Overall pay. I hear that UNC pays much better shift differentials, but I think the base pay for both hospitals is about the same. (granted you want to stay in the area after graduation).

3) UNC's nursing program has been around for years and years, and their ABSN program is starting is 5th year I believe. The Duke program is only 1 year old, and they went about 15 years without having any undergraduate BSN programs what so ever.

4) Chapel Hill is MUCH nicer to live in than Durham.

5) If you want to get your masters and are working for UNC hospitals, you can start taking classes right away and the hospital will pay for it. Duke makes you work for 2 years before they'll help you out with grad tuition.

6) From what I have heard, the nurses at UNC are happier than Duke nurses. I know Duke has had a lot of problems in the past with labor unions.

Anyways, that's about all I know. i have a friend considering both options which is why I have this info in the first place. Good luck - let us know what you decide!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I HAVE HEARD BAD THINGS ABOUT THE PROGRAM, PEOPLE LEAVING BECAUSE THEY GET SO FRUSTRATED.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment