I am very interested in the nursing program for both schools and would like to ask for some advice: do both schools have the same level of good reputation when hospitals interview the graduates from USF and SMU? Or are graduates from SMU treated differently from USF graduates?
I would appreciate any advice from anyone in the healthcare field or anyone who has had friends graduate from either university. It is a tough decision for me because I understand that USF requires students to wait one year before starting clinicals, and the nursing program is 3 years in addition to that (so 4 years total), versus SMU which is only two years and slightly cheaper since I won't have to pay for another year there. I am wondering if the quality of education at USF would be better than SMU or vice versa. Any help is appreciated....thanks for reading!
ShelbyaStar, I agree with you on that one; I will definitely shoot for my BSN first and work at least a couple years before pursuing my masters degree (a lot of schools require at least 1 year of work experience in the hospital before pursuing this degree), also this will give me some time to save up some money for the program as well. Good luck to you!
I'll be watching this thread. I'm considering a move to San Carlos so I'd like to transfer to a school as close to there as possible. I was looking at SMU since they have an accelerated program (I have a previous BS) and the San Mateo campus is very close, but they are also expensive. And for an accelerated program, they require so many prereqs that it's not going to go much quicker than a regular 4 year track anyway!
There was another school that had a master's track for people with unrelated Bachelor's, but I have a difficult time believing that a master's without work experience is very useful. I almost definitely want to get a master's eventuually, but doing it right of the bat doesn't sound like the best idea.
Thanks Kuriin! How do you like the program at USF so far? I'm curious as to how many units you are required to take for clinicals before graduation? I may end up choosing the school that will give me the most in depth clinical training.
Also, regarding the tuition comparison between USF and SMU, isn't the cost at USF more expensive since it is a 3-4 year program for BSN, versus only two years for SMU? Cost is definitely a concern for me although it is not a deal breaker..
I'm a junior I at USF. Tuition is high (though, I don't think as high as SMU -- however, they finish fast if you decide ABSN), but, NCLEX pass rate IIRC is around 99%. Let me know if you have any questions.
You got lucky to get a chance to join the program then, RunBabyRun! A lot of my friends want to join a community college Associates program or CSU program but have not been picked.
Best of luck to you in your NCLEX and hope that computer system issue resolves sooner than the 90 days. On the brighter side of the spectrum, this may be an opportunity for you to study even more and ace the exam.
Which specialty unit are you currently in right now?
Yes, 4 semesters! It's fast, but it's been good. Pretty much all of the CSUs have about a 10-15% acceptance rate, or did when I was applying.
I have started doing some prep for the NCLEX, but there's a big computer system issue that's caused a 90 day delay in addition to the normal wait, so I am in serious limbo at the moment. I'm still doing some prep, as I am in a specialty unit right now, and not using a lot of my med/surg knowledge. Reviewing meds a lot.
You got lucky to get a chance to join the program then, RunBabyRun! A lot of my friends want to join a community college Associates program or CSU program but have not been picked.
Best of luck to you in your NCLEX and hope that computer system issue resolves sooner than the 90 days. On the brighter side of the spectrum, this may be an opportunity for you to study even more and ace the exam.
Which specialty unit are you currently in right now?
I'd rather take the NCLEX sooner, while more is fresh in my mind, but I'll do what I can. I am currently in a mother/baby unit (I plan to eventually become a certified nurse midwife), and there is a job waiting for me there when I am licensed, according to my conversation with the unit manager this week. I can't afford to not be working for 3 more months than planned! I guess we'll see what happens!
I applied for 10 programs my first round, and was accepted into 2 programs. They're definitely competitive! I am lucky that I was able to get into the program nearest to where I live, and that it's one of the few 2 year BSN programs.
Thanks Kuriin! How do you like the program at USF so far? I'm curious as to how many units you are required to take for clinicals before graduation? I may end up choosing the school that will give me the most in depth clinical training.
Also, regarding the tuition comparison between USF and SMU, isn't the cost at USF more expensive since it is a 3-4 year program for BSN, versus only two years for SMU? Cost is definitely a concern for me although it is not a deal breaker..
What I meant was that, I believe tuition is higher per semester at SMU, however, they finish much faster than USF thus they will pay less in the end.
What people don't realize is that most schools will have you do multiple rotations in a SINGLE semester. This will make it much more difficult as the information is more compact and dense. USF is different in that we have a single rotation per semester. You literally specialize in rehabilitation -> medsurg -> psychiatric -> advanced medsurg -> OB -> peds. This will essentially make it easier to learn the information (at least IMHO).
I'm interested in attending a nursing program in the Bay Area, but have also repeated some prereqs. I failed Stats and English (twice) many many years ago, but recently passed both with A's. Not counting those fails, my prereq GPA is a 4.0 and I scored a 90+ on the teas.
Any advice on where I might have the best chance at getting accepted into an affordable program in northern CA?
I'm interested in attending a nursing program in the Bay Area, but have also repeated some prereqs. I failed Stats and English (twice) many many years ago, but recently passed both with A's. Not counting those fails, my prereq GPA is a 4.0 and I scored a 90+ on the teas.
Any advice on where I might have the best chance at getting accepted into an affordable program in northern CA?
You'll have to look at repeat policies at different schools. I know Sonoma State only takes your highest grade in repeated courses into account (though your original grades are still factored into your GPA). Do some research on the different schools and their repeat policies. Community colleges and state schools will, of course, be your least expensive options, and most of the ones I'm familiar with have good reputations. However, some will not accept repeated courses, or will only accept a certain number.
That's great that you found a job immediately (ESP. before graduation)...any advice on the best methods of securing a job before grad? I also want to start looking for a nursing job before I graduate...it's so competitive out there right now, esp. for new grads.
I'd rather take the NCLEX sooner, while more is fresh in my mind, but I'll do what I can. I am currently in a mother/baby unit (I plan to eventually become a certified nurse midwife), and there is a job waiting for me there when I am licensed, according to my conversation with the unit manager this week. I can't afford to not be working for 3 more months than planned! I guess we'll see what happens!
I applied for 10 programs my first round, and was accepted into 2 programs. They're definitely competitive! I am lucky that I was able to get into the program nearest to where I live, and that it's one of the few 2 year BSN programs.
Thanks for the clear breakdown regarding clinicals. Getting thorough training is important to me as I'd like to be fully prepared as much as possible in school before I start working. By the way, I watched a USF tour video recently and it said that a job is guaranteed immediately after graduation...is this true? Is the campus highly involved with connecting new grad students with a job?
What I meant was that, I believe tuition is higher per semester at SMU, however, they finish much faster than USF thus they will pay less in the end.
What people don't realize is that most schools will have you do multiple rotations in a SINGLE semester. This will make it much more difficult as the information is more compact and dense. USF is different in that we have a single rotation per semester. You literally specialize in rehabilitation -> medsurg -> psychiatric -> advanced medsurg -> OB -> peds. This will essentially make it easier to learn the information (at least IMHO).
In no way is that reasonably true. There are no guarantees in life and in this economy. It should be common knowledge that the bay area is among the toughest in the nation to break through as a new graduate.
More inline with the original post, I have many friends that graduated from SM absn program and are very strong nurses in their respected fields.
I'm just keeping my hopes up! Haha. If you don't mind me asking: Where did your friends work at after graduating from SMU?
In no way is that reasonably true. There are no guarantees in life and in this economy. It should be common knowledge that the bay area is among the toughest in the nation to break through as a new graduate.
More inline with the original post, I have many friends that graduated from SM absn program and are very strong nurses in their respected fields.
That's great that you found a job immediately (ESP. before graduation)...any advice on the best methods of securing a job before grad? I also want to start looking for a nursing job before I graduate...it's so competitive out there right now, esp. for new grads.
AAARG, I just had this whole long response I was about to post, and it deleted!! Grrrrr....
I am SOOO excited to have this job lined up! I believe I'm the first in my class to have a job offer, though no one, myself included, is running around shouting, "I have a job offer!!"
My best advice is to put yourself out there. Speak up! All through clinicals, when I would hear good feedback from nurses, I'd tell them, "Be sure to tell your manager!" I'd seen the manager of the med/surg unit where I spent 3 semesters, but I heard she was moving to MBU this winter. I leapt at the opportunity when I ran into her, and she ultimately offered to help me get my preceptorship switched if possible (a LOOOOOONNNNG shot, but worth a go). After talking to instructors and email exchanges with said manager, we got it worked out, and now I have this offer! I am SO grateful! How many people come out of school these days with a job offer in one of their top choices of units AND hospitals??!!
Make yourself known with the managers, introduce yourself, tell the world you're looking for a job, get on LinkedIn, do whatever it takes. I'm also applying everywhere I can online. I'm going to talk to the owner of the freestanding birth center I used to work for as well. If you know nurses, have them talk you up! Be your own best advertising!
philzcoffeel0ver
35 Posts
ShelbyaStar, I agree with you on that one; I will definitely shoot for my BSN first and work at least a couple years before pursuing my masters degree (a lot of schools require at least 1 year of work experience in the hospital before pursuing this degree), also this will give me some time to save up some money for the program as well. Good luck to you!