Is ECPI's RN program looked down upon? Looking for input.

U.S.A. Virginia

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I am currently considering enrolling in ECPI's (Manassas campus--brand new rn program) Registered Nursing program. I am tired of waiting around at community colleges to get in, despite having a great GPA.

So my questions are, does your employer employ ECPI grades? Is it looked down on because it is a for profit school/trade school? Any thoughts/experiences are welcome.

I feel as if this program may be harder than the other local ADN programs because it is extremely fast paced, and is not a just walk in, apply, and get in (like everyone seems to think) program.

I just want to get all my facts straight before I make the plunge.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Honestly, if it were me I would try to go straight to a BSN program. Most facilities are moving in that direction. My hospital is no longer hiring RNs without the BSN. Those who have an ADN have been given a deadline to get the BSN

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

One should probably get consider if they have yet to become NLN accredited, or even if hospitals will hire them.

I would consider the price. Why pay the price if a bachelors degree only to receive an Assc degree?

Also, it stands to question, if the admissions are so competitive why do u think you would get in there over the local community college?

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One should probably get consider if they have yet to become NLN accredited, or even if hospitals will hire them.

I would consider the price. Why pay the price if a bachelors degree only to receive an Assc degree?

Also, it stands to question, if the admissions are so competitive why do u think you would get in there over the local community college?

The price to me is pretty reasonable after financial aid and scholarships.

As for getting into a local CC, Ecpi simply has more seats and I'm tired of waiting despite having an excellent GPA. Its faster and I am ready to be done.

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Honestly if it were me I would try to go straight to a BSN program. Most facilities are moving in that direction. My hospital is no longer hiring RNs without the BSN. Those who have an ADN have been given a deadline to get the BSN[/quote']

I do plan on going BSN. The manassas campus is not NLN accredited as of yet, but all of their other campuses are. The Manassas campus hasnt had a graduating class yet, so I think the accrediation will come after that. Also their BSN program is ACEN and CCNE accredited.

I am just trying to get a feel for why there is a stigma attached to going there.

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I can't speak to the Manassas campus specifically, but the Newport News campus has a good reputation at the local hospitals. Not being attached to a specific hospital means you get a wide variety of clinical experiences - which means a wide variety of nurses will see how students at your school are prepared or not, are willing to work or not, etc. We also have a good rate of employment - I don't know exact numbers, and with a high military population many students move out of state immediately and get jobs in other states.

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I spent 4 years trying to get into RN programs across northern Virginia and wasn't successful. My gpa wasn't great so it didn't stand up to the competitive gpa's that were coming in. I've been accepted into the RN program at ECPI in manassas. Its only my second semester but so far everything is good. I am kind of nervous because it is fast paced but if Ive waited this long to get into a program, I think I can do this one. I know they are only provisionally approved but their BSN program is accredited and I plan on continuing with that because it is an online program. There is a class ahead of me so Im still hopeful that it will become accredited after they graduate. I was tired of applying and waiting for these big schools so I moved on to private ones.

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I spent 4 years trying to get into RN programs across northern Virginia and wasn't successful. My gpa wasn't great so it didn't stand up to the competitive gpa's that were coming in. I've been accepted into the RN program at ECPI in manassas. Its only my second semester but so far everything is good. I am kind of nervous because it is fast paced but if Ive waited this long to get into a program I think I can do this one. I know they are only provisionally approved but their BSN program is accredited and I plan on continuing with that because it is an online program. There is a class ahead of me so Im still hopeful that it will become accredited after they graduate. I was tired of applying and waiting for these big schools so I moved on to private ones.[/quote']

Are you attending the Manassas Campus?

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I can't speak to the Manassas campus specifically but the Newport News campus has a good reputation at the local hospitals. Not being attached to a specific hospital means you get a wide variety of clinical experiences - which means a wide variety of nurses will see how students at your school are prepared or not, are willing to work or not, etc. We also have a good rate of employment - I don't know exact numbers, and with a high military population many students move out of state immediately and get jobs in other states.[/quote']

I am so glad to hear that you all get good jobs--that is something I was very worried about. I have heard both good and bad things about the school. Do you plan on going BSN with ECPI?

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I spent 4 years trying to get into RN programs across northern Virginia and wasn't successful. My gpa wasn't great so it didn't stand up to the competitive gpa's that were coming in. I've been accepted into the RN program at ECPI in manassas. Its only my second semester but so far everything is good. I am kind of nervous because it is fast paced but if Ive waited this long to get into a program I think I can do this one. I know they are only provisionally approved but their BSN program is accredited and I plan on continuing with that because it is an online program. There is a class ahead of me so Im still hopeful that it will become accredited after they graduate. I was tired of applying and waiting for these big schools so I moved on to private ones.[/quote']

Sorry, I just realized you said you were at the Manassas campus. I am a bit worried about ECPI's reputation in NOVA. Have you heard anything negative? Are you enjoying the program so far?

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Specializes in Oncology, Clinical research.

I don't know about Manassas, but I went to the Virginia Beach campus. I went with ECPI, despite having a prior B.S., because it was the only nursing program I'd be able to complete before we had to move again (Navy). I think opinions are mixed - some nurses would roll their eyes, but I was told by a number of floor nurses and aides that our students worked harder than most of the other program students. Our class had a 100% NCLEX pass rate and as far as I know we all found jobs.

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I don't know about Manassas but I went to the Virginia Beach campus. I went with ECPI, despite having a prior B.S., because it was the only nursing program I'd be able to complete before we had to move again (Navy). I think opinions are mixed - some nurses would roll their eyes, but I was told by a number of floor nurses and aides that our students worked harder than most of the other program students. Our class had a 100% NCLEX pass rate and as far as I know we all found jobs.[/quote']

Well I am certainly glad to hear that!

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