Published May 21, 2010
haircut7b
5 Posts
I am seeking my first BS degree with hopes to continue on to a Masters program. I've been excepted at Lindfield's BSN spring 2011 program and PCC's OCNE fall 2010 program which duel enrolls you in the on line OHSU BS degree. The cost is tremendously different, the time frame ends up nearly the same (the longer PCC program starts sooner) and both give you a Bachelors degree. A Bachelors degree is the primary goal above the practice of Nursing.
I loved Lindfield when I visited there, but I dread the debt since I'm 50 years old and won't be able to spread out that cost as long. I worry that the PCC training will not be as good, but I really don't know that for sure. Does any have have any experience with the OCNE program?
AnonymousNurse45
145 Posts
Haircut, I think that the more of something you have - the better off you are.
I have been tracking job market ( and i am not an expert in labor economy), and it seems that in the last four years substantial amount of hospital nursing vacancies have been saying "B.S. preferred" or required. The market is changing, and it is hard to predict the future. However, in the last two years that I worked in a nursing home I have seen RN's pushed out and replaced by LPN's from Apollos, Concordes, etc.
I am on the alternate list at OHSU OCNE BSN @ KFalls, and I would be happy to go there just for the fact that it is a straight path to BSN. I am terrified of thinking that if i go to some community college, I would be out of job because I don't have a BSN and I would either be in fierce competition or outcompeted by people applying to the same RN to BSN program.
This is just what I think.
yogamom
61 Posts
If I am reading your post correctly, you are saying you want your BSN either way, you are just conflicted on which is the best road to lead you there. This is a decision only you can make, but since you are asking opinions, I'm more than happy to give mine :) First of all, it must be said, CONGRATS Getting accepted to multiple programs is no easy feat!
You are correct, Linfield is an excellent school, and a direct path to a BSN, but it is pricey. A much, much cheaper route is PCC and then transfer to OHSU for the third year. Since you are in the spring cohort at Linfield, you will finish at the same time regardless of which road you take. PCC/OHSU will just get you there a lot cheaper. I wouldn't worry about getting less of an education at PCC. As a matter of fact, PCC actually has more clinical hours than Linfield. In my opinion, having the technical stuff taught at PCC, followed by theory at OHSU is a brilliant way to go. It's really the best of both worlds. You'll be getting lots of technical/skills time followed with great theory classes and come out with an OHSU diploma. If cost is a concern, this is the path I would take given your circumstances!
Best of luck to you!
hedgehog
10 Posts
Haircut, I think that the more of something you have - the better off you are.I have been tracking job market ( and i am not an expert in labor economy), and it seems that in the last four years substantial amount of hospital nursing vacancies have been saying "B.S. preferred" or required. The market is changing, and it is hard to predict the future. However, in the last two years that I worked in a nursing home I have seen RN's pushed out and replaced by LPN's from Apollos, Concordes, etc.I am on the alternate list at OHSU OCNE BSN @ KFalls, and I would be happy to go there just for the fact that it is a straight path to BSN. I am terrified of thinking that if i go to some community college, I would be out of job because I don't have a BSN and I would either be in fierce competition or outcompeted by people applying to the same RN to BSN program.This is just what I think.
but the beauty of the OCNE programs is that you're automatically admitted to the OHSU RN-to-BSN program. one additional year of online courses at OHSU will give you that BSN and you don't even have to go to the trouble and stress of applying to OHSU. it may take a little longer, but i'd guess that it's cheaper than a BSN program at linfield and you still have the option of getting a job as soon as you finish your associates at the community college.
i think andie74 and i were psychically tapped into each other for a moment there... :).
hehehehe...great minds
I guess I did not realize the real meaning of OCNE.
There is no competition at all, and OHSU will accomodate all transitioning applying students?
I guess I did not realize the real meaning of OCNE.There is no competition at all, and OHSU will accomodate all transitioning applying students?
That is correct Larisa. At the beginning of the second year, you let them know you will be transferring to OHSU. Instead of earning an ADN, you seamlessly transfer over and finish the third year at OHSU with a BSN. You have an OHSU diploma and a BSN. There is no application process and no competition. It's known as dual enrollment. It's one of the reasons OCNE community colleges are so attractive to people.
OK, I see why.
Thank you.
dharmawalk
50 Posts
I am seeking my first BS degree with hopes to continue on to a Masters program. I've been excepted at Lindfield's BSN spring 2011 program and PCC's OCNE fall 2010 program which duel enrolls you in the on line OHSU BS degree. The cost is tremendously different, the time frame ends up nearly the same (the longer PCC program starts sooner) and both give you a Bachelors degree. A Bachelors degree is the primary goal above the practice of Nursing.I loved Lindfield when I visited there, but I dread the debt since I'm 50 years old and won't be able to spread out that cost as long. I worry that the PCC training will not be as good, but I really don't know that for sure. Does any have have any experience with the OCNE program?
I had to make this exact decision. Spring 2011 at Linfield or and OCNE program. I have posted about it but the short version is this: I picked OCNE because we finish at the same time with about 1/3 the debt, and with more clinical hours. The PCC OCNE training is the same curriculum as the other schools and the OHSU RN curricula -
The one downside for me is that I have to pick up foreign language in the next three years.
JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN
710 Posts
I think you have 2 very good programs. I too would chose the OCNE program to keep the debt to a minimum. You'll have the same degree. I live too far to attend an OCNE school and will get my ADN in the next 2 years and get a BSN online through Linfield. Good luck with whatever choice you make.
tiffinapit
44 Posts
I am accepted to PCC's OCNE program and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to graduate from OHSU with so much less debt! I didn't even apply to any of the pricier private colleges because OHSU is one of the top Nursing Schools in the country, so a diploma from there will make us the cream of the crop...and for 1/3 of the price tag! Ultimately it is up to you but that's my thoughts on it.. :-) Best of luck!