What type of school did you choose for nursing?

my3mracles · Jul 19, 2011

I chose a state college. The private college was WAY more expensive and their NCLEX pass rates were not high at all.

carbon86 · Jul 19, 2011

I chose a hospital diploma program. Great clinical experience, small class sizes, and a high NCLEX pass rate. I know a lot of people shy away from diploma schools so that they can get the almighty BSN or ADN, but a diploma program was the best fit for me.

zeto · Jul 19, 2011

I have been struggling with the same issue, was recently accepted into a program at a private university and my local CC

I am leaning towards the CC, heres why:

cheaper ( by about 50,000 dollars)

closer to home ( makes a difference with 7:00 am classes)

higher NCLEX pass rates

a strong, highly regarded program.

The only thing making the decision hard for me is not graduating with the almighty BSN.

Good luck with whatever path you take

NewSN13 · Jul 19, 2011

I chose a public university. It's cheap (relatively), it's a great program and it's a BSN. In my area, there is one CC that offers an ADN. They have a four semester sequence but in order to be competitive, one must complete classes that are listed as co-reqs in that four semester sequence BEFORE applying. So once accepted, there are still four semesters of nursing classes to take. My program is 5 semesters.

Other than that, it's private or for-profit and I would end up paying more for an LPN at one of those programs than I will pay for 5 semesters of nursing school.

stefanyjoy · Jul 19, 2011

Community college - my local one has a high NCLEX pass rate >95%, prereqs able to be done online or evenings on campus, plus it's cheap. I think the big question for most people is, ADN or BSN? A CC is only going to offer an ADN, while a university most likely is going to offer the BSN. I guess it all depends on your money, time, and future goals. Although I would like to go all the way to MSN one way, I have a family to take care of. So I'm going the slowpoke route - My ADN at my CC, online RN-BSN, then eventually BSN to MSN. If providing for them wasn't a factor, I'd go straight for the BSN and live off ramen & easy mac in the meantime :)

Piper17 · Jul 19, 2011

BSN at a state school, I wouldn't think a private college is worth the money when you can get the same education somewhere cheaper.

grpman · Jul 20, 2011

The real issue isn't what is better in general, but what is best for you. If all is equal, more education is usually best. But life never presents us with such clear cut options.

A BSN is coveted because it can sometimes (not all the time) make you more marketable in the workplace given that all else is equal between you and another potentional candidate. This is especially true for employment in hospitals trying to improve their status or if there is ever a hiring shortage. But it does take 4 years to get it, costs more than CC, and is normally harder to take at night for those with a family. A BSN more easily opens other doors such as entry to management that you may want to try after you build experience.

CC provides a faster way to enter the workforce which can be beneficial if the goal is to pay bills quick. It is normally cheaper and can accomodate busy schedules. Many RN-BSN programs can be done online which can allow you to get experience and earn money all while finishing a bsn. An ADN from a CC can also be a goal in and of itself which can be justifiable b/c earnings aren't much different depending on your degree type.

Threads like these normally cause jockeying by posters to convince themselves that they have made the best decision. But really, all cases are different.

DarkBluePhoenix · Jul 20, 2011

I'm trying to get into long beach state. It's a state school, its cheaper than private.

This school has a great reputation and its been around for years!

Also, they have a 2 year BSN option. Kinda like doing an ADN program in the same time but I come out with a bachelors

tech1000 · Jul 20, 2011

I went to a state university. Private colleges, to me, are too expensive for an undergrad. Schools like Emory and Vanderbilt should just be reserved for grad school unless you're made of money (which I'm not). My college had an extremely high first time pass rate on the NCLEX (97%).