What's the deal with tech schools?

[PNWFA]

I'm from an area of the country where RN programs are limited, small and, highly competitive. I'm in the process of completing prerequisites required for entrance into nursing programs here, and am in my 30's so wanting the quickest path to a BSN. With the competitive atmosphere of where I live, I've been researching programs in WI because I have family there and it might be an easy move. The NCLEX pass rates and accreditation check out for the programs in WI and there seems to be a TON! We don't really have tech colleges here and the ones we do have don't offer associates or RN programs, so I'm confused about how many WI has. Mainly I've been looking at Gateway and Blackhawk.

Are the programs actual associates degrees?

Do these schools programs transfer credits easily to RN-BSN degrees?

Are there long waitlists for most of them? If I had a lot of the science classes completed, and a good GPA from a community college, does that make things easier?

I'm just kind of shocked how many programs there are because where I am you need a 4.0, healthcare experience and 9 billion volunteer hours.

Thanks for the help.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I haven't lived in Wisconsin for many, many years -- so my information may not be correct for today. So, don't take my word this this, but ...

I have a vague memory that the "technical colleges" in Wisconsin are the equivalent of what most states call "community colleges." Look up the Wisconsin Technical College system in Wikipedia. I just did and that seems to be the case. I don't think they have "community colleges" like other states have. That have a long history of having these public technical colleges as essentially the same thing -- but do a little more research before you decide. don't just take my word for it.

I believe they are public and not-for-profit. When I lived in Green Bay several decades ago, the local one was legitimate and quite reputable.

[PNWFA]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I should have done a little bit more research about WI technical schools in general. I guess I kind of automatically assumed they were more for-profit and not reputable because that's how the tech schools are here in the Pacific Northwest.

I think it's great how many programs there are in WI and that there's part-time and night options. Most two year programs here accept like 20-30 people a year and are ridiculously competitive with no part-time or night options. Seems like it's much easier and less stressful of a process to getting into programs there. Maybe I'm wrong though. haha.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Good luck!