What's a good private nursing school in the valley?

sailornurse · Sep 19, 2015

HI,

OK I just did a quick internet search as I had not heard of this school but I graduated from Grand Canyon College in 1988 (not it is Grand Canyon University).

The tuition is $82,000!!!! That is too much,

OK it is new which means it will not be accredited by CCNE for a few years until a few groups/cohorts have graduated and the NCLEX pass rate has been evaluated.

These 2 reasons alone are 2 major reasons to go to another school. I know that there are community colleges with nursing programs that have good reputations.

I suggest you looked at all the community colleges with ADN programs?

You can also take basic classes at a community college and transfer to either GCU or ASU.

Why are you specifically looking at private school?

GCU is a private university, Southern Baptist owned.

Mellizza, BSN · Sep 19, 2015

I just don't like the long wait they have in community colleges. I want to get at least my associates as soon as I can.

sailornurse · Sep 19, 2015

Arizona College only lists a BSN, does not look like they have associated in nursing. What is the wait time for community colleges? Have you taken the prerequisite courses? Are you a CNA? What steps have you taken to get your nursing career moving.

Which community colleges have you talked to or visited?

You felt that Arizona college is "good"? What criteria are you using to make this observation?

What about the cost of $82,000? How will you pay for this if you decide to attend here?

Mellizza, BSN · Sep 19, 2015

Yeah, I am a CNA and have taken all of the prerequisites. I only need to pass Hesi to apply to Mesa Community College nursing program, which they have 2-4 semester waiting list.

I've also heard that some community colleges have LPN-RN transition program. I am considering that as well to at least earn a little more while in school to get my associates.

I think Arizona College is good because it's easy to get into the program and because I can get my BSN in 3 years or maybe less since I have taken most of the prerequisites. I know I shouldn't base my decision into that, that's why I want to see if there is any private school that I should check out, but it seems like someone have bad experience in other schools that I'm considering to get into.

I'll have to get student loan if I decided to go for private school. I know that's a lot of debt but again I want a good school so I know it is worth it.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2015

I think Arizona College is good because it's easy to get into the program and because I can get my BSN in 3 years or maybe less since I have taken most of the prerequisites. I know I shouldn't base my decision into that, that's why I want to see if there is any private school that I should check out, but it seems like someone have bad experience in other schools that I'm considering to get into.
I'll have to get student loan if I decided to go for private school. I know that's a lot of debt but again I want a good school so I know it is worth it.

"Easy to get into" is NOT a criteria usually associated with a good school. In fact it's usually quite the opposite. A good school does not want to waste it's resources on students that will not successfully complete the program. They want students that have demonstrated competency in basic sciences either by requiring a minimal GPA or score on a standardized test (TEAS or HESI)

An expensive for-profit school will take your money up front and not really care how you intend to make your astronomical student loan payments if you don't complete the program and can't work as an RN. Even if you do get through and become an RN the debt load will be crushing for decades to come, preventing you from having a new car, buying a house or starting a family. Student loan debt does not go away if you file for bankruptcy either.

Yowza! This for-profit school is a money pit. The three year BSN is quoted as costing $84,997 assuming normal time to complete. Less than 10 students completed the program in 2013-2014.

Keep researching. You can do better.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Sep 20, 2015

$80K for a BSN.....way too much for tuition. There are some good private schools out there but you want to make sure that they are accredited and that their classes will transfer to another college if you choose to further your education or you may end up starting from scratch. Also, employers like the VA want specific national accreditation present when you graduate from that college. Do not trust the school's word for it, check with the actual accrediting agency for verification. I know your anxious to get started but you want a quality education that will help you pass your NCLEX and gain employment afterwards

Mrs.Bookworm · Sep 23, 2015

Just wanted to chime in on the community college wait has gone down and if you are open to more than one campus that also helps to possibly shorten your wait. They also have the CEP option that allows you to get your BSN at the same time for way less than 80k.