Which ABSN program to choose? Any help/

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Hi everyone!

I was accepted into my dream ABSN program, Johns Hopkins. I was supposed to start this past fall, but due to identity theft problems/not working full-time while finishing my first degree, couldn't find the loans.

I'm HOPING things will work out better. I'd like to be back in school by January.

Here's my question. Which ABSN program to go to? I know ultimately it's my decision, and I have to make it myself, but I'd love to hear from CRNAs, pre-CRNAs, especially those who might have attended these schools.

Will the Hopkins name mean anymore than my state University when it comes time to apply to CRNA school (Someone had mentioned in Accepted Students Day that I would be automatically granted a seat in UMAB's program).

Another program that I'm REALLY interested in is Drexel's ACE program. I like that it's a year and technology-focused. I am worried that it is under a year. Although I've been a straight-A student, I hear grades go down the toilet because of the intensity of the program.

My other option is to stay in-state and attend Louisiana State University in New Orleans. The definite pro here is cost. I'd probably have little out-of-pocket cost outside of rent and living expenses.

Hopkins would be two years.

Drexel would be eleven months.

LSU would be two years.

[There's also University of South Alabama, which is 13 months, but it's about the same cost as Drexel. Only pro here is two added months, and closer to home]

(I'm turning 29 this summer)

I'd REALLY appreciate any info and advice you guys can give me. At this point, I don't think I'll ever be able to make a decision. I know that when I ask nursing friends/acquaintances, most tell me that the school name doesn't matter and to take the program that will get me out and working as fast as possible. However, they say that they don't know as far as CRNA goes.

Thank you thank you THANK YOU guys! :redbeathe :redbeathe

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Specializes in SRNA.

I don't really think school names matters at all when it comes to NA school admissions.

BTW - I did the Drexel ACE program and it is *not* 11 months long on the calendar. It's 11 months if you *don't* count the quarter breaks. It's a marketing thing. It's really 13 months long. Still very fast. I wouldn't really call it "technology focused." You will be required to own a PDA and have one Nurse Informatics class.

-S

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Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

The hopkins name is nice, but the tuition bill is killer. As a former marylander here (Living in texas while in crna school) the hopkins name is just that and will not "automatically" grant you a seat at UMAB. I am VERY familiar with the UMAB program and it is very competative as it is the only nonmilitary crna program in the state. The hopkins name is good, but that is what you are paying for with them, the name. If saying you are a hopkins grad will give you a confidence boost in an interview, pay the money, but be clear- It will not get you a guaranteed acceptance anywhere. Your backround, experience, grades/gre, and temperment will be the keys to your success. Whichever school you choose the end is the same, a BSN. You will want to be more selective of your first place of employment, and you can find advice on this crucial decision elsewhere on this board. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Oncology, Research.

If you have dreams of working for the feds, or biotech, or getting an advanced degree, definitely Hopkins. Otherwise, I have found, surprisingly, many people in hospital management don't even know where or what it is. Having the name behind me has opened doors for me in the drug research industry. But as I said, it didn't mean a lick in the hospital. If you can't find the funds to go name brand, I would say go to a state school or someplace without wallet-busting tuition.

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Thanks SO much for replying, piper!! I recently came back to AllNurses, and when I searched Drexel Ace, saw your posts from when you were there, and followed it up to your acceptance in CRNA school. Congrats!! :monkeydance:

Would you do Drexel again? Do you think it's better to "get in and get out," or go with the two-year to concentrate on my grades? I know you got great grades in the program, but would you say that's the exception and not the norm with the ACE program?

I REALLY appreciate your time, patience and wisdom! :thankya: :bowingpur

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The hopkins name is nice, but the tuition bill is killer. As a former marylander here (Living in texas while in crna school) the hopkins name is just that and will not "automatically" grant you a seat at UMAB. I am VERY familiar with the UMAB program and it is very competative as it is the only nonmilitary crna program in the state. The hopkins name is good, but that is what you are paying for with them, the name. If saying you are a hopkins grad will give you a confidence boost in an interview, pay the money, but be clear- It will not get you a guaranteed acceptance anywhere. Your backround, experience, grades/gre, and temperment will be the keys to your success. Whichever school you choose the end is the same, a BSN. You will want to be more selective of your first place of employment, and you can find advice on this crucial decision elsewhere on this board. Hope this helps!

Hi ready4crna!

Yes, you have helped more than you know!! Thank you SO much for the clarification!!:heartbeat

When I went to Accepted Students Day at Hopkins, there was a panel forum. One person said they would be starting UMAB's CRNA program that fall, and that there was an arrangement between the two schools. I can't believe no one corrected this person!

Congrats on getting in and going through CRNA school!! I wish you the best of luck!! :balloons:

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Specializes in SRNA.

Thanks.

Would I do it again? I *hated* it but it was over in just over one year. So ... I'd probably do it again. Only a very small minority had above a 3.5 - but I think that is true of any program - accelerated or not. About 25% failed out, which might actually be lower than the norm in nursing programs from what I'm told - don't really know.

The truth is that you have to do what is right for you, what will work for you. I am very goal-oriented so an accelerated program just made things more interesting.

-S

Thanks SO much for replying, piper!! I recently came back to AllNurses, and when I searched Drexel Ace, saw your posts from when you were there, and followed it up to your acceptance in CRNA school. Congrats!! :monkeydance:

Would you do Drexel again? Do you think it's better to "get in and get out," or go with the two-year to concentrate on my grades? I know you got great grades in the program, but would you say that's the exception and not the norm with the ACE program?

I REALLY appreciate your time, patience and wisdom! :thankya: :bowingpur

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If you have dreams of working for the feds, or biotech, or getting an advanced degree, definitely Hopkins. Otherwise, I have found, surprisingly, many people in hospital management don't even know where or what it is. Having the name behind me has opened doors for me in the drug research industry. But as I said, it didn't mean a lick in the hospital. If you can't find the funds to go name brand, I would say go to a state school or someplace without wallet-busting tuition.

Hi anc33!!

Thanks so much for the advice!

That's the awesome thing about nursing--there are so many fields and things to do. Drug research sounds very interesting.:smokin:

At this point, CRNA is definitely a goal for me. I've researched and talked to people. Of course, I want to actually spend some time shadowing to make sure it's for me.

Have a great day, guys! I REALLY do appreciate the help!

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Hi,

I went to Johns Hopkins accelerated program and did all my clinical rotations at Johns Hopkins Hospital, got into a SICU and was accepted to a top 10 anesthesia program as I completed 1 year of icu experience. Johns Hopkins education and clinicals helped me get into NA school and now in the third semester with a 4.0. Hence, got done with BSN in 13 months and got into anesthesia school, although it cost a lot of money up front, now i will enter the work profession a year earlier and cover the cost in 6 months. When you are competing with people who have average 6-10 years of experience, it helps where you went to school, your GPA and where you did your icu experience. Johns Hopkins number 1 hospital in the nation with one of the top nursing programs, ucla medical center, number 1 hospital in the west and number 5 in the nation, and Kaiser school of anesthesia, ranked 6th in the nation and the director is john nagelhout (more than 90% of the programs use his textbook). Also, look at the cost of tuition. Kaiser's program only costs a total of 20,000. The best thing to do is chose some programs and go in and talk to them and see what they have to say to improve your chances. Best of luck.

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Hi ICU2CRNA!!!

Thanks so much for everything and congrats on breezing through CRNA school! A 4.0 is amazing!!

Just realized today that Hopkins only admits students in the fall. I don't know if I could get the financial aid by this fall, and I really don't want to put off nursing school yet another year (I'd be doing the traditional 2-year option).

I'm just so lost you guys. It's like I finally figured out what I want to do with my life, but making so many mistakes in my past (not following up on identity theft among them) is holding me back. Plus the decision of one-year vs two year/in-state vs out-of-state is killing me.

Sorry for the vent. I have no idea what to do at this point. :uhoh21:

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