Which is the better program?

al7139, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2008

Hi

All I can tell you is my personal experience. I am a proud TCC Nursing School Grad (Class of 2007).

I started at TCC and did my prereqs as well as all other classes required by the nursing school before I got in.

All I know is that at TCC what is required is on their curriculum for the nursing program.

I have heard (but cannot say for sure) that the prereqs for Sentara and ODU are more than for the TCC program.

I DO know that ODU only offers a BSN in nursing so you are in school longer if you start there and nursing is your major.

Also, if you are local, TCC is cheaper than the other schools in the area.

TCC is a good school, and their nursing program is great. It is hard, but worth it.

You can go on after graduating from TCC to get your BSN at ODU, and they offer online courses that allow you to still hold a full time job while in school, and they consider your work experience towards your degree.

Hope this helps!

Amy

Katie1971 · Nov 9, 2008

Hi Amy...

Thanks so much for the reply.... that's exactly the info I was looking for.... I haven't heard too much about any of the programs but will stick with TCC and then do the online toward my BSN.... I have to work while I work toward that.

Where did you end up getting a job after graduation? Is it what you expected it to be?

Glad to see other people my age just getting their degrees and such.

Thanks so much!!

iluvmysailor · Nov 9, 2008

I agree! I'd at least start at TCC to get those prereqs done - it's so much cheaper! ODU's program is four years. If you go to TCC for prereqs, you can apply for the accelerated program which is 2 and half years and you'll have you BSN. TCC is nothing to sneeze at - but it's a long waiting list. I don't know much about Sentara's program. I'm looking into MCI - it's more expensive, but I don't have to wait until next fall to start and it's accelerated (meaning it's shorter, not that it's more academically advanced). Being a navy wife with a move in future, I need to be able to finish in a certain amount of time. Good luck!

tessa45 · Nov 10, 2008

Here is what I know about the programs you are talking about. All three programs have different prerequisites. So you really need to narrow it down to the program you want to try and get into. Then take the prereqs for that program. Community college is far less expensive than the others, but it has much less clinical time than hospital programs. So keep that in mind. I have been to the open house at Sentara and their program sounds really good. They offer lots of financial assistance, but not everyone qualifies. They offer more clinical than any college would offer. I have talked to ODU admissions and here is what they had to say about their nursing program. It is really hard to get into. The head of the dept. told me they receive about 300 qualified applicants but only have 80 slots. If you are not getting A's in chemistry and anatomy you won't stand a chance. She then told me that when students did not get in they send them to Sentara to apply. It is far easier to get your RN and then get your BSN at ODU. This has been my experience. Overall, they are all great programs. Riverside Hospital also has a great program if you are on the peninsula. Good luck with your decision. But the biggest thing to remember is that they ALL have different prerequisites!