Which Program is best for me? JHU/MD/Towson?

U.S.A. Maryland

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Hello all. First let me say that this forum is so helpful. Ive been reading posts on there for a while and have learned a great deal.

I am currently taking my pre-reqs right now at a CC and I am planning on applying to a BSN program at JHU, UMD, and Towson perhaps in hopes to start in the fall of 2009 (maybe spring 2009 if possible). I would be a second bachelor student seeking a career change. My question is, assuming that I would even get into these great programs, would it be worth it to go to JHU over say Towson for a BSN? I am already in debt from my first bachelor's degree and right now, im a bit weary to add onto that debt. Financing my way through college by myself has been very difficult and I dont want to dig a deeper hole. However, if a BSN from JHU will afford me an education that is that much better, I may be willing to just take out more loans:bugeyes:. Is the education/opportunities/experience that much better at JHU/UMD than say Towson or Salisbury? Also, how generous are private schools like JHU with scholarship/grants? What are the variables - ei. do they consider that I am from a lower socio-economic background, gender, race, finances, etc?

Thanks for the info.

That's good news admission wise at GTown. They sound similar to JHU in that they are interested in more of the whole person and what they bring to the table, as opposed to just grades.

Does that mean that they fudge a bit from what their web site states? GTown's web site said that for Second degree BSN the minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0 and for the Direct Entry it is 3.2. Also, isn't the cost of attendance something like 50k a year? I'm sorry, I don't mean that to be personal information but without sigificant scholarships (which require a high GPA, typically.) that kind of education is out of reach for most. I have heard people say that you will get more aid from private institutions but how much is more, relative to the cost of attendance? My concern is ultimately, what do I have to pay off in a couple years when I am only bringing home 50-70k max? Becoming a nurse is a secure job prospect but not one I think you choose when making a lot of money is your goal.

Please don't think I am attacking you or your choices. I hope that this doesn't sound that way. I still wish that reality wasn't reality sometimes.:mad:

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I agree with you completely! If there had been a more frugal way to get though nursing school quickly I would have done it! I took several classes at community colleges and found that I got a just as good, if not better, education there then at the big-name, private schools.

G-town ends up being $60K for the 16-month 2nd degree program - but at least it's quick. Many scholarships are not available for 2nd Degree folks - since we already have a degree the schools and scholarship programs treat us differently and say that we are not eligible.

It's just nice to know that there are plenty of options and we should explore all of them before committing so much time and resources.

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Specializes in SRNA.
Also, does anyone think that taking my prereqs at a community college will be disadvantageous for admissions to good nursing programs? My first bachelors degree was from a good research university (that cost me a lot of money). Im trying to keep costs down by just doing my pre-reqs at a CC, but am concerned about whether this will be looked down upon. Thoughts?

I will be starting the BSN/MSN program at JHU in the fall and as I had already graduated in 2004 with my BA and had been out of school, I took all of my pre-reqs at a community college (in California). CC courses are not a disadvantage during the application process, just be sure to do well in them, wherever you happen to take them! ;)

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

Let me just say that I'm in the traditional BSN program at Towson and can try to answer any questions you've got. I love the program I'm in!

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hi!

i graduated from UMB's accelerated BSN program. it's a great program but tough. i chose it over jhu b/c of $$.

i think the new CNL program sounds great for 2nd degree students! I think it will give you the same foundation as the standard BSN program that's needed for a new nurse but will also make you stand out when you apply for jobs b/c of the leadership skills you are supposed to have learned ;)

good luck!

any program you choose will be good - umb, jhu, towson - i think it is what you make it!! and any cc classes you take will more than help!

my best advice is not necessarily where you go but once you're there - do an externship somewhere. it will give you some experience (which will also get your foot in the door - esp places that dont always accept newbies, like, icu, ed, etc) and often times they will pay for school.

Again good luck. it sounds like you're already off to a good start!!

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I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it yet, but the second degree CNL program does have one significant advantage...grants. You would not be eligible for grants for a second bachelors but you will for the direct entry masters.

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I went Salisbury's 2nd degree program. Its not hard to get into (I had a 3.1 B.S. Med Tech) and its a decent program and inexpensive ($3200 in state/semester--3 semesters to graduate) to be honest with you its suprisingly tough too (the SU med tech grads are idiots so I didn't think the nursing program would be hard at all). If you grad from SU you can get automatically get into the masters RN practioner program if you have a 2.75 or better at graduation.

The only bad thing I have to say about SU is that while the campus is nice the town is an absoulte dump. It has all the crime and drugs of Baltimore w/o any of the good things that comes with living in the city.

Unless you want to further your ed (Perfusion tech, CRNA etc) don't go to Hopkins unless you are independently wealthy. Trust me there wont be much difference between Towson and UMDs program than Hopkins except for the fact Hopkins is 3X the money.

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hi!

i graduated from UMB's accelerated BSN program. it's a great program but tough. i chose it over jhu b/c of $$.

i think the new CNL program sounds great for 2nd degree students! I think it will give you the same foundation as the standard BSN program that's needed for a new nurse but will also make you stand out when you apply for jobs b/c of the leadership skills you are supposed to have learned ;)

good luck!

any program you choose will be good - umb, jhu, towson - i think it is what you make it!! and any cc classes you take will more than help!

my best advice is not necessarily where you go but once you're there - do an externship somewhere. it will give you some experience (which will also get your foot in the door - esp places that dont always accept newbies, like, icu, ed, etc) and often times they will pay for school.

Again good luck. it sounds like you're already off to a good start!!

One thing i just realized is that now that UM's second bachelor's degree program has now been more or less transformed into the CNL program...the school might now be charging more since its a master's level degree! The trouble is, the pay with the degree isn't at the masters level. So they'd be charging $450/credit for in state with all the other charges. It might make JHU's accelerated program more attractive since although it costs more, it is shorter and it seems as if the CNL is still not really recognized much outside of the MD area.

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