Which program do I choose?

bpusicu · Apr 28, 2011

I have been very fortunate to have been accepted into:

1) UCLA's Masters Entry-Level Clinical Nursing (MECN) program

2) CSU Long Beach Entry-Level Masters (ELM) program

Given these great opportunities I must now think very critically about the school I choose to attend.

Nursing symbolizes a career change for me. I was involved in Kinesiology (mainly research and teaching), and I loved it. A poor job market has inspired to try this new field. Having worked in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics, I now believe the nursing discipline is right for me.

Here's the problem. What school to choose?

UCLA (Pros): name recognition; superior facilities and likely great opportunities for research and networking; only a 2 year program

UCLA (Cons): more costly (approx 50k in fees/tuition); nurse generalist with Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

CSULB (Pros): cheaper (approx 40k in fees/tuition); advanced practice nurse (NP or CNS);

CSULB (Cons): perhaps less name recognition and facilities available; 3 year program

Both programs seem great, but as someone who has already been through "the system" of education and has acquired student loan debt in past programs, the greater promise of 1) flourishing job market; 2) income; 3) flexibility to maneuver within various subspecialties of nursing are the three major long-term qualities that will make or break the school that I choose.

I'd like to know specifically what human resources personell or hiring folk are looking for? the job outlook for nurse generalists vs advance practice? whether name recognition of graduating institution makes a difference?

I've looked into all of these things as unbiased as possible; however, I'm as lost now as I was then. I'd love to receive feedback from current nurses, students, hiring folk (e.g. HR), or anyone with a valid opinion that might be able to help shed light on my circumstances.

Much obliged,

Me.