Which program do I choose?

[bpusicu]

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.

[happypedsRN]

I would pick ucla. If you have nursing or medical experience it wont really matter which you choose. But with none, debt is irrevelent in this economy for nurses. Better to go to a more well known school and pay more to be marketable after you graduate since its so hard to find any nurse job masters prepared or not. Especially in Ca. Good luck

[yelnikmcwawa]

But pick CSULB if you want to become n NP! The two programs are different...one gets you an NP license and the other just a Master's. They're both good state schools and so name recognition is not an issue in this scenario. It all depends on your career goals. If you really want to be an NP, then go with that program because 3 years to get a Nursing degree and NP license is excellent!

[RNHeatherLA]

Well I can't answer your questions about what HR is looking for and all that, but I can offer input since I was in the CSULB ELM program.. I actually quit after getting my BSN last December and decided not to go on to the Master's portion, after MUCH deliberation. I just wanted to work as an RN for a few years before getting an advanced degree and it's impossible to get a job as a new grad while in school.

I think the ELM program is pretty good considering it's only had 4 groups so far, but I personally felt like it was a little disorganized at times. I loved about 2/3 of my teachers and hated 1/3 of them... A couple classes I learned absolutely nothing and were pointless. The pace of the program is very fast, but doable. If you want to become an NP, you should go to CSULB. They have many different NP options. I don't know if you get a BSN in UCLA's program, but I like that CSULB gives you a BSN too, unlike some entry-level master's programs. CSULB just got a new nursing building, which I have heard is very nice... It was finished right before I left so I never got to use it!

I'm not sure how UCLA's program is, but since it's more expensive and a bigger school and attached to an amazing teaching hospital, I would assume it's better. If I had the choice, I would definitely go to UCLA! It will probably help you get a job at UCLA medical center since you will most likely do a lot of clinicals there.

If you have any more questions, you can PM me!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Moved to the post-grad forum (vs. the GN forum) to encourage responses.

[bpusicu]

thank you for your insight. i guess it's difficult for me to assess. i've worked indirectly with an NP and have talked to others about their jobs. the opportunity to work as an NP seems great. i currently work as a floor staff, so i i've gotten to see some great aspects of bedside nursing. it seems NP, might open new opportunities for getting involved in the research aspects of nursing that the nurse generalist (Clinical Nursing Leader) program at UCLA might not afford me. It would be awesome if UCLA had the NP program- then problem solved.

If you don't mind, i will be bombarding you with questions about the csulb program. I think that might be the avenue i ultimately take. I've got a few days to decide.

Thanks again for the info! awesome!

[Malefocker, BSN, RN]

Just curious which school did you decide on?

[bpusicu]

i went with long beach. while i think i'll enjoy bedside nursing, i thought the opportunity to earn an NP or other advanced practice cert will perhaps make me more attractive to hiring staff (or maybe not). better income, perhaps more job opportunities, and maybe the possibility to combine my previous discipline with nursing were the main reasons i went for the adv prac program at csulb. ucla seems to be an exceptional program, but it was significantly more costly. as it is i'm trying to keep student loans for this program down to a minimum. cheers!

[Malefocker, BSN, RN]

That is awesome! I also am starting at CSULB ELM program in the fall I got accepted into a couple different schools and ultimately chose CSULB for the same reasons you did... if you search on FB you can find our group if you are not already a part of it! See you in a couple of weeks.... it's under elm 1212E I believe!

[bpusicu]

dude! who is this? i probably already know you! small world.

[ba15mommy]

bpusicu-

I am curious. What were your stats? I am looking to take the Entry Level route, but I am only a freshman so I am still actively researching and preparing myself..

Thank you.