Who Has the Best Accelerated BSN Program in Philadelphia?

[smariej14]

Hi,

I'm a recent college grad (BA in Anthropology) and am currently taking pre-reqs so that I can enroll in an accelerated BSN program here in Philadelphia. I was wondering if anyone could offer information on the following accelerated programs:

Drexel ACE

Jefferson FACT

UPenn Accelerated BSN

I've heard alot of "chatter" through the grapevine about all of these programs, but mostly from non Nurses and I'm looking for some concrete, valid opinions.

Thanks!

[blueberrimuffins]

I agree with the above message. Penn was pretty challenging and time consuming, and I found it tough even with no dependents to support. However, I still did have time to volunteer and hold a part-time job working 10-15 hrs/week, so maybe that can give you a little bit of a gauge. The 2 summers that you do as part of the program are definitely a lot more time consuming than the regular spring and fall semesters.

I definitely think you could handle it though, with the right support figures in your life to help you during the busy periods.

[naany]

Hi ,

i have applied for eastern university BSN2 program. Have you started your classses? I m curious to know about this program.

[fayemotuy]

Hey all

Has the OP decided where to go?

On the ACE PROGRAM..

Someone mentioned that we do 3 rotations each quarter--that is right. Sometimes, I get the institutional policies mixed up. For example: a med room password.. I'd go to clinical 1 and start punching in clinical 2s code, while thinking, "why isn't it working?!?!" Llittle things like that I get mixed up. In this program, we go through all specialties for clinical where as some schools don't (as long as our hours match up) We are essentially doing the same amount of clinical hours as someone in a 2 year program.

If I were do do it over again, I would choose a lengthier program. For 2nd degree students, why rush? If you have some money saved up or able to get some good scholarships and loans, then there is no need to rush (nursing will be around..). What's way worse than taking your time is rushing and risk messing up. Here is something I did NOT know before coming here: that if you fail a class, you have to wait 6 months before you can continue. Also, If you do not pass the final HESI, you have to take a summer class to pass it again. So your 11 months could turn into an 18 month program.

If money is an issue....The way I see it--the faster I finish, the sooner I have to pay back my loans... and job prospects are fewer this year than former years (when my cousin graduated 5 years ago, she had several job offers before even graduating!) So, choosing a lengthier "accelerated" program would have been my choice done over again.

[fayemotuy]

Here is something I did NOT know before coming here: that if you fail a class, you have to wait 6 months before you can continue. Also, If you do not pass the final HESI, you have to take a summer class to pass it again.

I want to make a correction to my former post. The fact right now is that if you do not pass your final comprehensive HESI the SECOND time you take the test, you have to enroll in a class to remediate for it then take the test again. The TIME at which you might need to take this class depends on whether you started in the Fall or Spring.

Just wanted to clarify and not want to misinform anyone!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I'm in the ACE program and will be graduating in September. There's a ton of info on the PA Nursing Program board and I've written several pretty detailed posts about the program (that's also where you might want to look for info on the other programs- I think there are a couple of threads that talk about the different programs, and definitely look up the threads on St. Joseph's program too). Also check out August Rain's post history on the ACE program- her advice was exceptionally helpful to me.

I hear a lot of good things about the reputation of graduates from Drexel. We're well liked, and not just in the immediate region. It's a very challenging program; my class lost about a third after 2nd quarter (many are back with to repeat a class and continue on, and a few transferred elsewhere) which is a bit higher than usual. It's the easiest application of the three, which I think accounts for a good portion of the attrition.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I'm in the ACE program ... It's the easiest application of the three, which I think accounts for a good portion of the attrition.

I am currently waiting an admissions decision for ACE. I was very surprised at how easy the application is, and that they only take grades into consideration. I literally completed the application while I ate dinner one evening. ... No LORs, no entrance exams, no essay! Not even an application fee if you apply online. All my other ABSN applications are much more involved. Not surprised with the ACE attrition rate, since grades alone don't weed out the candidates who won't be able to handle the 11-month curriculum. But the proof is in the pudding that it is a good program when you hear of their fine clinical reputations and consistently high NCLEX pass rate.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

moved thread to the pa nursing programs discussion as specific to pa.