Would you hire an MUSC grad over anyone else?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am wondering how true of a statement this is. I am in a nursing program that is not MUSC, and I was recently told by someone in the medical field that by having a degree from MUSC (we were talking exclusively about nursing jobs), someone would be hired ANYWHERE in the country and be put on top of the list of candidates. I understand completely that that could apply in the state of South Carolina, but I was utterly gobsmacked to be told that this University has that kind of far reaching prowess and regard in other parts of the U.S.. I mean, before I even moved here I had never heard of it. My question to other nurses out there is if you have heard of MUSC in other states, or if you have done hiring if you would agree with this statement? I am trying to get a feel for rough the job outlook will be for me when I graduate next year and every new hire position is autosaved for MUSC RNs. For the record, I am more than able and willing to relocate for a job, but deeply enjoy the Charleston area.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Never heard of 'em

Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
It's a state university so I doubt it. I don't even know if SC has a level 1 trauma center. I just looked it up. MUSC got their level 1 designation in 2012. Not a lot of great medical facilities there. Not when you have Charlotte, Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham all within a quick helicopter ride if need be.

Um, Yes, SC has a level 1 trauma center. Several of them in fact. We are not that backwards. As a matter of fact, MUSC is the level 1 for the low country. And btw: spartanburg regional Hospital is a level one and is a very good hospital. We get pts flown in from Gastonia. There are some great medical facilities in SC

ETA: When I was accepted to MUSC, it cost $15,000 a semester for 3 semesters.

Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.

Nope. When I lived in the Lowcountry, I was accepted into MUSC's nursing program. (I moved before I could start) Speaking with friends and co-workers of my husband, Trident nurses were thought to have better clinical experience and were more likely to "hit the floor running". I live in the Upstate and USC, USC Upstate, SCC and Greenville Tech are preferred over MUSC. I think a huge part of that is that USC has a reputation of graduating good nurses and the managers of the various units can see first hand the students of USC-Upstate, SCC and G'ville Tech.

Never heard of the school. As another poster mentioned, the name of the school typically only matters locally. Sounds like someone is trying to impress upon you, the grand importance of their educational institution. Too bad I'm less than impressed and you'll find most places outside of your local area won't be impressed either.

So, I'm thinking the answer is a resounding NO!

Thank you all for such quick responses! I have been told this same story from multiple local nurses, dentists, EMTs, etc. that MUSC is the gold standard and I am wasting my time for even considering another program. It is good to hear from a greater diversity of people that this self perpetuated myth doesn't hold water.

Specializes in med-surg, detox,peds, infusions.

I have been trying to decide how big a name I need on my degree as a DNP. I began applying at Bradley University, but now I'm concerned because they are unknown outside of IL. Where could I find further info on this topic?

I've only heard of MUSC because they are in like the top 3 graduate nursing programs in US News and World Report.

Specializes in School Nursing, Hospice,Med-Surg.

I've lived in several southern states and only know MUSC because I vacation in Charleston every spring. Nursing programs are known regionally and not nationally.

The above poster is correct that MUSC and Trident and typically the known schools for the lowcountry SC area. Upstate employers are attracted to USC, USC Upstate and Greenville Tech grads. When I graduated from Upstate 16 years ago the shortage was in full swing and we all were immediately hired at graduation. I had a job lined up prior to passing the NCLEX. Clemson grads were (at that time) considered more "book smart" than clinically smart and had a more difficult time acclimating to the unit. Perhaps this has changed..I no longer live in SC.

During my time living in the southeast and southwest, I can assure you that no one there has heard of MUSC.

Specializes in Med/Surg.
I was recently told by someone in the medical field that by having a degree from MUSC (we were talking exclusively about nursing jobs), someone would be hired ANYWHERE in the country and be put on top of the list of candidates.

Was this person a MUSC recruiter? :laugh: I've never heard of this school. As another poster said, nursing programs are known regionally and not nationally. I kind of have secondary embarrassment for these people who tout that their local program automatically makes them more desirable candidates over any other graduates in the country. Sounds like they need a reality check and slice of humble pie.

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
Um, Yes, SC has a level 1 trauma center. Several of them in fact.
4 to be exact. In the state.

I live in the Raleigh-Durham area and we have 3 in a 25 mile radius.

I was not trying to disparage SC, I love it there. It has a very special place in my heart. I just know that a lot of the people I know that had complicated cases traveled to Atlanta or Duke for their care.

Specializes in Occ. Hlth, Education, ICU, Med-Surg.

Not true in Delaware

In law or business, a degree from a top 25 school is imperative.

Even that's not true. DH has a degree in Finance from a state school in Texas that probably wouldn't even make the top 5 list here, but he and MANY of his former college classmates have had very successful careers in business. Off the top of my head, I can only think of one who even has an MBA. In some fields and regions, yes, school is very important, but here in Texas, you can certainly succeed in business without a top 25 degree, or even the almighty MBA.

OP, I've never heard of that school.

+ Add a Comment