I am applying to nursing schools, and I am wondering if I should consider a school like Galen College of Nursing, which isn't accredited by the same foundation as other more "legit" schools. I do know people who have gone to schools like Galen, who have jobs and who didn't have any trouble getting jobs.
I'm just wondering what the drawbacks of graduating from one of these schools are, if any. Do you think I should go for it?
There are no pre-requisites or waiting lists, and the degree is completed much more quickly. I don't know if there's a reason for that though, that should hinder me from considering a school like this.
Thank you!
Thanks Ladies!
You never steer me wrong. I appreciate all of your answers! Riley, I always find your responses especially helpful, so thank you for all the time and thought you put into them on such a consistent basis. I am adopting you as my mother, just so you know.
We never hire nurses from non accredited schools. Sorry but the liabilities are high enough without employing untrained nurses. No amount of savings in wage is worth that.
In some states you cannot even be licensed if the program isn't accredited!
There are no shortcuts! Take the prereq's and apply to an accredited program! Don't waste your money and time.
But what did they "get" ?
Their CNA ... 20k per year
or their LPN...40k per year
or their RN ... 60k per year
or their BSRN .... 75k per year
There are MANY levels of nursing (Im not even listing the 5th year specialties, masters, or doctorate levels).
Which is part II
In order to 5th year (specialize in Peds, midwifery, surgery, etc.). One FIRST needs their BSRN (lots of RNs go back to school for 2 years on top of working full time to get that), then their specialty. And if you want even better pay, jobs, etc... Its masters time. Which means needing that BS. and then more school.
An RN program is 4.5 years of school. (Including lag year)
A BSRN program is 5 years of school. (ditto)
An RN-BSRN program is
4.5 + 2 years. = 6 years
An LPN-RN-BSRN is
2+4.5+2 years = 8.5 years
A CNA-LPN-RN-BSRN is
1+2+4.5+2 = 9.5 years
Except no one goes to school straight through. Those 8.5 ' 9.5 year paths? Are usually spread out over 20 years.
The FASTEST way to your BSRN is that 5 year initial push.
Adding in CNA & LPN years? Just adds on even more time.
A barista makes $9 an hour.
So does a CNA.
A HUC makes $12 an hour
So does an LPN
These unaccredited programs, and CNA/LPN programs are avoided by most people who don't want to waste years in school, or being paid what a barista makes. So they get the barista or HUC job (no schooling required) while they're IN school getting their RN or BSRN.
So they're only making peanuts while IN school for 5 years.
Instead of making peanuts for 20+ years.
________
So the CATCH is time and money.
Spend 2 years
Save 20 years
Makes hundreds of thousands more over those years
http://www.ehow.com/info_###-###-####_difference-school-a...
Read it CAREFULLY. It gives good explanations AND good warnings.
Dawn
I have several nieces & friends who've been thru the process. Consistently the RNs from state universities score better jobs quicker. 2 of my nieces went thru community college programs & spent almost a full year searching for job offers. In the end, one of them had to settle for a nursing home slot & she hates that her job does not provide the same income/benefits as her other RN friends.
All of these young ladies are in a major city, & all had similar backgrounds both in experience & testing. The only difference was the school they came from. I now recommend RN thru university only. :) Good Luck!
