NursingLink

I was in a similar position 20 plus years ago.  I chose the community college, but enrolled as Pre-RN.  During that time (15 month wait), I enrolled full time, and took as many classes as I could (Chem, English, Math, Micro, A& P, Psych) , I went full time not only during the fall and spring semester, but also during the summer preceding my RN program.  I also chose to take the 'higher level' classes.  Instead of a 'nursing chem' I took, college level Chemistry, etc etc....This allowed me to fully focus on my nursing program.  When my  nursing class started we had approx 100 people, by graduation, there was 41 of us.  I graduated and had NO DEBT.  I had a pell grant, and additionally I had a small VA benefit.

Go to the college and ask about FAFSA.  It's an AID application that applies you for federal grants, and offeres you a loan.  Also some hospitals, offer tuition assistance to staff, I knew a coupld of people that worked part time as CNA's to gain the tuition assistance.

does this post sound like someone who was "their best student"...really?  I attend the nursing program and I will be the first to admit there are problems, they are sincerely working on fixing them and MOST of our teachers are great and really care about making us successful.  As far as the area being "ghetto", well, if you need to be in a polished, perfect place for your educational needs, then its not the place for you. If you are a normal upper-lower-middle income individual who isn't afraid that people of different cultures are all out to get you, you can deal with the "ghetto".  Yes, you will in fact see different colored skin in this "ghetto" area.  Bottom line is that they are offering (at least the nursing program is) a program that is still available to get into, in a short period of time, that will get you an associates degree in nursing. The time you spend working while community college hopefuls are still waiting will make up (financially) for what you paid for your education.  Caveat, however: you do have to remember that their credits will only transfer to some schools - Grand Canyon University, Ottawa, etc., will accept them, but at this point the universities will not (in order to go on and get your Bachelor's degree).  So you young students need to think that through.  Hope this info is helpful. 

For profit nursing programs do provide education and are not in it for the money. Nursing programs are not money making vehicles. For profit institutions develop nursing programs because there is a huge need in the communities. The world of nursing problems is very complex. We have a nursing shortage. We have a limited amount of programs. In Arizona the opportunity to provide students with clinical experience is almost impossible. We have few instructors due to Universities and Institutions not wanting to pay a wage comparable to the bedside nurse wage. At least there are plenty of willing candidates who are trying to become a nurse.

Do your research when you are choosing a school. Check out the Board of Nursing website. Is the school on probation? If so, why? On average, how long do instructors stay at the institution? Check out their facility. Do they have a Simulation Lab? Where do they have contracts with hospitals? And finally what is their success rate with NCLEX? But know that that passing rate is only a reflection of the first time students take the exam. If you can talk to students who are currently enrolled that is always a good idea too. But remember, every nursing program, and every college for that matter, is going to have problems. Remember, you are paying for an education, not just a degree.

Arizona is a peculiar state in that the "for profit" is looked at negatively. Being from California, I find that odd. There are many colleges that are for profit that produce very successful graduates.