When Choosing A College For Nursing, Does The Pay Really Reflect The School You Have Chosen To Attend?
Nov.25, 2009 in
College Selection
I am choosing between a community college right now and a state school. Want to make the right decision and was wondering if the pay as an RN was much different depending on the school you attend? Thanks
November 25th, 2009 at 9:41 am
No, it really doesn’t. As long as you pass the state boards after you graduate, you are equally competitive as any other RN just starting out. It would be a good idea to ask what the school’s pass rate is though.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:41 am
The pay as an RN is dependent on a couple of things. First, you will get paid more if you get a BSN rather than an ASN. Second, you will get paid more if you work in a large city or a teaching hospital. Third, you will get paid more if you choose a more difficult specialty (especially one that requires ACLS and PALS certification).
You will get the jobs that pay more if you go to a state school, but you also need to take into consideration that it will take you two years longer to finish. These are years you could be making money as an RN. Also, the hospital you choose to work at may offer tuition reimbursement if you wanted to get a BSN later. If you will REALLY go back to school, then an Associate’s degree may be for you. If not, I’d recommend doing it all at once in a four year bachelor’s program at a state school. Hope this helps!