Finding the right nursing school can be a challenge. On top of the few things you know you want in a good nursing school, such as an affordable tuition and high NCLEX-RN pass rates, there are a slew of other important factors you didn’t know you didn’t know was important. For example, how many prerequisites are required? Can you start the program quickly, or is there going to be a waitlist?
To help you find the best nursing program that fits into your life, we have pulled together an accelerated BSN program comparison using a compilation of important data points to compare our second degree nursing program in New York against 32 other programs in the Mid-Atlantic region (which includes New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
The following is a breakdown of all the data used to compare each nursing program. Take a look at how these 33 programs compare.
Mid-Atlantic Accelerated BSN Program Comparison
The below schools, listed in alphabetical order, have been included in the Mid-Atlantic accelerated BSN program comparison.
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Program Cost
Paying for your nursing education can be a frightening prospect. Although any secondary or post-secondary education is bound to be pricey, it’s important to factor in cost into your decision.
Pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an investment in your future as a registered nurse. However, paying twice the money for an education that is comparable to other ABSN programs, or perhaps worse than other programs, can be detrimental. When comparing program costs, it’s important to also factor in NCLEX-RN pass rates and similar information, so you will know you are getting your money’s worth upon graduation.
Tuition ranges widely for ABSN programs at these colleges. The University of Pennsylvania is the most expensive at over $100,000. The ABSN programs at New York University, Molloy College, and Columbia University are also each over $75,000 in tuition. Conversely, public colleges like Edinboro University and New Jersey City College generally have the cheapest ABSN tuition. Utica College, along with several other schools, falls in the middle third in terms of ABSN program expenses.
Credit Hours, Program Length, and Number of Annual Starts
The amount of classes you have to complete and the length of time you have to complete these courses go hand in hand. If you are looking for an accelerated nursing program, chances are that you don’t want to have to wait any longer than necessary to start your new career as a registered nurse. Finding a school with multiple start dates also allow you to start education sooner.
On average, accelerated BSN programs last about 15 or 16 months- Utica College falls in line with this average with a 16 month ABSN program. Caldwell College, Eastern University, Molloy College, and Seton Hall University all have 24-month accelerated nursing programs. Although two years is significantly less time than a traditional four-year BSN program, these extra months can make a world of difference in your nursing career.
On the other hand, one program, Drexel University, takes only 11 months to complete, and an additional nine programs of the 33 in total take only 12 months. An ABSN program lasting only one year may seem too rushed and cause undue stress for some nursing students.
NCLEX Pass Rates
One of the most important factors that should be incorporated into your decision is the NCLEX pass rates for the schools you are considering. These rates are indicative of the success of the nursing program, so you won’t be wasting your time in a program that doesn’t prepare you to successfully pass the NCLEX and earn your nursing license.
The NCLEX-RN pass rate for the Utica College ABSN program is high at 96 percent. Concordia College also has a higher NCLEX pass rate at 89 percent, and so does the University of Rochester at 91 percent.
Consider all of your options when looking at a school with a lower NCLEX pass rate. Adelphi University, Caldwell College, and New Jersey City University all have pass rates below 70 percent.
National and Regional Rankings
Of the 33 schools that offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, 12 are nationally ranked by the US News and World Report.
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The Mid Atlantic colleges that have ABSN programs all fall within US News & World Report’s North region. Sixteen out of the remaining 21 Mid Atlantic schools that have ABSN programs are regionally ranked. Villanova University takes the number one regional ranking. Five of these Mid-Atlantic college do not receive a national or regional ranking, and Utica College places 120th for the North region.
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What's the Best Mid-Atlantic Region ABSN Program?
Although your decision should be based on what's important to you, our infographic may help you make this decision. Utica College's good tuition, multiple start dates, and short program length all combine to put it at the top of the list in the Mid-Atlantic region. Although the NCLEX pass rates are good for all BSN programs, Utica's New York ABSN program NCLEX pass rate is especially high at 96 percent.
Contact us today to learn more about Utica's Accelerated BSN program in New York and how you can become a nurse in just 16 months.
