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Do employers look at what college you went to when hiring?
Do certain colleges look better on resumes than others for nursing?
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7 answers
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Due to pandemic there is shortage of nurses across the board especially in the states in the midwest (Montana, Idaho, Dakotas, etc.)
If you pass Nursing undergraduate degree with a respectable GPA and pass the board exams in the state where you want to work to become RN - you will have least path of resistance no matter where you went to school.
However, if you went to Penn or Harvard or any well known Ivy league university- you will get red carpet treatment.
If you pass Nursing undergraduate degree with a respectable GPA and pass the board exams in the state where you want to work to become RN - you will have least path of resistance no matter where you went to school.
However, if you went to Penn or Harvard or any well known Ivy league university- you will get red carpet treatment.
Thank you so much for this answer, I really appreciate it. I do have another question though, can you only work as a nurse in the state where you passed your board? Is a nursing license state based?
Katherine
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The answer to your question varies from employer to employer. There are many factors that can influence how much emphasis they place on this. And frankly, it may vary from hiring manager to hiring manager within an organization. My suggestion to you is to research the organization as much as possible to learn about their culture and try to connect with a current employee who may be willing to share insights on the hiring practices. I would also use a cover letter when applying if possible. Your first hurdle is to get past the HR rep who is screening lots of applicants. Try to show in your cover letter that you have researched the employer and communicate a sincere interest in working there. For example, if they have some community involvement info or mention a strategic plan on their website, you can say in your cover letter something like :” in researching your organization I saw that your strategic plan included large expansion over the next five years. That’s is exciting to learn and I would be honored to part of such a successful organization and contribute to your aggressive growth plans”.
Updated
Lance’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
I hate to give this answer, but yes and no. It depends on the schools. A school with more prestige can be seen by some as better education. From my past experience, a nurse with their education was seen in a higher light if it came from a larger university than a specific nursing school. However, with nursing, there is a high enough demand that anyone qualified is in demand, so school is not as important as maybe in the past. Plus, at the end of the day, it is about your skill versus the paper you earned. Another time schooling may help (although it should not determine where you go) is if a manager has an opinion on that specific school, such as alumnus tend to help each other out. Unless there is a specific school where that might happen in your area, I would not consider that factor. Hope this helps.
Lance
I hate to give this answer, but yes and no. It depends on the schools. A school with more prestige can be seen by some as better education. From my past experience, a nurse with their education was seen in a higher light if it came from a larger university than a specific nursing school. However, with nursing, there is a high enough demand that anyone qualified is in demand, so school is not as important as maybe in the past. Plus, at the end of the day, it is about your skill versus the paper you earned. Another time schooling may help (although it should not determine where you go) is if a manager has an opinion on that specific school, such as alumnus tend to help each other out. Unless there is a specific school where that might happen in your area, I would not consider that factor. Hope this helps.
Lance
Updated
Laura’s Answer
In my experience, no they do not. My nursing education was through the USAF and I was able to challenge the CA Board of Nursing. My BS and MBA were both from an online university and although initially, I was concerned about employers not seeing me as credible as candidates from a more traditional university, it has never even been a question.
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
It depends on the company and type of role you are looking for when you are applying. Some colleges/universities are known for specific programs, and some companies will review those or target their search to those universities due to the skills that come from the program there.
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Jamaal’s Answer
Yes they look at what school you attended, however; it is equally important that you have the actual experience.
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Lisa’s Answer
Yes, some do, depending on the industry. But I wouldn’t necessarily change your decision-making process about where to go based on that. There will always be some degree of unfair elitism favoring ivy league education, but by and large hiring managers want to hire the candidate with the best chance of being able to add immediate business value to their company. That means someone with the skills, experience, and passion in the area needed. My advice would be to choose the school that feels like the best overall fit for your education, and study something that you’re truly excited about. Best wishes on your journey!