[Agrippa]

Hello all. First let me say that this forum is so helpful. Ive been reading posts on there for a while and have learned a great deal.

I am currently taking my pre-reqs right now at a CC and I am planning on applying to a BSN program at JHU, UMD, and Towson perhaps in hopes to start in the fall of 2009 (maybe spring 2009 if possible). I would be a second bachelor student seeking a career change. My question is, assuming that I would even get into these great programs, would it be worth it to go to JHU over say Towson for a BSN? I am already in debt from my first bachelor's degree and right now, im a bit weary to add onto that debt. Financing my way through college by myself has been very difficult and I dont want to dig a deeper hole. However, if a BSN from JHU will afford me an education that is that much better, I may be willing to just take out more loans. Is the education/opportunities/experience that much better at JHU/UMD than say Towson or Salisbury? Also, how generous are private schools like JHU with scholarship/grants? What are the variables - ei. do they consider that I am from a lower socio-economic background, gender, race, finances, etc?

Thanks for the info.

[Agrippa]

Also, has anyone else wondered about JHU's rather short list of required pre-reqs for those who already have a bachelor's degree? I mean, i plan on taking more than what is required (ei, chem classes)....but it has made me wonder. Is chemistry just not that important in the field of nursing where it is not required as a pre-req? Is it just used as a class to weed out students - which i suppose would be unnecessary if one already has a bachelor's degree? Curious....

[clhRN2b2010]

Here is mine.

Re; which school. Only you can decide that. It just depends on your personal finnacial situation, family situation, career goals, and what you value. I will say that after facing down similar decisions with JHU, I decided against the 60k (minimum) in student loans I would have racked up with the 2nd degree program. So many reasons...none of which that JHU isn't an awesome school with a wonderful reputation. In the end it just didn't make sense for me in any of the above categories.

Now, regarding the short list of pre req's at JHU. In my opinion, elite private schools like JHU like to keep their options open when it comes to candidates. They don't have to follow all the same rules and regulations as schools that get money from the State and so they don't manadate the same extensive pre req's. They can choose one candidate because they like their volunteer experiance and their vision for the future. Or another because they had excellent academic history. One thing I loved about them was that they really looked at the individual. Now, that doesn't mean that they don't have high standards. Specifically, the Chemistry thing. I was told by Admissions there that even though it isn't listed, it is assumed that a candidate will have had some Chemistry in their history. If not, they may choose to make it a conditional acceptance or part of their individual curriculum, but they weren't ruling anyone out just because they hadn't had Chemistry.

Make sense?

Good luck with your decision. It's a tough one and uniquely individual.

[mdmomrn]

Have you take a look at CNL program from UM. It's more expensive than regular BSN at UM but less money than JHU and have a good reputation too. YOu only need to take 1 more class like gen-chem!
NCLEX pass rate is also high.

Also go visit the open house of each university. That way you will gain more info and impression. Then you can decided which one is fit you!

[Agrippa]

I did look at the CNL program - saw that they discontinued the accelerated bsn program for this. The thing that worries me about this program is that it is fairly new and im not quite sure what to make of it. I mean, i would love to get a master's level degree, but it is still a generalist degree it seems and I don't see the advantages of a CNL over a BSN. I plan on working for a few years after and then determining what area id like to specialize in and then getting a graduate education in that field. I am also trying to keep my costs down.

Also, thanks for the info on JHU. Ive got some time now (still taking my pre-reqs) so I will deff take a good look at all of the programs I mentioned. Thanks for the advice all.

Also, does anyone think that taking my prereqs at a community college will be disadvantageous for admissions to good nursing programs? My first bachelors degree was from a good research university (that cost me a lot of money). Im trying to keep costs down by just doing my pre-reqs at a CC, but am concerned about whether this will be looked down upon. Thoughts?

[aHolisticStudent]

Originally Posted by Agrippa

Also, does anyone think that taking my prereqs at a community college will be disadvantageous for admissions to good nursing programs? My first bachelors degree was from a good research university (that cost me a lot of money). Im trying to keep costs down by just doing my pre-reqs at a CC, but am concerned about whether this will be looked down upon. Thoughts?

Agrippa,

I'm a traditional BSN student at UMB so I can't speak to Towson's or JHU's admission process, but my experience is that there is no disadvantage to CC credits. I know some people like to claim that University courses are "more challenging" than CC courses, but my experience has been that CC students are adapting much more easily to the stresses of the program than the University transfer students. This is anecdotal evidence so take it as you will. I came through CCBC with a 4.0 GPA and was selected along with ~90 other students from over 3000 applicants. Nearly every single one of us had 4.0 GPA's who began the program this year so be aware that it is extremely competitive. I also had a fairly robust extracurricular, volunteer, leadership, and community service record which helped to secure the seat I received. With regards to your earlier question on $$$; UMB offers significant financial scholarships and grants to student applicants. I personally received 12K from the school in merit scholarships (so keep that in mind when making your decision) in addition to numerous other smaller awards (no loans baby!!!!).

One final note, I'd be reluctant to enter into any program that "looked down upon" where I did my prereq work. Either you understand physiological, chemical, and developmental processes or you don't. Saying that Joe understands the intricacies of NS development and motor and sensory pathways to a lesser degree because he went to a CC smacks of academic snobbery. Something I'd try to avoid at all costs.

Best success in your pursuits,
aHolisticStudent

[Agrippa]

Thanks for the input. UMD is definitely a top choice for me. Wow 3000 applicants! When you say you were selected along with 90 other students, you mean that your total class size is only about 90 students?

[aHolisticStudent]

Originally Posted by Agrippa

Thanks for the input. UMD is definitely a top choice for me. Wow 3000 applicants! When you say you were selected along with 90 other students, you mean that your total class size is only about 90 students?

Agrippa,

Glad to hear it ranks high on your list! I've been very happy with the experience so far.

Yes, the Traditional BSN class I came in with is about 90 students but we rarely have class with just us. At this point in the program the new CNLs are taking courses with us (ex: Pathopharmacology, Health Assessment, and Fundamentals of Nursing Practice) so the actual lecture attendance size is ~150-180 students. As we move forward, the CNLs will split off away from us and our class size will shrink down to our actual size. Secondly, all the classes have clinical practice labs which are much smaller. We have 12 people in our labs.

Feel free to ask anything else you'd like to know I'm happy to share.

[Agrippa]

Do you happen to know how many are accepted as opposed to the actual yield of the class? There doesn't seem to be an applicant profile chart available. Also, obviously you chose to go with a BSN instead of the CNL. Is there a particular reason why? (assuming you already had a bachelors and the CNL option was available when you applied). I kind of wish that UMD didnt change the accelerated BSN program to the CNL program. Only other accelerated bsn around the area seems to be JHU now.

[aHolisticStudent]

I don't have any exact numbers regarding admissions for you, but you can e-mail the Admissions department at the school if you need to know. The e-mail is: admissions@son.umaryland.edu.

I chose BSN because I don't have a prior undergraduate degree, so the CNL option wasn't available for me.