[be26373]

I'm trying to find information on the actual time commitment involved in Downstate's accelerated program. I know what the credit allotment is but I wanted to know how much time a student will typically spend in class/clinicals. Is it a few hours every day, or more like a full time job of 9-5? Are some days longer than others? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[mystiqx]

i attended their open house last year, in a nutshell they said it was a 9-5 thing and that you couldn't work.

[Curls105]

Hi-

I have applied to this program and I waiting to hear back. They say it's a full time commitment and that you can't work. I think it's pretty intense and they don't tell you which days are longer than others, other than it can go anytime from 8am to 9:30 pm. They also say that you may or may not have clinicals on saturdays. Hope that helps!

[be26373]

Thanks for the replies. I'm actually trying to decide whether to have kids before going back to school. I was thinking that it would be easier than working full time but it's starting to sound like it might actually be harder!

[Curls105]

I actually was going through the same dilemma as to whether I could have kids during an accelerated program. I decided to wait until I finished the program and got a job. I think it's just too intense to have young children while doing the program especially if you don't have someone lined up to take care of them while in class etc. Good luck!

[kgrands]

I'm a student in the Downstate program right now - finish up in August!

As far as the time committment, all of the other posters are right, it's very intense. The first summer you take 7 classes and are in lecture or lab 4 days a week minimum from 9-5 every day. The fall lightens up a bit but you still are in school 4 days a week. There have been people that worked at night, on days off, etc.

The clinicals so far have only been on weekdays - either a 12hr shift or two shifts (one 8hr, another 4hrs). It's really the first summer sessions that make you feel a bit crazy.

That said, we've had two people have babies and one get pregnant while in the program. They were able to figure it out somehow so it is possible.

Hope this helps - if you have any other questions please PM me. Thanks!
-katie

[Curls105]

Katie-

Thanks for your post. At what point did the women who were pregnant give birth? Were the Prof. supportive? HOw long were they out of class for? I don't know if you have any details about this but if you do I would love to hear it. Thanks so much!

Kristen

[kgrands]

Hi Kristen,
We had two women give birth during this program (so far!)

One gave birth in October 2006 - she had a C-section and was out for one week. The professors were super supportive and allowed her to make up the clinical time. At that time, we only had lecture one day a week and clinical one day a week. So even when she came back to class, she was only away from her new baby two times a week.

The other woman gave birth the second week of December. The professors let her take the final at the beginning of January (as opposed to one week after she delivered). Same thing happened for a girl that got married - she was able to take the final at a different time.

I think overall, the professors were very accomodating to these new moms.

Another little note, I'm going to Greece for a family wedding for a week right in the middle of our summer session. I spoke with the dean about this and she was very helpful and just told me that I can make up any work that I miss. I thought that was pretty cool.

Hope this helps.
-katie

[Curls105]

Katie-

Thank you so much for your reply! Well, I am def. thinking that maybe it is doable to have a baby while in the program. I am surprised that you only had class 2 days a week. Is that normal for the fall?

On another note what do you think of the program? Do you live in Brooklyn or commute? I would be commuting from Queens by subway. Also, when did you hear that you were accepted? Sorry for all the questions...Thank you so much again for giving me so much info.

Kristen

[kgrands]

Hi Kristen,
Just wanted to let you know that I private messaged you to give you my take on this program.

PM me if you have any other questions.
-katie