2010 DePaul Masters Entry Cohort

Hi there - I'm a member of the 2009 Winter-start cohort (so I'm a full year ahead of you lot). I volunteered to help out Christine by showing up to your Orientation, so I'll be seeing all of you there. In the meanwhile, I'll try to answer some of the questions that have popped up.

I have to second livingthedream - Nutrition definitely transfers (and I highly encourage you to get it to transfer, you'll lighten your course load and the amount of money you'll have to pay DePaul). You may be able to argue other courses, though for some of them you'll instantly be denied if they're not graduate-level. However, I personally encourage anyone to argue that undergraduate Bioethics should count, since that's all that the supposedly graduate bioethics course is...

As for paying for it - as graduate students we're all eligible for GradPLUS loans through the federal government once we file our FAFSAs. They have something like a $100k ceiling on them, which will more than cover cost of attendance for two years, but they do want to be paid back starting 60 days of graduation as opposed to the 6 months for the Stafford loans.

Living locations: I advise against living in Lakeview/Lincoln Park, mostly cos it's really expensive. DePaul is right on top of the Fullerton stop on the North Side Main Line of the L, so it's relatively easy to get to from anyplace on the three lines that stop there. Evanston, Rogers Park, and Edgewater are all much more affordable with reasonable commutes.

As far as purchases, there's not much that you need to do right now. You'll get a packet at orientation with everything you need to do. However, something you can and probably should get cracking on now, while some of you still have employer-provided health insurance, is your vaccinations and titrations. Going by last year's list, you will need to prove immunity by titer for Hepatits B, Rubeola (Measles), Rubella, Mumps, and Varicella (Chicken Pox). You'll need to document your immunization history or disease history for those as well. In addition, you'll need a Tetanus/Diptheria shot within the past 10 years, as well as a 2-step PPD test (for TB). You'll need documentation for all that too, but that you can get on the follow-up visit after your complete History and Physical.

The scrubs for DePaul's clinical uniform are Solid Navy Dickies Scrubs. They've looked the other way before on non-dickies scrubs that were solid navy: they're more worried about everyone wearing the same color, and specifying a manufacturer is the easiest way to do that.

When you order your stethoscope, I'd highly recommend that you go through Allheart.com. It's cheaper than buying it in person, and you can pay a few bucks extra to get your name engraved on it (so no one can steal it and claim it as theirs). Unless you're a really short person, though, I'd recommend getting the 27-inch steth instead of the 22.

I hope I've answered most of the questions here - if not, feel free to ask more. Otherwise, I'll see you all on Friday!

Oh, in re: to the person who wanted to transfer pathophys - unless you took the class as a medical student or as part of a PA or other APN program, I can almost guarantee you that it won't transfer. The 300-level pathophys/pharm course (courses? there's a change coming and I forget which cohort gets it) only really have enough patho in order to understand drug actions, while the 400-level classes are part of the Advanced Practice Core which, once you complete an APN certification after graduating, will allow you to prescribe medications.

Thank you very much. I will talk with program director regarding credit transfer. Do you know about CPR certification? Is it required before starting program because I got mails regarding Imminization, back ground check etc. Thanks

You will need to get your CPR certification, "CPR of the Healthcare Provider" through the American Heart Association, before you start clinical - preferably a bit sooner. However, being familiar with CPR is always a good thing.

Thank you. I will contact American Heart Associations regarding CPR certification. Can you tell me about student loan? I am on student visa so I am not eligible to FAFSA. I have to take private loans.

Sorry, can't help you with that. However, if orientation this year is like last year, they should have a representative from Financial Aid at orientation who will give general info. You should be able to corner him/her and, through them, get put in contact with someone who can help. It's in their interest to help you to pay the school money and all...

Hey all. I am starting in the January cohort and am feeling very unprepared---even after orientation. Did you know that the books for 1st quarter are almost $600, used!!! I just signed a lease for a one-bedroom and am moving in just before Christmas. I am excited, but NERVOUS!

hey sbaker. I registered class for 2010 cohort but i didnt see about books. $600 is too much???. Donot be nervous. I live in Naperville. I will commute to chicago by metra and cta. Did you get your ID?

The books are expensive (because they release new editions when there are too many copies of the current edition out on the used book market as evidence-based practice models are established and updated) but you'll reuse a number of the books you'll buy for first and second quarter for future classes.

As for the price of everything else - there's definitely some sticker shock involved, especially if you're moving into the Chicago housing market for the first time. However, it's all budgeted for in your estimated cost of attendance. As long as you manage your resources halfway-decently, you can do ok with living expenses without having to resort to eating ramen five days a week and setting your thermostat at 55°F :-P.

hey Squire.
I have one question regarding text books. Do we need to buy all books which are given on Orientation? or can you give me list of required textbooks for winter 2010?
Thank you
Rakesh