USM Accelerated Program

soccer · Jun 27, 2006

Hi,

Actually I was interested in USM accelerated program? How is it? Was it hard to get into? Did you do a lot of clinical work and was it a good learning experience? Would you recommend going to USM? If you don't mind, how much did it cost?

Thanks so much! Congrats on finishing!

HeidiRNMaine · Jun 27, 2006

Hi there, yes the accelerated program is hard to get into. They only accept about 32 candidates a year and over 200 apply. If you did well in college the first time around, have strong references as well as a good essay, I'd say your chances are pretty good. We got a decent amount of clinical experience, it is difficult though because you are basically working a full-time job while in school, and they definatley recommend not working at all outside of clinicals and classes. You have to have a pretty strong work ethic to get through since it's sooo intensive. Feel free to email me with any other questions...

HeidiRNMaine · Jun 27, 2006

It cost about $25,000 because I took out student loans to help get by financially while in school on top of tuition costs.

Freedom42 · Sep 23, 2006

Hi, Heidi: Did you do the accelerated BSN or master's program? I have enrolled at USM to finish up nursing pre-requisites; as I already have a prior degree, my adviser is urging me to apply to the master's program. My first degree was not science-related. How difficult would the master's program be for someone with minimal science prequisites? (Stats, A 'n P; took bio and chem more than 20 years ago.) And what job opportunities await graduates of the nursing program in Maine? Any ballpark figures you could give on starting salaries would be appreciated. I'm trying to figure out if I can afford to stay out of the workforce for three years. Thanks.

WishfulThinking9 · Nov 13, 2009

I have a question reguarding the program, this is my second year applying and I was wondering when did you hear back from them?? I hate the waiting game and am trying to make a plan B just in case I don't get in again. I'm assuming I'll find out anytime now??!

Abbie Grace · Nov 15, 2009

Hi Wishful Thinking--

I, too, am waiting to hear back from them. I turned in my application for the Accelerated BSN for the 10/1 deadline.

You mentioned that this is your second time applying. I'm curious-- do you remember when you heard a decision last year? I think I saw somewhere on their website that they try to send out notices before the end of the year. I'm just curious if we might hear soon or if it won't be until late-December...

Good luck!

WishfulThinking9 · Nov 15, 2009

I am trying to remember and I want to say I heard sometime around the end of Nov. or the beginning of Dec. but I'm not sure if that's just because I didn't get in last year. It would probably make sense that we would find out closer to the end of the year. But I hate waiting, but good luck too!

Abbie Grace · Nov 16, 2009

I'm going to visit my folks for 10 days over Christmas/New Year's and I worry that the letter will come while I'm gone. It would be nice to know one way or the other before I leave for the holidays.

In the mean time, I'll just work on my patience... and my micro homework.

WishfulThinking9 · Nov 16, 2009

Oh, good ole Micro. I'm going to be so glad when that class is over and done!!!

BostonGrad · Nov 30, 2009

What kind of credentials did you have before applying? I graduated 2007 from BC with a 3.5. Do you know what the pool of applicants look like?

WishfulThinking9 · Dec 1, 2009

I know a lot of people who are going into nursing have different backgrounds, different degrees. I have a background in Speech therapy, but I know a lot of people who have business degrees, art, education, etc. I think as long as your grades are good and get all the necessary pre-req. out of the way you have a good chance.