Accelerated BSN at UMB

PennyLane, RN · Jul 13, 2004

Hey Caroline,

Good luck on your application. I'm in the accelerated program there right now. I was also concerned about money because I'm a homeowner, I live alone, and I have 3 cats and a dog...I know, I'm crazy animal lady...lol.

It's definitely doable. I'm taking out the maximum amount of federal loans, which is $10,500/year. FYI-they count the summer semester as a real semester, so you'll get $$ for the summer, as well. Also if you fill out your forms early, you'll have first dibs on any grant money the school has. And if you call the financial aid office after you get your award letter and ask for more money, you may be eligible for a nursing loan.

One other thing I did was contact my state senators and ask about scholarships. They can't give you much, but it helps. Maryland also offers nursing scholarships if you agree to work in the state for a year or two after you graduate.

Just so you know, they take a very limitied number of accelerated students to start in the spring because they have to fit them all into adult health over the summer with the other accelerated students who started in the fall. From what I've heard, it's a lot more competitive to start the accel. program in the spring--just to warn you! They only took 13 out of about 85 this past spring, versus about half of our 200-student class that started in the fall.

Good luck!! If you want more info, feel free to PM me.

Penny

JenniferC · Sep 1, 2004

Caroline,

I am in the same boat! I have applied to the accelerated program at UMD and JHU and am waiting to hear back! Yes, this part is the most nerve racking! I submitted my application in mid-august and was told I wouldn't hear back for 2-3 months! I am just hoping it will be sooner than they say. Hopefully, you will have enough time to secure housing in time to start school. best of luck with that!

I also wouldn't worry too much about the funding b/c the truth is--not many people DO have the money to pay for school. That's where loans/grants (if you can get them) come into play. I also have a bachelor's degree and will probably only qualify for loans. There are also some programs out there that will help pay back your loans if you commit to working in the state or for a designated amount of time after graduation or in high need areas. The bottom line is- you are doing what you love and it will all pay off in the end...even if it takes you a few years!

Look forward to chatting!

vtcaroline · Sep 1, 2004

Thanks guys for your input....i recently heard that the committee at UMB would not meet until after the 1st and that i would hear something by the end of October...i am a nervous wreck...i just wish someone would tell me something...then i could at least get started begging for money and a place to stay!!! :) If anyone hears anything about anything...please feel free to let me know...THROW ME A BONE! :)

edogs334 · Sep 1, 2004

Hello everyone. I am currently a senior in college (psych major) and am looking to apply to the traditional (i.e., 2-year) BSN program at JHU. Are the accelerated programs at UMB and JHU more competitive to get into? Or is the traditional program a little less competitive? Also, does the Maryland nursing scholarship (the work agreement one) apply to BSN graduates from schools other than UMB? I'm assuming it does, but I just want to make sure. How much money would you get from that scholarship anyways?

Ian

PennyLane, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Hello everyone. I am currently a senior in college (psych major) and am looking to apply to the traditional (i.e., 2-year) BSN program at JHU. Are the accelerated programs at UMB and JHU more competitive to get into? Or is the traditional program a little less competitive? Also, does the Maryland nursing scholarship (the work agreement one) apply to BSN graduates from schools other than UMB? I'm assuming it does, but I just want to make sure. How much money would you get from that scholarship anyways?
Ian

Ian, the accelerated programs are more competitive than the 2 year ones. But at UMB each program is pretty comparable. The traditional students get time to take an elective (a requirement, actually) and take 5 classes the first semester instead of 6. You will also have time over the summer to work and gain experience in a hospital setting, if you don't already have some.

Regarding the scholarship, it's good for any school. Check out the MD State Higher Education Commission Website for more info. I forget how much it's for.

JenniferC · Sep 2, 2004

I learned from the open house that it is possible to take graduate level courses while an undergraduate at MD and begin to earn credits towards a master's degree. Do you know many people that are doing that? And if so, is it possible to do it as an accelerated student?

Right now, I am a nervous wreck waiting to hear back from UMD! I keep hearing of highly qualified people getting turned down...Do they let everyone know at the same time? If it is indeed rolling admissions, how come they don't let you know as they make their decision?

I also got the letter that said that I was granted in-state classification...what a tease! Do they really have to do that to us?

Anyone else in the same boat?

NursePru · Sep 2, 2004

I'm waiting too...and waiting...and waiting. I'm trying to keep in mind that if you don't get into the accelerated program they automatically consider you for the traditional program....not as fast, but still you would be in a good nursing program. Good luck to everyone who applied. I hope we all hear some good news soon :)

PennyLane, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Good luck to those who are waiting. I don't think they let everyone know all at once. Unfortunately the bar has been raised quite a bit, even from a year ago when I started. I know someone who started the accel. program 2 years ago with a 2.89 from her 1st degree, I started a year ago with a 3.3 from my 1st degree, but a friend of mine who started this year had about the same GPA as me and was put in the traditional program.

vtcaroline · Sep 2, 2004

Good luck to those who are waiting. I don't think they let everyone know all at once. Unfortunately the bar has been raised quite a bit, even from a year ago when I started. I know someone who started the accel. program 2 years ago with a 2.89 from her 1st degree, I started a year ago with a 3.3 from my 1st degree, but a friend of mine who started this year had about the same GPA as me and was put in the traditional program.

PennyLane...THANKS for all of your input...it has really been helpful...at the very least it gives me something to ponder while i sit and wait...i had a 3.9 with my first degree and a 4.0 with my science prereqs....so, at this point i just have to hope that it is enough...it's the best that i can do...why don't you think they let everyone know at once? i am pretty confused as to how it all works...i was under the impression that it was rolling admissions which would mean the earlier you apply the better...but then, they give this "priority deadline" thing...i am not sure what it means...sorry to harp on this but i like to beat a dead horse every now and then :) ...so, what was the first semester hard? it looks like it could be esp. with pharmacology and pathophys. along with all of the other classes...what has been the most difficult part for you? is there a pretty good camraderie among the students or does everyone seem to do their own thing?

PennyLane, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Caroline,

Your grades are great! I also had 4.0 in my prereqs, but I was NOT a very good student during my first degree!! But I'm making up for it now.

First semester was hard, mainly b/c you're taking 6 classes and there's a lot of reading to do. Second semester was hard as well, but in a different way...you'll be starting clinicals and doing a lot of busy work--writing care plans and preparing assignments. It was more tiring. Over the summer you take Adult Health (med/surg) and Gerontology. It's rough but it only lasts 2 months. Then your final semester you do you only have 3 classes to take.

I haven't found any one particular class to be that difficult. It's fitting everything in that's hard. Oh, and yes, there is a lot of comraderie. I've made some great friends in school.

PennyLane, RN · Sep 2, 2004

I learned from the open house that it is possible to take graduate level courses while an undergraduate at MD and begin to earn credits towards a master's degree. Do you know many people that are doing that? And if so, is it possible to do it as an accelerated student?

A few people I know took the graduate level Research class instead of 320. But in general you won't have much time to take extra classes. You'll be taking 18 credits 1st semester and 22 2nd semester.