university of detroit mercy second degree program

U.S.A. Michigan

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I am thinking about going to Mercy's accelerated second degree program but I hear they lose many people during the year due to grades. Is that true? Is it too fast and should I consider a 2 year program? I am a good student but I'd hate to spend all that money then not make it as they don't allow anyone to retake a class so I hear as other schools do. I am open to all feedback. Thank you.

Don't waste your time and money w/ this program, iam currently in my last semester so take my advice and apply somewhere else.

Specializes in Neuro ICU.
Don't waste your time and money w/ this program, iam currently in my last semester so take my advice and apply somewhere else.

The following response is my opinion only. I do not speak for UDM in any capacity.

I have a couple of issues with this.

First, if you're in the program currently, you've heard more than once about the need to be professional. If you want to vent, fine, but at the very least support your arguments.

Second, try and remember this is a public forum and faculty and staff do come here. We do read these threads.

Third, if you are that unhappy with the program you have had the opportunity to withdraw at any time. There are no guarantees that it will be fun, or even what you expect. Just like every other nursing program in the US, the whole point is to teach you enough to pass your NCLEX and start working as a graduate nurse. And that's exactly what most of the people in your class and the classes before them got, what you're getting and what students in the classes after you will get.

Last, your s/n suggests you're an RN (detrn). You haven't passed your nclex, you're not entitled to pretend.

Good luck in the weeks to come.

Don't waste your time and money w/ this program, iam currently in my last semester so take my advice and apply somewhere else.

I think that DETRN was trying to give their opinion without going into specifics.

I will say that, after going through this program, every single student has different experiences. There's always going to be people who don't like the professors or don't like the program. Personally, I think the program was unorganized and chaotic, and I know I'm not the only one who felt that way. I have heard that other accelerated BSN programs (In SE michigan and throughout the country) are equally as unorganized and chaotic. So, take it for what it's worth. I know that I had some amazing clinical instructors -- something that UDM is known for. The instructors are all adjunct faculty and most work within the same hospital (some on the same floor) that you will be doing your clinicals on. Which means that the clinical instruct has already built up a good amount of rapport with the nurses on that floor and trusts the nurses to teach you anything you are willing to learn.

If you want to go to U of D for the SDO, and you get in, I think that you could have an amazing experience. They only take people that they trust can do a good job and survive in the 21 credit hours/semester. So, if you get in, it's because you can do it. And yes, a lot of the learning is self-taught, they don't have time to read the book to you (nor would that be promoting learning). You will spend hours and days and weeks trying to stay ahead or dig yourself out of seemingly endless work. But when you graduate, the degree is yours, and you definitely will earn it. You don't just pay 50K to get your degree handed to you. And if you find a school that does that, well, then that's a shame.

Also, if you've been to a large university before (think Wayne, MSU, UofM), then you are probably familiar with classes in which professors don't know your name, and/or don't really care if you show up to class. It's not like that at U of D. The professors will know you and who you are, what your goals are, and usually are willing to provide whatever support they can. Many professors give out their cell phone numbers, home phone, email, and let us know that we can contact them whenever we need to. And, while I would advise you to use discretion in that (don't call your clinical instructor every other day for a question about APA style...), also don't be afraid to utilize their resources. Any professor that teaches in the SDO cohorts knows what you are going through and wants to help you. Same with the SDO students - get to know your cohort, they are your friends, you can study with them, vent, take a saturday night off with them - give and get all the support you can. If you don't speak up and ask for help when you need it, it's only going to make your time at UDM harder.

I agree with a lot of what rockstar said, both the positive and the negative. The disorganization really got to me at certain points during the program, and I do feel like they are slow to make changes based on problems that the previous cohorts have experienced, which can be frustrating. And I will absolutely admit that there were times during the program where I felt really negative about things and complained a lot! I've heard the same thing from other accelerated programs in the area, but of course that's no excuse and it would be nice to see UDM implement more of the changes student have recommended (however rudely those recommendations might have been expressed sometimes!!)

However, I came out of the program feeling like I have really solid clinical skills, even compared to some new grads I've met from other programs. Not that those other programs didn't prepare their students, but just that I feel like UDM pushed us harder clinically than maybe some other programs did. The majority of my clinical instructors were fantastic, and also forced me to work really, really hard. The preceptorship was also an amazing opportunity that I know some other programs don't have. Also, I have more perspective now that I'm getting enough sleep and spending my free time doing something other than studying, so I think its easier for me to look at the program objectively.

The best part for me was the professional relationships I've developed with a lot of the faculty members, both from my clinicals and my lecture courses. They have been outstanding in their support and encouragement during my job hunt, writing letters of rec'd and even filling out online recommendation forms on somewhat short notice when I needed it. And, partially thanks to that support, I have a job that I love and feel capable of doing!

Overall, I think this program has positives and negatives, just like every program. Are there things I didn't like about it? Absolutely. Do I regret going through it? No way, because after twelve months all the stress is behind me and I'm an RN and I don't feel totally incompetent :-)

Thank you for your responses sophia, rockstar and 313. These posts made me feel much better about applying to this program and I hope that I am able to start in May since I was too late on applying for January. This board has been very helpful!

I have applied to U of D and have finished all my pre reqs. My online addmission file says that a decision has been made and the decision says accepted. The addmission term says Winter 2012 and I have also recieved a grant. However the only letter I have recieved is saying I have been placed on the waitlist. I emailed the addmission dept. and they said they will begin pulling from the waitlist for the Winter term in october. I just want to know how I will know if I get taken of the waitlist and how will I be notified?

I'd love to answer your question, but that really seems like something you should ask UDM about, as anything we tell you on here won't be official, and therefore shouldn't really be counted on as fact. Just be polite and persistent until you get an answer :-)

Hello Everyone,

I will be starting the Jan 2012 cohort at UofD. Graduated from MSU back in 2006, now it feels like it took me an eternity to finish pre-req's, maintain a full-time job and raise a 3 year old and finally get started in my nursing program. just wanted to greet and meet all those out there who will be attending the Jan 2012 cohort. What are some things you guys are doing in preparation of starting the program?:specs:

I graduated from the SDO program in 2009, and had a very positive experience with it. I was able to find a job the day of our pinning ceremony, and still work at the same hospital almost three years later. I passed my boards the first try with 75 questions, and was done with the test in 25 minutes!! The cost of it was very high, but I focused on paying off my student loan debt, and had it completely paid off in about 18 months by working a lot of overtime, and budgeting my money. We had some issues with our med surge classroom teacher for 2nd and 3rd semesters (not showing up for lectures) but we all got through. I had one mean clinical instructor, but managed to pass. What I did to help succeed was to pre-read the material on our semester breaks, and re-read it before and after class, and again before exams. It sounds "nerdy" but by doing it this way, I was always able to go out and have some fun time each and every week. Even if it was just a movie, or a party for two hours, I made some fun time each week. I stayed organized with my written assignments, and all the requirements that the program had. It's not a good idea to work during the program, but some of my classmates did. I chose to take out a living expense loan so I could focus on my studies, and I am glad to this day that I did. I would personally recommend the program to other people, but be prepared for some disorganization, and stress. Start each day with a smile and a prayer, and end each day the same way.

Has anyone heard back about May 2012 yet?

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all for giving your opinion regarding this program. I start in Jan 2012 (yes, less than a month now), and have been extremely nervous...but I think it boils down to hard work, dedication and organization.

Has anyone heard back about May 2012 yet?

I am curious about this as well! About how soon did everyone get a decision after submitting their app? Mine was just complete as of the beginning of January, so I'm not sure if I should expect a decision soon or not.

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