Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program

U.S.A. New York

Published

I apologize if these questions have been answered. There are a lot of posts to go through to find answers! I am currently a Clinical Lab Technologist that holds a BS in Chemistry from Howard University. I will finish my MS in Forensic Science from Pace University in the Fall. Unfortunately, instead of following my heart and doing Nurising, I did what I thought was best at the time. I am considering applying for the accelerated Nursing program at Downstate and had a few questions:

1. Is it possible to work while completing the program? Of course I have to eat, live and pay bills (I am the only person that provides for myself financially and NYC is not cheap to live in). If working is not possible, does the student loans cover living expenses?

2. Does the program only start during the summer, or do they have a Fall admittance? (I have a few pre-reqs to complete that probably wont be done until Summer 2010--I plan to take them at a CUNY school)

Thanks for your help. I know its crazy for me to make a career change after completing a Master's but better late than never!

I think I will apply to the Accelerated program for the Fall of 2011 (or maybe 2012 but not sure). I am also wondering if any students who are in the program now would want to comment on the program since there are a lot of postings from people but they seem really old and outdated. The Downstate University website seems outdated also (at least the nursing part). I feel like I have no information about this school.

rndropout22, have you heard anything?

Also, I saw on the website there is an open house in October. Is anyone else going?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

no bikerchick007 i have not heard anything from either one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.
I think I will apply to the Accelerated program for the Fall of 2011 (or maybe 2012 but not sure). I am also wondering if any students who are in the program now would want to comment on the program since there are a lot of postings from people but they seem really old and outdated. The Downstate University website seems outdated also (at least the nursing part). I feel like I have no information about this school.

rndropout22, have you heard anything?

Also, I saw on the website there is an open house in October. Is anyone else going?

I wouldn't call posts from last year's class "really old and outdated." How much do you think they changed in 12 months?
Up Vote Up Vote ×

YIkes, I keep trying to write back to this posting and isomehow cannot seem to post.

No, i don't think all of the posts are outdated, but it would be nice to see if anychanges from last year and this year are takign place. it might also be true that there are different professors or policies or new things in place that might be starting for the people currently in the program.

Also, it seemed like only a few people ffrom the class last year read the posts. Not many people write on this blog. When rndropout wrote the posting like about a month ago, nobody responded from the current class.

I really want to gather information befoer making this decision because shcool is a big decision. Thank you to anyone for your help. I appreciate it in advance! ~ :cheers:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds.
I think I will apply to the Accelerated program for the Fall of 2011...

... Also, I saw on the website there is an open house in October. Is anyone else going?

Hi there! im gonna apply to fall 2011 too!! and im going to the info session on Nov 18! i saw the website, they actually have a credits evaluation form that you can have the advisor fill out on that day!! so imma bring my unofficial transcripts and see how it works out!! i`ll post up more info afterwards =D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am currently in the program, started this past June. I also used this website when I was deciding where to apply. Downstate is a good program:):). Every school has its ups and downs. No program it perfect. If I had to do it again I would still choose Downstate. :D:D:D

Ok let me answer so real questions:

Is the summer session hard? Yes! But not what people made it seem. All you have to do is study and you will be fine. TURST ME!!!

How's administration?

I never had a problem with administration. I do my work and pass my test and that's it. Administration will never bother you.

Hardest part of the program.....

GETTING IN!!!! NO not everyone who got in had a 4.0 GPA and straight A's in preq. But it is still competitive.

Hope this helps..........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

tomson, I'm glad you're doing well. Good luck in the rest of the program and in the job hunt next year. and no, it's not too early to start thinking about that! Start looking into new grad residencies NOW.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Jeanette73, thanks for the advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i applied to the accelerated program for fall 2011. does anyone know when we start finding out??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.
i applied to the accelerated program for fall 2011. does anyone know when we start finding out??

Accelerated doesn't start in the fall... it starts in June. People start finding out if they were accepted in Jan-Feb.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds.

Sorry for replying so late people... = (

So i went to the info session last week... saw a friend there... and we both agreed that it was horrible... extremely unorganized... :( everything they said we can basically read it online...

On the website there's a course evaluation form and we all thought we are supposed to fill it out and bring our unofficial transcripts so an advisor can look at it... but NO! there wasn't anyone to look at it... and the lady who was conducting the session couldn't find anyone to come help us... so instead, all of us had to go downstairs to the admission office and hand in our stuff with our name and email so "somebody" can take a look... they said someone should contact us around 3-5 days.... and now im just waiting... hopefully that "somebody" will get back to me soon...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, not sure if anyone is still interested in this thread, but I am currently in the accelerated program and I have not had any issues. It may seem disorganized at first, but the staff and administration has been working very hard to accommodate the student's demands and some students can be very demanding.

The toughest part is getting in and sending all your paper working in time. But I never had a problem with reaching anyone. Remember no one is going to spoon feed you. If you want something done, you must be on top of things. After you are in the program, you rarely have to deal with administration, so I don't understand what the big fuss is about.

As for classes; it is very fast pace and mostly self teaching, but that's why it is "accelerated". I mainly chose Downstate for its cheap cost in tuition and I do not regret it one bit. Since the job market is so competitive, I rather have 10-15 grands in debt rather than 65,000.

I think it is a great program, providing the basic fundamentals of nursing. Most students (in any program) do not learn anything until they reach the work force.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment