BC, Regis, Simmons, MGH

i got a call from BC last week about my acceptance into the Master's Entry.

just a phone call. though don't be alarmed, i think it was bc they offered me a scholarship that required me to start taking a few credits early (like, this semested), so they needed an answer ASAP.

where else are you applying?

I also was accepted to BC early because of the scholarship offer. Did you get your deposit in?

I am an MGH alumni, just graduated last May, just passed my NP boards last night. Here is what I have to say about the program:

The teachers there, 90% of them are excellent. Sharp, witty, funny, kind, and know what they are doing.

They will lose all of your paperwork, multiple times. Sending people out of state for clinicals (like off to Rhode Island, CT, New Hampshire, etc) when there are so many good hospitals right in Boston that there really was no excuse to do that. Would tell the people that if they didn't have a car they'd have to rent one, and that that was part of the program and it was not the school's responsibility (some people would end up staying overnight at a hotel every week just to save themselves the drive, that expense is definitely not something most people budget for in grad school). There were always problems with our Nurse Practitioner Clinical Placements (besides the out of state situation, would also send people to the wrong settings. For example would send the Family NP students to ER clinicals, and the Acute Care NP students to outpatient Diabetes Clinicals). Maybe they'll get someone competent, new, or better, but it is highly doubtful. It's all about politics at that school unfortunately.

Finally, I would say that it honestly doesn't matter, you'll learn most of what you need to know on the job anyway, as I have come to find out. I would say go with whatever school is the most affordable and convenient for you. If I had to do it all over again I would not have picked MGH, and I would not recommend it to others. If you are an independent motivated self started, you can succeed anywhere. Save yourself the money and hassle, go where it's most affordable.

I'm in my last semester at BC, and have encountered some of the same issues as ilovethebeach08. My professors for my clinical/technical courses have been great, but one or two of the others (roles, research, theory)have not been what I had hoped for. My clinicals have been great, but I know some of my classmates have not had the same luck. My advice would be to try and line up some of your own placements if at all possible, wherever you end up going.

I also am not sure the two year program is good for everyone. I'm glad I did it, but I think 3 years is probably less stressful overall. About 50% of my class chose to do the NP part in 2 years instead of 1, and I think that might be the more reasonable option. That being said, I'm very happy I'll be out in May and don't have to do another year!!

I also applied to MGH and Simmons and was accepted to both. I chose BC cause of its reputation, their willingness to accept CLEP exams in lieu of repeating intro bio and chem, and because I could park on campus and not have to deal with public transportation. MGH and Simmons gave me a ridiculously hard time about the CLEP exams, despite the fact that I have a BS in medical technology and had already taken many upper level bio and chem courses, but it had been over 10 years since I graduated.

Have you looked into UMASS at all? It's a lot cheaper if you're MA resident than any of the other schools. Worcester was too difficult for me to commute to, but I've heard good things about the program.

So that's my 2 cents. Best of luck to all of you!

I'm a grad of the MGH program...but in the RN-MSN program. Most of the students were Direct Entry...I had a positive experience including my clinicals..but some of my classmates would disagree..i guess i was lucky..the previous poster is correct..go for the
most cost effective program...those loans will be due ..right when you're looking for a job..Stress!
School is pretty much how much you put in..its not gonna do everything right..its just gonna get you into the profession at the beginning