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Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program



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Jun 30, 2009 11:28 AM

Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program


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!

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21 Comments
No. 1
from ms.jazzo
Old Jul 26, 2009, 02:15 PM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
They only start in the Summer.
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No. 2
from Paco386
Old Jul 30, 2009, 01:15 AM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
Good luck getting into CUNY courses to complete prereqs, especially if you're not going to be applying to CUNY BSNs. I hear it's easier to get into Harvard Law School!
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No. 3
from ccjus123
Old Aug 03, 2009, 09:05 PM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
If you do a search on here you'll see that most people say it's more than likely impossible to work while in the program. It only starts in the summer. I have read some posts where some people say they were able to work part time, and that's VERY PART-TIME! I hope you have most of their pre-reqs done because they have alot. Just a heads up- they look favorably on healthcare experience and also volunteer experience.
Good Luck!

I plan to apply there also but feel I have somewhat of a leg up on others since I have about 3 years experience working in a hospital and I live in the area (another plus that they look favorably upon)
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No. 4
from Tanguera
Old Aug 12, 2009, 02:50 PM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
It's hard to get into Downstate only because it's cheap. I really am unhappy with the administration here and wouldn't wish this program on my worst enemy. Take a look at the schedule of courses for the summer sessions and think about the workload that will need to be put in. Factor in a faculty that isn't always available (and some incompetent) and an administration that gets very defensive when problems arise.

http://www.downstate.edu/nursing/pro...celerated.html

The first summer session is 6 weeks long and three courses are covered. The second summer session is 5 weeks long and includes four courses (Mon 9AM-7PM, Tues 9AM-5PM and Wed 9AM-3PM) plus clinicals (two days a week, each 12-hour days).

It's pretty intense the first summer and many people find that they're studying for the tests but aren't retaining much.
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No. 5
from ms.jazzo
Old Aug 13, 2009, 01:05 AM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
Originally Posted by Tanguera View Post
It's hard to get into Downstate only because it's cheap. I really am unhappy with the administration here and wouldn't wish this program on my worst enemy. Take a look at the schedule of courses for the summer sessions and think about the workload that will need to be put in. Factor in a faculty that isn't always available (and some incompetent) and an administration that gets very defensive when problems arise.

http://www.downstate.edu/nursing/pro...celerated.html

The first summer session is 6 weeks long and three courses are covered. The second summer session is 5 weeks long and includes four courses (Mon 9AM-7PM, Tues 9AM-5PM and Wed 9AM-3PM) plus clinicals (two days a week, each 12-hour days).

It's pretty intense the first summer and many people find that they're studying for the tests but aren't retaining much.
I have heard very few things about SUNY Downstate which is disappointing because I would like to be in a borough. I can never get a hold of anyone on the telephone there. Would you rather be at Columbia or NYU paying 100k or 7-9k for your entire program
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No. 6
from Tanguera
Old Aug 13, 2009, 11:50 AM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
Would I rather be at NYU or Columbia paying that kind of tuition? Well, I did apply to those schools (amongst other schools of similar reputation) and I got accepted to all of the schools where I applied. I actually did seriously consider Columbia and sent in my deposit, but it really does put a damper on what you do long-term meaning you feel that your life is all about working to pay off that debt.

So at this point, I really wish there was another option for me that was in a similar range for tuition, however, I also hear terrible things about Columbia and NYU so I hesitate to say that I'd rather be there. It's possible it is very similar (and I get that sense from speaking to students from both of those schools) so I don't know if it is just best to stay put at Downstate and finish up the program.
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No. 7
from Barkow
Old Aug 15, 2009, 10:57 PM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
I second the comments about the administration - I was accepted to an NP program there but had to withdraw before it even started because I experienced huge administrative problems throughout the admission process, and eventually I couldn't stand it any more. I have never experienced such a huge lack of a respect, communication and professionalism in my entire life, and knew I could not continue in a school that was such trouble before I even started.

If you are looking for cheap SUNY prices, please consider someplace like Binghamton if you can manage to leave the city for a year. Very affordable tuition plus super cheap housing will really help you graduate without debt. If you're not able to move to go to school, it is still very hard to justify the higher tuition of private universities when you ultimately come out with the same certification. It's just unfortunate that Downstate remains popular because of price and that popularity doesn't force the administration to change its ways because there's no incentive to do so.
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No. 8
from ms.jazzo
Old Aug 17, 2009, 11:57 AM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
Wow thanks, I was considering the family nurse practioner program. Thanks for the headsup.
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No. 9
from penbare
Old Oct 08, 2009, 04:47 PM

Default Re: Questions regarding SUNY Downstate Accelerated Nursing Program
Really? Are you really that unhappy at Downstate?
Im applying for 2010 but just keep hearing so many negatives about this program.....the 1 positive that is repeated is the price.....but is that worth it, if you dont learn anything. If there is anyone reading this who has had a good experience at Downstate....please comment.
many thanks.....and good luck
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