University of South Alabama Psychiatric NP program

LVPSYCHNRSING · Jul 19, 2014

Hello, I am interested in the Psych NP Program as well. Are you applying for the MSN or BSN-DNP track?

BDev · Jul 19, 2014

I am applying for the RN to MSN track. You? I wonder how many people apply?

RN543 · Jul 19, 2014

Hi! I'll be starting the MSN program at USA this fall... Family Psychiatric NP track. NursingCAS calculated my overall GPA as a 3.11. But that was just updated with the final class I took in the spring to complete my BSN. I think before that it was a 3.08. I don't know what yours is and what you consider low, but I consider mine pretty low. My nursing GPA was a little higher at 3.27. NursingCAS calculates it other ways also, like science GPA. I'm not sure which calculations they look at specifically. I heard of others with higher GPAs not get accepted or get wait listed. I believe they had applied to different tracks. I assume that certain tracks may be more competitive then others and it may make a difference if you are applying to DNP or MSN. The semester you apply could also impact the competitiveness. But I don't really know what tracks, programs, or semesters would give you a greater chance of getting in with a lower gpa. And I'm sure it changes with each application cycle anyway, depending on how many apply. We also weren't told how many applied.

I definitely think they take into consideration your experience, especially if it's related to the track that you are applying to. Since the school does not require the GRE or letters of recommendation... Or even an application essay, all they really have to go on is our GPA/education and our curriculum vitae and experience. I have about 4 years as an RN, all in psych.

I will advise you to be VERY patient. You can see from other posts for previous cycles, but the decision letters have been delayed recently. I hope that will not be the case for you guys, but it was for us. Our application was due April 1st and we were told decision letters would be mailed out 6-8 weeks from the deadline. I expected to know something by June 1st at the latest. But I received my acceptance letter on June 18th. As far as getting an email or notice that our applications were complete, some of us got them and some didn't. I never received one but my check had been cashed, and I started to worry that I forgot something so I emailed the school (I think sometime in May) and got a response several days later that my application was complete and currently being reviewed. Others emailed them and never got a response. But it seemed to have no effect on whether or not we had been accepted as some never got an email and were accepted and others got emails but were denied acceptance. It seems these emails were just not sent out consistently for some reason.

RN543 · Jul 19, 2014

Oh... Also... You will then have to hurry up and get together a bunch of documents and immunization records and send in your completed acceptance packet. I wish I had known about some of this stuff before because I could have had a lot of it done ahead of time. And I had actually just had a tetorifice booster in April. But it wasn't a tdap, which I didn't know I would need for USA. So I had to go and get that... And a bunch of other stuff. Now I'm waiting to hear back that they received my acceptance packet and for them to assign me a student email. And waiting to hear if I can do the condensed schedule. I don't know that any of us know that part yet. Not sure if they have that option for spring or if you just have the choice of full or part time. But anyway, waiting to hear what schedule I will have. At that point we can apply for financial aid. Already did the fafsa awhile back but they can't determine my aid until I know how many credits I'll b taking in the fall. Then we can register for classes august 1st. Classes start August 18th for us. It's all so soon and a little unnerving to have all these things up in the air... But just trying to be patient and positive. But anyway, hope some of that might have been helpful for those of you who are applying for spring or other future terms. I'm still very glad I was accepted and am very excited to be going to USA... But am just out of my comfort zone right now. Will feel better when I know more of what is going on. Good luck to all of you.

advor · Jul 30, 2014

Hi, I also applied to the 2014 psych NP-MSN for the 2014 spring cohort. It's kind of a shot in the dark because I have a so-so GPA (3.3 overal, 3.7 nursing), and NO psych experience.I have been a nurse for 3 years... mostly working in pediatrics/ NICU, but I'm starting a new job in a psych hospital next month.

Anyone applying anywhere else?

Mommy RN · Aug 2, 2014

Hi! I applied for Women's Health MSN NP program for Spring 2015! From what I've read we now anxiously wait until we get our letters!

BDev · Aug 3, 2014

RN543,

Thank you for all the information. I hope you are right about the school taking experience into consideration. I have been working in behavioral health for several years (B.H.T in acute inpatient hospitals and group homes), but only 2 years as a Psych RN in an adult acute unit. My overall GPA is 2.75 from my non nursing bachelor's degree and my Nursing ADN combined. Nursing alone is 3.0. That is pretty low, and my best bet is that they look past the GPA and focus on my experience. We will see.

advor, I thought that you must have at least 2 years experience in Psych before applying?

BDev · Aug 3, 2014

Can you apply with out psych experience?

wimberlyrn2014 · Aug 4, 2014

I applied for rn-msn. I have a adn degree and non nursing bachelors. I just graduated in May and did a preceptor ship in psych and work prn at a psych hospital and full time at a crisis residential center. I don't know if I will get accepted because under two Years psych experience but by the time clinixals start I should have about 1.6 years. My nursing gpa is about 3.6 but my overall gpa is prob 3.2. I am also applying to uab but I am terrible at essays so I prob won't get in.

BDev · Aug 4, 2014

Well at least your GPA is higher than mine, which is what I think they look at the most.

RN543 · Aug 6, 2014

You DO have to have psych RN experience, but don't have to have the full 2 years until you start clinicals. If you apply to the post-BSN family psychiatric (MSN) program, you start your clinicals in Fall 2015.