UTHSCSA Accelerated BSN 2017

nsp11 · Oct 31, 2016

Commenting to follow this!

Nursinghopeful2016 · Nov 1, 2016

Hey Accelerated candidates,

I am a current student from the 2016 cohort and will be joining this cohort for summer after taking a leave of absence. There have been a lot of changes implemented in the past few months which has made this program more difficult. I would just like to say that you should prepare yourself for the best and worst 15 months of your life when accepted. I wish you all the best and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

nsp11 · Nov 4, 2016

When you say more difficult, do you mean more difficult as in admission standards have increased or more difficult as in the rigor of the curriculum? Thanks in advance!

Nursinghopeful2016 · Nov 4, 2016

both. they are beginning to be more selective every cohort because it has become a seriously rigorous program. Administration has changed grading policies and procedures and the previous grading criteria was changed this semester. There is now a minimum of a 75% exam average before they will count any other coursework. Exams normally constitute 60% or more of your grade. On top of that you also have to pass on an 8 point grading scale when quizzes, homework and other assignments are added to the exams (min 92% for an A, 83% for a B and 75% for a C) there are no + or - scales. The have also implemented mandatory ATI proctored subject exams which count for 15% of your total grade starting in 2nd semester courses through the end. They are scored up to level 3; you have to make at least a level 2 or your have to retake it within 3 days. If you make a level 2 you only get 90% (B) of the points. You can also only withdraw from a course if you are still passing at the time that you withdraw.

These changes have just started this semester and it is unclear if they will keep them in place due to the increased fail and withdrawal rates that they are experiencing. The accelerated program is expected to do the same amount of work as the traditional in a shorter period of time and there is NO room for failure due to the fact that there is only one accelerated cohort each year beginning in summer semester. If you fail or have to withdraw from a course you are placed on an academic leave of absence and have to wait until the next cohort gets to the class that you failed in order to be reinstated. As a traditional student this is not the case. They also get a better and more selection of clinical sites and schedules for classes although they take the same courses. If I would have known this coming into this school I would have chosen to apply to the traditional program.

nsp11 · Nov 4, 2016

Wow, that's good to know! I'm only applying to this program as of now, but I was wondering, do you know if during the admissions process, they place an emphasis more on a specific GPA or TEAS score or all of it is weighted equally?

Nursinghopeful2016 · Nov 4, 2016

they actually give the most admission points to the essay portion of your application. It shows the most about your drive and passion to become a nurse (despite the hell that will be nursing school). Put as much of yourself into your essays as you possibly can. You can check out the "average" GPA, TEAS Score, and demographics of the 2016 cohort for comparison if you are concerned about that but I believe you guys were required to take a newer version of the TEAS than we had to, not sure if the grading or actual test is different for this cohort.

nsp11 · Nov 4, 2016

Okay, that makes sense! Thank you so much. I sent in my application a couple days ago, so now it's just a waiting game!!

Nursinghopeful2016 · Nov 4, 2016

Congrats. NursingCAS is a B-. I wish you all the best! Hope to see you next summer (or Fall... not 100% what that game plan was for me lol). By the looks of it, either not many people are applying yet or not many know about this blog thread so your chances are looking good. :-)

Nursinghopeful2016 · Nov 4, 2016

P.S. I got my acceptance letter on Jan 21st so make sure to check your email on a regular basis closer to that time. They have to give you ample time to complete the other admission requirements (basically everyone is conditional acceptance until completion of orientation and all of the requirements).

nsp11 · Nov 4, 2016

Thank you so much for all your help/advice! I really appreciate it. Hopefully I'll see you in May! :-)

blondienurse9 · Nov 5, 2016

Can you tell us about your weekly schedule for the program? Is anyone able to work while in this program?