OHSU's Accelerated BSN program 2012

kamaboko · Feb 3, 2011

I spoke with an advisor at OHSU about their accelerated program. This is the short story. The GPA is taken from all college coursework completed. In this case, your previous degree and your current prereqs. I was told that those accepted had just shy of a 4.0GPA....like a 3.95+. Moreover, it's pull-your-hair-out demanding. You really can't have anything else going on in your life (e.g., a job, taking care of kids or family members, etc.), as it will consume every waking moment. Cost...well...it's OHSU, so if you have to ask, you shouldn't consider it. Expect to pay $289 per credit hour and $2000 in fees per quarter. I would not recommend this program if you're the primary care taker of your kids and if you don't have another means of financial support. You'll never see your kids as it will demand 7 days a week of your time between classes, homework, and prepping for exams, and you won't have time to hold down even a part-time job.

sarabear44 · Feb 8, 2011

Hi, I was browsing AllNurses and saw your post. I am a current ABSN student at OHSU so I'm happy to answer any of your questions that I can. I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with some of kamaboko's response.

:twocents:

There are 64 people in our cohort. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 10 people who have kids, ranging from a newborn to teenagers. Many of us have significant others, pets, and hobbies. A few of us work part-time jobs, but none more than 20 hours a week. I can give you specific examples if you're curious.

Myself, I have a super energetic dog and am married, but I still have time to go skiing on weekends, be involved with my church, and volunteer with extra-curricular activities. Plus I have a job as a research assistant at the school 5 hours a week. It all depends on how you study. If you are a super serious student and you need to do readings multiple times or if you are learning some content for the first time, you may need to be more obsessive with your studies.

The ABSN program is very difficult but there are busy times and less busy times. It lasts for 5 terms. I have finished 2 1/2 of the terms until now. And so far it has been 4 days a week. Some days are 8-hour clinical days but others are 4-hour lecture. There was one day a week last term that was 8 hours of lecture, but that allowed us to have a day off during the week.

As far as your question about cost: If you are only paying tuition, the ballpark cost is about $40,000. If you need extra loans to cover living costs, then of course it is more. If you want to know the exact cost per credit hour and the number of credit hours per term, I have that info somewhere. Just PM me and I'll get back to you.

As far as your question about what you need to get in: I am not an admissions officer but I can tell you my observations. Super-high GPA and a really great essay. Very few in my cohort have been CNA's, but every single person brings amazing past experiences to the table (like you, a former social worker) that they were able to highlight in their essay. For other nursing schools, I think they place a lot more emphasis on prior medical experience like being a CNA, but at OHSU, they seem to look for more brains, life experience, and maturity.

I will follow this thread, so feel free to ask me any more questions. I was in your same place last year and so it would be great to be able to provide encouragement and advice to anyone :-)

:stdnrsrck:

Cinquefoil · Feb 9, 2011

My college advisor said that it tends to help with both OHSU and other Portland area schools admissions if you take Principles of Biology (fulfills the genetics requirement) or Principles of Chemistry instead of the 100 level intro courses. Just helps show you're capable of more advanced work.

samiam23 · Mar 3, 2011

OHSU is my top choice and I'm trying to figure out how to increase my chances of being accepted now that I already submitted my application.

I am coming from the east coast, which may make me a tad more competitive.

Does any current student have any recommendations on what I can do while waiting to let the admissions board know that my heart is set on OHSU and I am a promising, diligent student who has a lot of passion to attend OHSU and make a difference in the medical field? Or is everything out of my hands?

kamaboko · Mar 3, 2011

OHSU is my top choice and I'm trying to figure out how to increase my chances of being accepted now that I already submitted my application.
I am coming from the east coast, which may make me a tad more competitive.
Does any current student have any recommendations on what I can do while waiting to let the admissions board know that my heart is set on OHSU and I am a promising, diligent student who has a lot of passion to attend OHSU and make a difference in the medical field? Or is everything out of my hands?

I wish you the best of luck. That said, I suspect most everyone applying to OHSU, and other schools in this area, have the same determination and diligence. As a college prof of mine once said, "only so many people can get on the boat". I don't think coming from out-of-state makes anyone more competitive. It all comes down to grades, the essay, and interview. None of those components are state specific.

juliahd · Mar 29, 2011

Hello!

Has anyone else been accepted into the OHSU ABSN? I just got my letter Saturday and was hoping to connect with some people in my cohort. If I accept, I'll be moving up from San Francisco and don't really know much about Portland or the OHSU campus. This is all happening so fast! Good luck to everyone!

Julia

kamaboko · Mar 29, 2011

Congrats Juliahd. Where ever you decide to go, I wish you the best.

Cinquefoil · Mar 29, 2011

I GOT ACCEPTED!!!:dancgrp: Still waiting on Linfield, will make decision after I get all the info.

but still.....WOOOT!!!

juliahd · Mar 29, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm doing that dance for you right now too. Woot woot is right. Let me know if we will be classmates! Good luck with the decision.

Julia:yeah:

JDNurse2Be · Mar 29, 2011

Congrats Cinquefoil & Julia! ... I'm on the alternate list this year and also waiting on Linfield & PCC - my first choice is to graduate from OHSU since there is a wealth of research, programs, and knowledge available to learn....to access those resources and to be involved with their program would be a privilege. Way to go!

I hope to join you both if the opportunity arises.

A previous poster has stated that only so many people can get on the OHSU "boat" and as I sit on the sidelines hoping to get on that boat....

Can you share your backgrounds with me - education/GPA, work & life experience...just want to keep improving myself to be as competitive as possible.

Congratulations! :yeah:

Julie

kamaboko · Mar 29, 2011

Can those that were accepted or put on the waiting list, post their application specs? For instance, points, GPA, previous degree, previous work experience. It would be nice to develop a candidate profile.

Thanks,

K