Boston College Pre-Req - Life Sci Chem?

You might get that, but probably no real information til they've received everyone's deposits and the class of 2009 has departed.

I've also heard that some students in the program felt that they weren't getting enough clinical experience and opted to take a year off to work as an RN. Is this true? I'm only concerned about this since I've heard it is extremely tough to get a job as an RN in Boston at this time, so taking a year off to work as an RN may be harder than it has been in the past. Do you feel like you've gotten enough clinical experience so far? Thanks!

I can only give you my opinion. We are given enough clinical experience to meet RN licensing requirements, and you will know enough to pass NCLEX. I have never really wanted to work as an RN, so this wasn't an issue for me. The RN experience is always valuable, and it's a personal choice as to whether or not you want more time in that role. That being said, I have found that my NP clinicals are so much different than my RN clinicals, and involve a whole different set of skills. I would like to have more NP clinical time, and I try to do extra hours above and beyond what is required. I also try to go to workshops and seminars when I can squeeze them in. Honing my NP skills is my focus now, and I've been fortunate to have great preceptors who are willing to teach me what they know.

It is very hard to get an RN job in Boston right now. People are choosing to delay retirement, experienced nurses have re-entered the work force, and a lot of places have hiring freezes. Your chances are better if you're willing to work in a long term care facility, but even those jobs are becoming scarce. You can always complete the whole program and then work as an RN if you choose. I'm just not sure it's economically feasible right now to count on getting a job as an RN and completing the program part time.

Sooo I'm trying to finalize my decisions...its either Yale or BC, and I just can't decide!!! What I like about BC is its flexibility and that I can switch specialities if I want, whereas at Yale, you can't....hmmm...this is honestly so hard! Being completely done in 2 years is also really attractive, but I keep thinking that its also going to be extremely overwhelming. I love how in the acceptance letter they said don't plan on taking any vacation time (which I don't plan on anyway) and that you need at least a B in every class to pass (ahhh, I feel the pressure already!) In regards to Yale, I absolutely loved the program, its 3 years (takes a little longer) and you can't switch specialties (I got in for psych)

BCGradNurse, how is the specialty year in comparison to the RN year...I ask this because I've heard for most programs the first year is really rough, but once you get the the specialty year it gets a lot better since you get closer to what you'll really be doing on the job..How have you liked your FNP training? Do you know anything about the psych specialty at BC? I signed up for family practice but I know you can switch. I guess I'm just wondering if I'll be able to handle such an intense program, but I know it will be worth it in the end...I know every decision is based on the person making the decision, but any comments, advise would help

If it makes you feel any better, I turned down an Ivy for BC. BC has better location than Yale, costs less than Yale, and I think its more competitive than Yale. Coming from a background in science, I don't think its necessary to stay in school for another three years when I spent the last 4 yrs studying a premed type curriculum. I think maybe if your background isn't science, 2 years is going to be overwhelming, but lots of career changers have done it. I guess those are my reasons for picking BC over an Ivy. Gotta go with your gut though

Thanks for the input...I've also spent the last year in a pretty clinical job where I've been learning different classes of meds, taking and reading, ECGS, looking over med histories, drawing blood, taking vitals, reading labs, so this may help with the science and clinicals a little...who knows..

does anyone know the job outlook in the Boston area for NPs? I know its hard to get a job as an RN, but havn't heard much about the NPs...

All the stuff you've done will help with the clinicals. My background is in clinical lab science and it helped me tremendously in both my RN and NP clinicals. I think the job outlook in Boston is better for NPs than for RNs. i belong to the MA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and I get about 5-6 emails a week with job openings. Most want some experience, but some are open to hiring new grads.

Suga, I don't know much about the psych program at BC. People seems pretty happy with it, though. I like this specialty year better than the RN year, but it's not a whole lot easier! Fewer exams, but a lot more papers!!! I love my clinicals, though, and that makes all the difference. The 2 year intensive program has been tough, but I think it's worth it. I've managed to get through it while working part time and raising two kids. Granted, I have no social life, but it's been worth it.

so whats everyone's specialty?

im still in the process of deciding, but will make myself come to a decision by the middle of this week! arg i hate decisions haha

I got into the Adult NP specialty. I'm really excited about it because I can do a 'concentration' in either cardiology, oncology, or critical care! Good luck in your decision!