UIC Graduate Entry Program

[beestrng]

Hi folks,

Thinking about applying to UIC's GEP program. Anybody here applied and was accepted? What were your stats?

My stats: 3.2 Overall GPA/3.5 Sci BA in Sociology. Office Manager in home health care, tech in a medical equipment co, medical assistant (no cert) in dr's office and later office manager there. Volunteering in Nursing Home around 120 hours...

From what I can tell on their website, after completing the NCLEX, you immediately start the master portion of the program. Is this correct?

[ncami10]

I'm pretty sure I had the same problem and that's why they didn't accept mine. But since they were able to still get the gpa, school info and name it was changed. Call her, hope it works!

[rainkissedleaves]

Jesus! Next day Friday? Ahh I hope they consider their applicants for out of state and give at least a week to figure out and buy ticket! But I'm glad everything was figured out! That's interesting ... I have a very different number for the graduate nursing school in my phone. Then again I always speak with this one man who is very prompt and helpful with everything. Good luck!

[chumchums110]

Thank you so much ncami10! I really appreciate it! I'm surprised that they wouldn't notify applicants that there is an issue with their transcripts....if I didn't see your post, I would have never known! Thanks again! =D

[ncami10]

No problem! I was in the same boat, I asked them why they wouldn't notify us and she said that they kinda expect the students to keep checking their application status to see. But I assumed that if no one called or emailed me there wasn't a problem, and figured my application was fine. Luckily she made it sound like if they didn't contact you with a problem then your application was still being reviewed with no delays. Hopefully no more hiccups with this process!

[chumchums110]

Once again thank you! =) Unfortunately I need to get additional proof that I took my classes from this certain institution. I don't know how long this will take....hopefully it does not affect my chances. Goodluck to everyone!

[JustD16]

So, between yesterday and today, we've been told we'll find out Thursday and interviews could begin Friday AND that we'll find out early next week and interviews could begin later next week. I feel like the waiting would be easier if I had an exact date to focus on! But getting the interview and being accepted with make it all SO worth it if that is the case.

[jmonkeyjen]

@ hi616

FWDWhen you say the people in cohort ahead of your friend had no problem passing the NCLEX and getting job, where were they getting jobs? There was a thread started by a current student trying to warn us against UIC and they mentioned that getting jobs was not as easy during the specialty part of the program that UIC makes it out to be. So I'm wondering if the jobs the specialty students are getting are in LTC facilities and nursing homes or are they at hospitals and doctor's offices? I understand it is hard to get RN jobs these days (even for some BSN-prepared nurses despite the fact magnet hospitals want them) so I'd like to have a better understanding of where students are getting jobs without having a BSN from the program.

If you wouldn't mind asking, I'd really appreciate it!

I checked with my friend who is currently in UIC's GEP program-and she said the specialty students worked in a variety of settings but the majority community hospitals. She agreed that it was harder to get into a magnet hospital without a BSN. She also said once in the program, UIC professors are honest about the job market being competitive. They recommended students get to know the nurse managers well during their clinical rotations, and that students attend UIC nursing job fairs. Additionally. my friend said although it is not recommended by UIC to work during the 15 mth RN program-the few students who continued to work or previously worked in medical field-as CNA or EMT had much easier time getting hired by hospital. Furthermore, she said a few students in cohort above her could only find part time RN hospital job, but then they continues full time in the GEP specialty program.

[jmonkeyjen]

Wow. its unbelievable that they would expect us to be ready for an interview with a day's notice! But at least we all should find out soon (at least by next week).

[sittenfeld]

I logged back in today just to double check everything. I'm glad that some of you were checking because I was definitely relying on them to send an email saying it was incomplete, etc.

@jmonkeyjen - sounds like it's all about networking and being an advocate for yourself, which is to be expected. Since my specialty is Psych, I know it's vital for me to get some sort of experience before becoming an NP. I do feel a bit better reading your post though!

Let us hope for Thursday!!! Anyone prepping themselves for interviews? There was a post somewhere on here that had a bunch of questions, I'll try to find it and post it later.

[jmonkeyjen]

@sittenfeld My friend also mentioned that the only tuition reimbursement program she was aware of was for psych specialty (working at VA hospital or working with lower income populations)-so your specialty maybe more in demand.

[hi616]

There's this one. It's for full-time nurses working at a "critical shortage facility" and makes no mention of certain specialties: Loan Repayment Program

I definitely plan on considering it down the line if I'm eligible.

And thanks so much jmonkeyjen for asking your friend!

[hi616]

For everyone that has been checking the application the past couple of days, is the transcript box the only one that has a green checkmark by it? The item status for my nursing departmental materials and application fee both say received, but no green check mark. I figured it was fine (especially because why would they "verify" the credit card payment when it has been received), but I wanted to check.