Western University of Health Sciences

Congrats Henrietta, I know I'm late, but I just joined allnurses. I also got accepted in WesternU for the MSN-E program. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I heard great things about WU from a PA student.

I respectfully disagree. In my MSN/FNP program all courses are televised, streamlined and archived. Courses all have monitors where as you can ask questions during class via your own computer in real time during the class. As far as hands on--true none can take place in person with 1 instructor to 50 students in the class, which is why you do hands on with your own preceptor which is always 1 to 1.

The reason why this is important for you to understand is because your way of thinking sets the foundation for bias against students who choose the non-traditional routes. Many of these individuals understand, as I'm sure you do, or will soon learn, that nursing is a practice-based discipline and as such, much learning occurs in the clinic environment. Those courses that support the philosophy and research systems of nursing, at least for me, are better served through course work with schedules that I select--not the business(the school) which is earning my dollar as the customer.

Another thing to consider. At one time nursing distance ed was a new enterprise mostly relegated to unknown private colleges. Now distance education programs are set up by world-class education facilities such as Duke and Johns-Hopkins and Purdue--all of which now have graduate nursing programs via distance. Do you honestly think that these institutions would compromise the integrity of their standing in the academic world if they thought offering distance education was an inferior product as compared to the brick and mortar setting?

Again these issues are important for all to understand as there is far too much in the way of horizontal violence in the health care industry. Although you reference personal preference, there is often bias and discrimination that serves to underscore these ideas, and often (as I have personally seen) transcend into the workplace by those who have very little understanding of how distance education truly works, especially by some who have never been through the process.

We really don't need any more bias' based on discriminating against those who have chosen distance education by suggesting their chosen and education path is somehow inferior.

Also, to the rest of the accepted folks--Congratulations! Distance education rocks, but similar to traditional paths its all what you make it.

I believe that you are required to go onto campus for the hands-on portion of the classes.

Hi. I spoke with some one at WU. They only admitted about five people from the alternate list this year, unlike previous years where they typically would have spots for about twenty altnernates.

Did they say if they would accept any more alternates this year? They told me they could call me up until the 1st two weeks of class. I'm not that hopeful though.

They stated letters would be sent the 1st week of September indicating this class is full and closed.

It is so frustrating to wait 5 1/2 months to be told you didn't get in as an alternate. Arggg! I was really hoping all the alternates would get in like they did last year.

My understanding is that they were not expecting any more spaces to open up this year. I was told they have already started the term. The advisor also said that the apps for next year are already available and it looks favorable if an alternate applies for the following year, with something new, such as 'more experience'.

I am registered for 3 online classes that start in 2 weeks. I'm thinking about applying to the Mount Saint Mary's accelerated BSN program. It starts in May and is only 1 year.

Guess I shouldn't have put all my eggs in one basket. I will be applying to more than 1 program this fall.

Is WU requiring the GRE this year? I didn't see it on the website.

I am in the MSN-E program at Western. We had orietation last Thursday, Friday and Convocation and our White Coat Ceremony on Sat. While classes don't start until the 18th, I doubt they will admit anyone. If they accepted 50 people, which I think they did, there are 3 spots available as there were only 47 people at the ceremonies. So...take it for what it's worth. There is one girl who deferred last year and is in my class and I am one of several alternates, too, so it can happen! Good luck!

PS. Rumor is the GRE is no longer required.

I know I'm a little late but I am applying for the Fall 09.

Do they look at the overall applicant or just strictly gpa? Also any advice on the interview?

And they informed me that the GRE is no longer required

I don't think you're late at all. I don't think my app was in until October. You're ok.

They look at the overall applicant. I had A's and B's in my pre-req's and asked them that during the interview. Even though I was accepted, I still didn't believe them until I started talking to some of the other girls. All 6 girls in my group WERENT straight A students. We vary in age, race and educational backgrounds and are all well rounded. The grades are a factor, but not as big of one as we all think.

The interview is based on Emotional Intelligence. Read up on it. They ask alot of personal questions about HOW you do things, WHY you would do things, experiences YOU'VE had, etc. I was told verbatim that the interviews are based on the EI questioning line.

Let me know if you have any more questions. We start the 5th week on Monday with a fat exam! YAY us!

pmgamber