ABSN hopeful - UNC, UMass, Duke, MGH

[jlobrien]

Hi,

I'm beginning my process of getting my ABSN, but am rather conflicted about where to apply. I am a NC resident but am currently living in MA and would like to gain some insight about a few of the programs I am interested in. I will be doing a lot of research, but I feel like the best info always comes from people who have first-hand experience with the program. I have specific questions/issues regarding each school so if you have any insight to those specifically, that would also be very helpful!

Duke- I love the idea of how you get about 15 credits that can be applied to graduate study because I'm positive I want to go into advanced practice (probably NP), but I'm concerned about the price tag being worth it.

UNC - I went there for undergrad and loved it; I am missing it way more than I ever thought I would and am proud to be attached to that family. I'm positive I would love going there but am concerned about getting in.

UMass Boston - I'm fairly certain I could get in, but am concerned about the quality and reputation of the program. It may sound snobby, but it's important to me that I graduate from a school that has a reputation for generating top-notch nurses.

MGH- Here I am concerned about the price and the reputation. Not having lived in MA for any of my adult life, I am completely unaware of where most of the areas nurses are educated, so I don't know which schools are the good ones.

Sorry for such a long post, but I hope someone can provide some insight! Thanks in advance!

[CarolinaGirl33]

Hi jlobrien,

I know you posted this months ago, but how is your application process coming along? I'm in a similar dilemma as you. I went to UNC for undergrad and would like to consider Duke or UNC for an ABSN since I love the area and schools but my husband currently works in Boston and now I am an MA resident. I've also been looking into MGH and Simmons. MGH has a 3 year direct-entry MSN program that allows you to finish your NP in 3 years right away and great clinical placements at MGH, Brigham, etc, which are appealing, but I am worried about the reputation of the program and would in some ways prefer a more established program with a higher ranking like UNC or Duke. None of the Boston area nursing schools are ranked as well as the NC ones and in general are more expensive (mainly due to cost of living). But at the same time I don't think my husband would be able to move back to NC any time soon. Have you picked which schools you will be applying to?

CarolinaGirl33

[CarolinaGirl33]

Also, I wanted to add that Duke allows current ABSN students to apply early for their MSN/DNP programs (making them easier to get into), in addition to allowing up to 15 credits to count toward graduate study.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

The MGH program was one of the first of its kind in the country, and is excellent. Boston is a GREAT college town. Downside: The cost of living is very high here and the Old Farmer's Almanac projects that we'll have a worse winter than last year :).