Confused with Waitlist and applying for 2010/2011

Den:

Different schools have different requirements about whether the pre-req classes need to be completed or not by the time of application; there is no general "rule". With Texas, GA and NC schools there are 21 different Accelerated BSN programs (and likely 21 different policies). A list of the ABSN school can be found at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/BSNNCG.pdf

I would recommend checking out the websites (and specifically any FAQs) to see what is required there.

At my school(in KY) as long as the classes are COMPLETED by the date of admission, you're fine. You don't have to have them finished just to apply. I think they are doing it that way because so many people are trying to get in now, it makes it easier on the students. Good Luck to you!

Den:

At UVa, we require that all 4 of the prereq classes (A&P 1 and 2, Lifespan, Stats) be completed before you enroll into the Direct Entry MSN. We regularly make offers of admissions to people who are still enrolled in at least one of the pre-requisite classes.

As for your other question: NP vs. PA ---- the two roles are very different. I think that job prospects are good in both areas. The key is which one suits you best. Take the change to shadow both nurses and PAs, and see what the day-to-day work is like. Which one appeals to your heart. Go for that one.

Keep in mind though that it will take some time (plus $$ and late nights) to get to that stage of a professonal NP or PA. Do not expect to get the perfect job as soon as you graduate from a program. But if it is the right "home" for your brain and your soul, it will be worth it.

Den:

Do not worry about the questions. That is one great reason for this site.

Here is a list of Direct Entry MSN prorgams: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/GENMAS.pdf All of these enroll people who are not nurses, and lead to a graduate degree. At the end of the program (just as with an accelerated BSN), you can sit for the same NCLEX examination to be certified as a RN. To get a RN license, you need to pass the national examination after you have completed an accredited program. You can become a RN through one of four pathways (hospital training/diploma program, associate's degree, BSN, or direct entry MSN).

We received about 125 applications for our entering class of 30 this year. GPAs were a factor, but we also made offers of admissions to those with GPAs that were similar to yours. Our admissions committee has emphasized health care experience, writing ability in the 3 essays, grades received in the prerequisite classes, etc. About 1/3 of the students in our program have graduate degrees already (PHD, MBA, MPH, M.Ed, MD, etc).

The Clinical Nurse Leader program is not an advanced practice program; it doe snot prepare NPs, CNS, midwives or anesthetists. But this summer we enrolled a CNL graduate into our 12-month post-masters NP program. She had nearly 2 years of work experience after her CNL, and thus had a better idea precisely what area she wanted to get her NP in. You might not know that there are over a dozen types of NP certifications in the US. I recommend that people have a good idea what they want to be a specialist in before entering a NP (or other advanced practice nursing) program.