Accelerated BSN & Direct Entry Masters - Where do you go?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2005

Well, this is out of your neck of the woods, but Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio had (and as far as I know probably still has) a bachelor's to doctorate in nursing program. To gain entry you had to have a bachelor's degree in something--it didn't have to be nursing. Upon graduation you were granted a doctorate in nursing.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 13, 2005

What school do you go to (and where is that?)? Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

What program are you in there? Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track for Graduate Entry Nursing

How long is your program? 6-7 quarters of pre-licensure coursework, then 2 years of full time work as a staff nurse in a lvl III NICU then finish with 1-2 years of graduate coursework (depending on whether you took theory/non-clinical courses while you worked)

If you are willing to share: What was your cumulative undergrad GPA and/or GRE scores? 3.32 was my undergrad GPA, my GRE was 1420 I think, with a 5 in writing.

What was the best thing you did that you feel made your application more competitive? My entrance essay. I really felt my essay made the difference. Only 2-3 people a year are accepted into the NNP track and I really think that my essay is what made the difference.

Any general recommendations or comments to future applicants? Do some shadowing to determine what area you want to be in and have passion and don't be afraid to show it. :)

Good luck!

Izzygal · Sep 13, 2005

Thanks for getting the post going guys... I'm hoping to build up this list. :) I have lots of work to do!

Izzy

elizabells, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2005

What school do you go to (and where is that?)? Columbia University in NYC

What program are you in there? Neonatal NP combined BSN/MSN

How long is your program? One year pre-licensure (BSN), two years of full-time work in a level III NICU (this is a federal requirement prior to starting master's level coursework), and 1.5-2 years for the MSN

If you are willing to share: What was your cumulative undergrad GPA and/or GRE scores? Undergrad GPA is tricky as the school I went to gave narrative evals - I'd estimate 3.4ish. GREs: 740v/670m/5w

What was the best thing you did that you feel made your application more competitive? The essay and my test scores.

Any general recommendations or comments to future applicants? Make sure that your essay reflects your understanding of what an NP/APN really does, and if you're applying to an intensive care specialty, show that you thrive on crisis! Just kidding, kind of, but especially for neonatal, they don't want to hear how you love babies. Some of the babies are going to die, and people who just love babies often don't do well in the NICU. Oh, also, don't waste your money applying to UCSF if you don't have direct patient care experience, i.e., CNA work. They don't tell you that up front (why would they, they get your app fee!) but from my admittedly informal research, they only take people with direct experience.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2005

Thanks for getting the post going guys... I'm hoping to build up this list. I have lots of work to do!
Izzy

Izzy. . .the NLN (National League for Nursing) has a publication that lists all the accredited collegiate nursing programs broken down by degree granted. One look at this and you will know which universities offer MSNs in nursing so you can contact them for information instead of stumbling around trying to find them. They also will tell you what specialties they offer in the MSN programs because you will be specializing in some area of nursing when you do your MSN. It also gives you addresses and names of people to contact at each particular college for more information. I haven't had a need to do this, but their web site may offer this information, but I couldn't tell you if they do or not. However, the NLN publication is where you want to start your search for a school. Have fun looking!

youknowho · Sep 15, 2005

What school do you go to and where is it?

San Jose State University in San Jose, CA

What program are you in there?

Accelerated BSN program

How long is your program?

18 months

What was your cumulative undergrad GPA and/or GRE scores?

You dont need a prior bachelors for this program:) Didnt need to take the GRE as it is an undergrad program. GPA for all college was about 3.2 but sciences and prereqs 3.9. You need a 3.4 to apply for this program.

What made me feel more competitive?

Lucky for me it was a new program and all I needed were my grades and TEAS score. You also must be done with ALL other graduation requirements.

Any general recommendations?

I love it. I couldnt imagine taking 3 years to do this program (what it takes regular progression students). I will be done in 1/2 the time and its paid for my a local hospital where I will go work at for 2 years. I know that is a big turn off for some people but for me, it works great.

youknowho

Pride of July28 · Sep 15, 2005

What school do you go to (and where is that?)?

SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn NY

What program are you in there?

Just finished an accelerated BSN

How long is your program?

15 months

If you are willing to share: What was your cumulative undergrad GPA and/or GRE scores?

3.7 - GRE aren't required for the Acc BSN or for their four MSN programs (WHNP/FNP, CNS, midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia)

What was the best thing you did that you feel made your application more competitive?

I have been in health care since I graduated from college in many different capacities, wanted to make switch to clinical side now, knowledge of what nursing is and isn't and showing you know how to think on your feet

Any general recommendations or comments to future applicants?

be patient and don't sweat the small stuff-- disorganization is part of lots of nursing schools and DONT' WHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get ready for a women's world-- I am not downing women I am one myself but. . . all I can say is get ready for a little bit of nonsense occasionally, ridiculaous attention to not step on toes and glorification of "the way it used to be" regardless of what's being done today.

Lastly, understand that a vast majority of what you learn will come from just plain doing it and experiences and stop worrying like you're not learning enough-- you are!!![/i]

Good luck to all applicants and students!!!

Izzygal · Sep 15, 2005

Izzy. . .the NLN (National League for Nursing) has a publication that lists all the accredited collegiate nursing programs broken down by degree granted. One look at this and you will know which universities offer MSNs in nursing so you can contact them for information instead of stumbling around trying to find them. They also will tell you what specialties they offer in the MSN programs because you will be specializing in some area of nursing when you do your MSN. It also gives you addresses and names of people to contact at each particular college for more information. I haven't had a need to do this, but their web site may offer this information, but I couldn't tell you if they do or not. However, the NLN publication is where you want to start your search for a school. Have fun looking!

Thank you very much Daytonite! I checked out their website, but it doesn't offer it there. The publication is $30, so I think I'll have to ask around to see if anyone has a copy! Thank you!

What I'm really interested in is people's individual experiences anyway - I love to hear what people think and feel and what they have learned through their own experience of applying, being accepted... you guys most understand the process and can give the rest of us the real scoop.

Thanks again!

Izzy

Izzygal · Sep 15, 2005

Thanks everyone for posting so far! I can't wait to get going with all my prereqs, volunteering, etc. :)

Izzy

curlyfries · Sep 15, 2005

Likewise I am so excited in starting the prereq courses come Jan. 2006. I am looking to get into the University of Rochester accelerated bachelors for non-nurses. It's very expensive but think it is worth it since I have this calling to be a nurse for so long! I already have a bachelors degree in another field but U of R has the perfect program for someone like myself. The length of the program is 12 months and the cost is around $40K :eek: My GPA in my area of study for my undergrad is 3.6 but the cummulative, I taken classes I didn't need, 2.7. So it going to be a challenge to get it in...

Thanks everyone for posting so far! I can't wait to get going with all my prereqs, volunteering, etc. :)
Izzy

Izzygal · Sep 15, 2005

Likewise I am so excited in starting the prereq courses come Jan. 2006. I am looking to get into the University of Rochester accelerated bachelors for non-nurses. It's very expensive but think it is worth it since I have this calling to be a nurse for so long! I already have a bachelors degree in another field but U of R has the perfect program for someone like myself. The length of the program is 12 months and the cost is around $40K My GPA in my area of study for my undergrad is 3.6 but the cummulative, I taken classes I didn't need, 2.7. So it going to be a challenge to get it in...

Hi Curlyfries! Thanks for posting!

I'm struggling with a not so stellar undergrad cummulative GPA myself - 2.85 I think, so I will have an equally difficult struggle, as most schools I'm looking at ask for at least 3.0. I need to try to compensate somewhere, such as getting A's in my prereqs, obtaining solid volunteer experience, and maybe even working to become a Medical Assistant or EMT. We shall see!

Izzy