Accelerated/Second Degree BSN Programs?

I don't know if you'd call GVSU's Kirkoff School of Nursing Accelerated. It takes 5 semesters to graduate AFTER all the prereq's. Are you calling it accellerated because we have summer classess?

GVSU has a 'Second Degree' program that is for people who already hold a bachelors degree and want to go into nursing. It's shorter than the tradition BSN program since you transfer in pretty much all of the pre-reqs and general ed classes.

I've been in contact with Wanda Moerland there at GVSU and should be getting the information packet this week about their Second Degree program. I don't know all the details about the program I just know that it is signifcantly shorter than the traditional program since for the most part they place you directly into the NUR courses. Like the program at Wayne State and UM you only go for 12-15 months straight then you receive your BSN.

[i have been accepted in the second degree program at the University of Detroit Mercy, its a 12 month program (3 semesters). I talked with the people at U of M and they didn';t have much information this summer because they are just switching from a 20 month to a 12 month program. They seemed very unorganized, didn't even know where clinicals would be.

I'm interested in the Second Degree Program at GVSU, as well. Have spoken w/Wanda Moerland and have begun app process. Wanted to start this fall, but couldn't get all the paperwork done in time. I'm curious - did you ever decide on a program? If so, which one?

Has anyone on this board attended or is currently attending one of these programs at GVSU, Wayne State or U of M? I am looking into applying to these programs and just wanted to get some personal opinions on the different programs.

Spring Arbor University has a 22 month accelerated program if you already hold your ADN and have at least 1 year experience as an RN. GREAT school to attend.

http://www.airforce.com

At UMich, you never know where clinicals will be until the semester comes upon you. The 12 month is very accelerated and is the new program. I hear it's very competitive to get in at this point. I'm in the "old" 20 month program and almost done! phew!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

I'll be attending U of M this fall. I haven't heard much from other students because, as has been mentioned, the cohort that started in Fall 2004 was the first to do the 12 month curriculum instead of the 20 month.

The Michigan schools that have a 2nd Degree program (that I know of) are:

U of M Ann Arbor

Wayne State

U of D Mercy

Oakland

Grand Valley

I also hear that MSU is trying to get a 2nd degree program going....

U of M is (or was, recently) ranked a top 3 nursing school, so the education there would be good. Wayne State is an excellent school, though not in the best city. I have friends who live in Detroit and go to school at Wayne and like it, but Detroit is not the most happening town you'll find.

I'll be attending U of M this fall. I haven't heard much from other students because, as has been mentioned, the cohort that started in Fall 2004 was the first to do the 12 month curriculum instead of the 20 month.

The Michigan schools that have a 2nd Degree program (that I know of) are:

U of M Ann Arbor

Wayne State

U of D Mercy

Oakland

Grand Valley

I also hear that MSU is trying to get a 2nd degree program going....

U of M is (or was, recently) ranked a top 3 nursing school, so the education there would be good. Wayne State is an excellent school, though not in the best city. I have friends who live in Detroit and go to school at Wayne and like it, but Detroit is not the most happening town you'll find.

You do realize that when they say that a school is ranked, they are really looking at a grad school. There is no way to evaluate undergrad education for nursing, yet. So. Just go and see what you think, as far as comitting to a school! :)

No, I didn't know that...though with a good grad ranking, I'm assuming the undergrad can't be all that shabby :) I've spoken to some boards of nursing in other states, asking about the viability of extending my license should I wish to move, and all of them had great things to say about U of M undergrad.

Katrina, were a good number of the clinicals at Ann Arbor-based hospitals, or did they branch out to surrounding cities? I'm trying to plan for transportation and wasn't sure.

Also, how the hell do you park near the nursing school?!? Every time I go down there it is absolutely jammed!

No, I didn't know that...though with a good grad ranking, I'm assuming the undergrad can't be all that shabby :) I've spoken to some boards of nursing in other states, asking about the viability of extending my license should I wish to move, and all of them had great things to say about U of M undergrad.

Katrina, were a good number of the clinicals at Ann Arbor-based hospitals, or did they branch out to surrounding cities? I'm trying to plan for transportation and wasn't sure.

Also, how the hell do you park near the nursing school?!? Every time I go down there it is absolutely jammed!

It is a good school. But nursing schools are really variable depending on where you've got clinicals, your nurses you are paired with, who your clinical instructors are, etc.

For ME, I did use my car a lot. I have most of my clinicals at UM hospital, but my community health clinical was in downtown detroit, my maternity was at St. Joes, my management was at Oakwood Dearborn. I would have a car available or make friends with someone to car pool.

Parking, ah, parking. There are a few options. You can get an orange lot pass and take a bus in to the hospital and walk to the nursing school from there. Some people just walk. Also, if you look in the Michigan Daily (I think you can access it online) you can also purchase parking spaces near the school for a 40 or 50 bucks a month I think. OR, you could take the bus. The city bus system is free for students so some people get around that way.

I happened to lease an apartment that is within walking distance of the hospital and the nursing school. :) If you have any questions feel free to PM me and I'll give you my email. :)

Thanks, Katrina--I did IM you with my email and had a few other questions. Thank you again for the offer!

Has anyone on this board attended or is currently attending one of these programs at GVSU, Wayne State or U of M? I am looking into applying to these programs and just wanted to get some personal opinions on the different programs.

The University of Detroit Mercy (location also in West Michigan) is an excellent school, however, it is true that GVSU is a faster route via the 2nd Degree Program. Buyer beware, ask any experienced nurse in the hospitals here and I usually don't hear of GVSU topping the list of turning out the best (most prepared) grads. Personally, I do wish some other schools would find ways to get more 2nd Degree Students through the program more efficiently and with less red tape.