Anyone aplying to UW Oshkosh Accel. BS to BSN?

U.S.A. Wisconsin

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I just applied to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Online Accelerated BS to BSN program. The next cohort will start May 2009. I am excited and curious if any one else is out there applying or if any one else is in the program now. If so how is it?

Can anyone tell me what kind of financial aid is offered for this program? I know the program is $34,500 for the year, were you offered a loan to cover this amount? Do they give you more than just the tuition to help with living expenses as you can't work during the program?

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Can anyone tell me what kind of financial aid is offered for this program? I know the program is $34,500 for the year, were you offered a loan to cover this amount? Do they give you more than just the tuition to help with living expenses as you can't work during the program?

From what I understand, what they offer really depends on how much you already carry from your previous degree. I don't remember the exact amount, but the total for stafford loans that you can have as an undergrad is something like $46k. They offered me enough in stafford and nursing loans to cover tuition (I already had quite a bit of student loan debt from my previous degree, so I imagine that limited the amount they could offer me), and then if you needed more you could get alternative (private) student loans. I know a lot of people in my cohort ended up accepting some of those loans to help cover living expenses. The financial aid department was really great about helping out and they really understand the unique challenges that this program presents financially and are very available to help out. After you are accepted they contact you and help get everything ready financially.

I hope this wasn't too confusing and helps a little!

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Hi Marci,

I was there from Aug 11th to the 25th. A few people stayed in the dorms on campus, but the vast majority of us stayed at the holiday inn, which was great because we could share rides (which was especially nice for us out of staters who had to fly in), relax in the hot tub after a long day at lab or clinical, and they had free happy hour from 5-7 :) It felt like a community there after two weeks, which was really great. We also arranged to share rooms to cut down on the cost. They had free wireless too which was very helpful because we did have some homework to complete during the two weeks. I know the people who stayed in the dorms did fine, but they are the bare min so if you want to be more comfortable during the two weeks I'd recommend the hotel.

Hope this helps and good luck!

txakolina,

Thanks so much for the info. This might sound dumb, but did you have classes on August 25 or you left Wisconsin that day? I'm trying to figure out whether to apply to the October cohort or the May one. I really don't want to miss the "first day of school" for my kids.

Also, how difficult is it to get into this program? I have a 3.68 gpa in my undergraduate degree. I have a 3.9 so far is science prerequistes for the program. I'm a CNA and a volunteer at a local assisted living facility. What do you think my chances are?

Thanks,

Marci

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txakolina,

Thanks so much for the info. This might sound dumb, but did you have classes on August 25 or you left Wisconsin that day? I'm trying to figure out whether to apply to the October cohort or the May one. I really don't want to miss the "first day of school" for my kids.

Also, how difficult is it to get into this program? I have a 3.68 gpa in my undergraduate degree. I have a 3.9 so far is science prerequistes for the program. I'm a CNA and a volunteer at a local assisted living facility. What do you think my chances are?

Thanks,

Marci

It is competitive, but I think you have a really good chance. Your GPA is good and experience as a CNA defiantly helps. As for boot camp, it is split into two groups; half of the cohort starts and ends two days before the other one. I was in the second group, so half the cohort was finished two days before me (on the 22nd) and the rest of us finished on the 24th. You might be able to ask to be part of the first group. We all had the 25th and 26th off. Have you already applied for the May '09 cohort?

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I graduated from UW Oshkosh Accel program in October, and just passed my boards a couple days ago. Just to throw in my experience regarding staying on campus vs. the hotel....I highly highly highly recommend staying at the holiday inn! For bootcamp and capstone week, I shared a room there with a couple other classmates and it was great. Not that much more expensive than the dorms, and we really got to bond!! It was completely worth the extra bucks! Good luck to you all!

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Does anyone know if there's a chance for someone to get into the program who's CNA certified but has never done work experience as a CNA?

I plan on applying for the October 2009 cohort group. I have a BBA and MBA in business. My gpa is high, I have (all but one) prereqs complete, and will be CNA certified by January but will not have had any work experience as a CNA. How much do they weigh this component?

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Does anyone know if there's a chance for someone to get into the program who's CNA certified but has never done work experience as a CNA?

I plan on applying for the October 2009 cohort group. I have a BBA and MBA in business. My gpa is high, I have (all but one) prereqs complete, and will be CNA certified by January but will not have had any work experience as a CNA. How much do they weigh this component?

I know that having CNA work experience strengthens your application, but I imagine that how much weight they put on it depends on the pool of applications. If a lot of other highly qualified applicants have more experience I think they would have the advantage, but I would by no means say that you wouldn't have any chance as long as you do have your certification.

From my own experience, I worked for part time as a CNA for about 10 weeks during the summer before I applied (my previous career was a teacher so I had the summer to do that) and then I just worked PRN after that, but the experience I gained in that short amount of time has really helped me in the program. If you could even work occasionally (like a couple days a month) I think it would really help your application. They really want the experience because of the quick pace of this program and there ins't a lot of time to work on the basics (what you learn as a CNA) like there is in a traditional program.

Good luck!

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Blueelle...there were a handful of my classmates that did not have CNA experience either. Like txakolina said, it definitely is a plus on your side if you do, but definitely doesn't count you out if you don't. Good luck!

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I just got the email that i got in!!!! I hope to hear great news from others too!!

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Congrats!! It's going to be a whirlwind of a year for you, but in the end it is definitely worth it!!

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I just got the email that i got in!!!! I hope to hear great news from others too!!

Congrats! You will love it and be amazed at how much you learn in such a short period of time!

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Specializes in ED/UC.

I got in too! I just decided to check this thread and it has kept on going. I bought the first two workbooks, but I need the rest! Thanks again!

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