anyone applying to the simmons dix scholars program?

Suzanne44 · Dec 18, 2009

Hi,

I am still in the process of completing my prereqs, but I am strongly considering applying to the program. I went to the info session...but I am having a hard time finding out about clinicals....do they start the first year or second...what is the time committment per week..ect. Have you heard anything about it?

miss pereira · Dec 19, 2009

i'm pretty sure that clinicals start during the first year, and students spend one day per week at their clinical site. in the second year, students spend two days per week in clinicals. i think the clinical days are full "shifts" -- like 8 hours.

Lucy121 · Dec 21, 2009

I applied for the 18 month program starting in July. I am not sure when they will let us know. Whats the difference from the 2 year one? Has anyone talked to students about how many of the classes are online vs. in class?

miss pereira · Dec 21, 2009

you are lucky that you are applying to the 18-mo program! that's for students with a prior Bachelor's degree -- the 2 & 3yr programs are for students without a BA. there are also still spaces left in the 18mo program. they told us at the info session that there are no spaces left in the 2-yr program starting Fall 2009, so the best we can hope for is being waitlisted.

i haven't heard about the online vs. in class ratio -- although at the info session, they made it sound like the majority of the courses are done in the classroom.

KDrummond · Dec 26, 2009

I applied to the 2-year program beginning Fall 2010. I have contacted the admissions department a few times and they have confirmed that they will not be reviewing the applicants for the 2-year program who would like a Fall start, until after the priority deadline of january 10th. It should then take 2-3 business weeks to recieve decision letters.

The clinicals do begin the first semester and they are 6-8 hours in length. I am not sure of the ratio for online classes vs campus classes.

I have a prior BS in Psychology; however, I am the mother of 3 and work 20 hours/week at a hospital, so the 2-year program would work better for me.

Has anyone heard the acceptance rate? How many spots are there for this program?

Any more info or questions, please let me know!! Thanks and good luck to you all!

Cprice · Dec 28, 2009

Hi there,

i have heard of the Simmons College, but i had no knowledge they did a 2 year BSN in nursing..i am considering doing the Degree here in the Uk and then try to find work in Massachussets. From what i understood from other members the grading can be very though and if one falls below the expected 75% will be out of the programm.

I was wondering with the Simmons college if anyone knows how does it work ? This is because i have a budget and a child , so i cannot take uneccessary chances...Any thoughts welcome...thanks in advance..

carla

allaboutnursing77 · Jan 3, 2010

Hi all,

I am a student in the Direct Entry program at Simmons (the accelerated RN-NP program) and completed the RN portion last December (December 08). At Simmons you start your clinical in the first year and yes, it is one day a week, 8 hour shifts. I'm not sure exactly how it works for the 2 year Dix, but I know the 18 month Dix students have two days of clinical the second semester and continue to have type of schedule through the rest of the program. The great thing about Simmons is its one on one preceptorship that occurs in the last semester. During that time you spend the entire semester working one on one with a nurse and you learn so so so much. Its the closest thing to being on your own and it is extremely helpful.

The time commitment is intense. With classes two days a week and clinical either one or two days a week you are pretty much entirely consumed by school for the length of the program. Now, don't get me wrong, you absolutely can have a life if you make a priority. You just have to be good at time management.

Okay I think I've ranted enough....if you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help!

Oh and the class size of the 18 month Dix is about 50-60 students....approximately.

Good luck!

KDrummond · Jan 4, 2010

Thank you allaboutnursing77, your info is much appreciated! I applied to Regis' Direct Entry program, but only because I have the choice of leaving after completing my BSN. Simmons is my first choice. I love how they offer the 2 year program for us working mothers. I only work overnights on the weekends, but having 3 children limits my time commitment, but I am ambitious and know I can do it:) My husband is very supportive as is his company, so there is a lot of flexibility there, thankfully.

The 2-year program is a little less intense than the 18 month program. They also have a 3 year, but that's too long a program for me. The 2 and 3 year programs are also for people who do not have a prior bachelor's. In my case, it's to spread the course load out.

Good luck everyone!

careerchanger22 · Jan 4, 2010

hey allaboutnursing77,

I am applying to the 3 year Direct Entry at Simmons for this coming May start and I was wondering what your previous background is in? Simmons is really the only school I am wanting to go to and I am really nervous about not getting in. I graduated from Wentworth with an engineering degree in 2003 and have a great resume. I have started volunteering at MGH and shadowing some docs also recently.. the only thing I am afraid will hurt me is that I have no prereqs (well, taking Stats online at Simmons now) and graduated with a 3.2.... do you have any insight on the acceptance threshold?

thanks! I've been kind of driving myself crazy about it!

allaboutnursing77 · Jan 4, 2010

Dear careerchanger-

Not to fret! I came from a completely different background- I was the sales director at a catering company- so it was a big switch for me too. Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff though as far as shadowing and volunteering- that will look great on your application. As far a gps's go - I'm not sure they focus on those so much- especially since you've been out of school for a while. I know a handful of people that took all prereqs there-it's not unheard of and if you're getting stats under your belt now, you're on the right track. Really I think simmons appreciates diversity in their students so your past degree may actually make you stand out. What are you doing for work now?

Hope that helps!!

careerchanger22 · Jan 4, 2010

Well I was working in the construction industry as a Project Manager for 6 years and was laid off. The industry has basically gone bust and Im taking the opportunity to do something that I know I will really love. So for work now Im not doing anything... its a long wait until March, though, which is when I will hear if I am accepted. But, to pass the time, I am doing all the volunteering and shadowing I can. Thanks for your insight!