Published Nov 24, 2008
airforceguy
11 Posts
Greetings! I've been searching for this info for the past few days, but I'm a bit discouraged at what I've found. I'd love it if someone could confirm my findings and offer a bit of insight...
I'm active-duty Air Force pursuing a great USAF nursing program...Basically, once I get my pre-req's done and accepted into a BSN program the USAF will pay tuition ($15k cap annually, not able to add personal funds to this), they'll pay my full salary/benefits, and my "job" will be to go to school...a really good deal! However, for a nursing program to qualify it needs to be a year-round program, to include summer sessions. Graduating with a BSN and passing the NCLEX must be done within 24 months. This part is mandatory.
It seems like ASU is the only university in AZ with a year-round BSN program I've described. I didn't see anything on NAU or UA's websites. Am I wrong, or are there other universities here that have such a program?
Also, could someone give me a true idea of the competetiveness of getting into ASU's year-round program? I understand recent state budget cuts have driven GPAs up above 3.8, but I won't be applying for at least 1.5 years. Hopefully enrollment will drop back to traditional levels and provide a bit more breathing room. I've got A's in the 3 classes I'm taking now (A&P I being the only one worth mentioning) and anticipate keeping this going in future semesters. I do have B's in ENG 101/102 that transferred from a previous school, should I perhaps plan on retaking these?
An ASN is not an option for me, this program is limited to BSN-granting programs as commissions are only awarded for a BSN. I do believe I have what it takes to succeed academically, as I'm willing to sacrifice any semblance of a social life for the next couple years to work nights and go to school during the day. However, I'm a realist, and if ASU's year-round program is so competetive that a few B's might disqualify me a couple years from now then I need to abandon ASU's MCCCD critical tracking requirements and explore pre-req's for year-round programs at schools in states close to other AF bases. So, is ASU's year-round program the most sought-after program, typically accepting those with perfect 4.0's and >95% NET scores, or are these individuals going into the traditional program? Is it the other way around? Or is it an equal mix?
I'm mostly focused on ASU's program (as opposed to one in another state) for a number of reasons, but let's just say the condo I bought last year now seems more like an anchor than my slice of the American dream...
Any and all info/advice/insight is appreciated!!
MassagetoRN
330 Posts
Wow!! Congrats on finding an awesome deal!! I just recently went through the ASU application process. There is a thread here about it, use the search. I had my heart set on going to ASU's Polytech Campus (in the far East Valley). It is 16 months, year round BSN. They also have the year round on the ASU West Campus in Glendale. However, with the recent budget cuts, economic issues, etc. they cut a large number of faculity, and seats at these two sites. They just put alot of money into the Downtown Campus and they are trying to shift everyone there. Also, the rumor is that the NCLEX pass rates for the 16 mos programs were low, and the drop out rate was high, another reason to shift students downtown, where it is a traditional 24 month program BSN. If you aren't applying for 1.5 yrs, I wouldn't bank on the 16 mos program being an option at that time (this is just my opinion). I do know that the admissions is super compatitive. I had a 3.5ish GPA and with high 70's, low 80's on the NET and didn't have any shot at getting in. Good Luck!!
The year-round program not existing in the future is an interesting opinion. Until I see something official from ASU I'll stick with the MCCCD pathway and operate under the assumption it will be an option...anyone care to weigh in on this?
DNPBrookie
30 Posts
Have you looked into GCU at all? They have a fast track that is 20 months. I don't know if that is year round but it seems like it would be. They are expensive but I think they give a military discount. Just a thought.
mzthang581
I am currently an ASU student and I graduate in 2 weeks! My best friend did the 16 month program at east campus and loved it. ASU is extremely competitive to get into, but not impossible. I do recommend you retake those English classess cause you need to get all the A's you can.
From what I understand from my professors ASU is not getting rid of the 16 month program. They have decreased enrollment though because of the economy. I wouldn't give up on your dream, I have had a great experience with the program. You seem like an intelligent person and I would just focus on getting A's too apply. I had 1 B with my application. Good luck!