I'm applying to APU's NP program this January and am sooo excited and nervous! I'm really trying to get accepted to start in Fall 2011 as I don't want to wait until spring 2012. This is my first choice (I've already applied to another school here) and I've GOT to get in! Is anybody out there waiting for decisions or has advice for the application process? I would've applied sooner, but they just implemented a rule where you have to have 12 completed credits for science, so I had to wait until grades got posted.
@jungdtCongrats! I have also applied and am interviewing at Concordia University in Irvine which is an ABSN program. I'm about 90% sure I'm going to APU SD though because for the cost it's a great way to get my masters, and the school has a great reputation. Plus the location is in the heart of San Diego, where I want to work and live. I didn't apply anywhere else. What CSUs did you get into? If I got into a CSU I think I would've gone just for the sake of saving money. But who knows. My bro and his wife actually met during their program at CSULB :)I've also asked about clinicals and was told: Kaiser, Sharp, Radys, Scripps Mercy, and varying community settings for Mental Health rotation. Hope this helps!
Yay! for joining us! I am actually starting to receive acceptance letters from other school, too...I thought I got into only APU but I gues I have more options...Even APU is still my favorite I feel like I need to compare schools to find the best program for me...Which schools did you get in? Is there anyone who is also debating between schools? What would consider the most to choose the best school for you?
Yeah like cahsezsaywhat said I heard the possible clinical areas are Sharp, Kaiser, Scripps, and others. I heard they are all great hospitals in SD!!!!
I too have been accepted into other programs, which makes this decision even harder now! It's almost easier to only be accepted into 1 school haha...then there is no choice! :)
But anywho, I am trying to decide between Columbia, USD, and Azusa. I initially dreamed about attending Columbia, but after a lot of thought I don't know if its the best option for me. It cost approximately double Azusa and will require me to stay in NYC an additional 6 months in order for my NP to transfer, which can be difficult being that most new grads have to sign 2-3 year contracts with hospitals for positions and I don't want to live in NY for another 3 years. I also want to live in San Diego and from what I have been told by many doctors and nurses its all about networking, something we will be able to do at our clinical rotations. I have been hung up on the idea of wanting to attend an "Ivy" league school, but in the end we all will end up with the same degree/career...Azusa has a great reputation from what I have read online and is only half the cost of these other programs, so I think that is what will be my deciding factor, money. Most adults in the medical field whom I discuss this with always tell me go with the cheaper program, debt is not worth it. Many of them took out huge loans to attend top medical schools and say they regret not attending a lesser program that cost half the price because they are still working to pay back huge loans and have the same title M.D behind there name is the next doctor who maybe went to a state school and spent half the money. But, money may not be a factor for some...so maybe they don't mind, its just a personal choice I think. I also love the idea of a small class size, I feel as though we will get more one-on-one attention and help. Azusa has also been the best school to always get back to me and answer any questions/concerns I have had.
Well..these are my thoughts and ideas...anyone has have any thoughts and what is helping them make their decision?
P.S. For those who may not be familiar with SD hospitals, those rotations are GREAT hospitals! Definitely some of the top hospitals in SD so that is very exciting :)
thank you all for the posts. i actually applied to and got accepted into the main campus program. i'm trying to decide between Western University (probably i will turn it down), UCLA (waitlisted), CSUN (Accelerated BSN, not MSN), CSUF (interview on 22nd), and still waiting for an interview at CSULA. money is a big factor for me, as well as, distance, and years in school. CSUF is only 3 yr NP program compared to Azusa (which is 4 years, correct?). CSU programs will be much cheaper in the long run, right? i like the private school environment and small cohort...but i'm really lost. i guess i need to wait to see who else will accept me and decide then. i gave my deposit to azusa. if you know possible clinical site for the main campus program, please let me know. thanks!
. CSUF is only 3 yr NP program compared to Azusa (which is 4 years, correct?). CSU programs will be much cheaper in the long run, right?
On the website, Azusa lists the program as 3-4 years. It really depends upon the specialty you choose and whether you go full or part time during the Master's portion. I've also been accepted into the fall cohort at the main campus. It was my first choice and I didn't apply anywhere else once I found out that I was accepted.
CSU programs are less expensive, but not by much:
APU charges $555 per unit.........at 69 units for the pre-licensure portion, it equals $38,295. The longest master's program has 40 units which equals a base tuition of $22,200. This totals around $60,000.
CSULA charges $450 per unit for the pre-licensure portion........at 76 units, it equals $34,200. There is no per unit fee that I could find for graduate studies. Instead, they list a base tuition of around $8000 for full-time graduate enrollment per year. Requirements for a MSN range from 45-75 units. I don't know how that translates to years because they are on a quarter system and I'm only familiar with a semester system. At the low end of 2 years for the master's portion, you are looking at $16,000 and around $50,000 for the total ELMSN program. 3 years for the master's portion is $24,000 and $58,000 for the total program. So, either a $10,000 or a $2,000 differential.
Of course, this doesn't take into account books, clinical fees and other expenses. Plus any tuition rate hikes. The UC's and the CSU's are anticipating increasing tuition due to the California budget crisis, but I haven't looked into it much as I had already decided upon APU.
Not trying to sway you either way, but wanted you to make an informed decision. When I did my research, I was quite surprised that the cost was relatively comparable.
If you do decide on APU, please PM me as I would love to communicate with others that will be starting at the main campus this fall!
I also heard not like any other CSU programs, Azusa allows students to work while finishing up with the NP program. I asked this during an interview and I heard for example, CSULA does not allow that. So if you are considering working while in the MSN program, Azusa allows that.
I am pretty surprised there are lots of you thinking really hard to choose the school just like me. I, too got accepted to UCLA MECN program and APU-SD ELMSN program and it's really hard to choose one.
Good things about APU are that it is a small class size, and just like Kkandes said, the staffs and counselors have been really nice to me in responding to my emails and helping me out. I also like that I already met many of you here to share ideas and concerns. It is also an automatic NP MSN program. I feel like I will be less stressful and will be comfortable to study there....
However I still cannot ignore about UCLA's huge reputation in medical field, beautiful campus and I LOVE they have community outreach programs like involving in free clinics and international clinics. I do not know if APU-SD also has this kind of activities. Does anyone know ??
Sigh...I wish I can combine the two hahah. Is there anyone who is also debating between UCLA vs. APU?
I also heard not like any other CSU programs, Azusa allows students to work while finishing up with the NP program. I asked this during an interview and I heard for example, CSULA does not allow that. So if you are considering working while in the MSN program, Azusa allows that.
However I still cannot ignore about UCLA's huge reputation in medical field, beautiful campus and I LOVE they have community outreach programs like involving in free clinics and international clinics. I do not know if APU-SD also has this kind of activities. Does anyone know ??
Here is a quote from the APU website:
As an alternative to full-time study, students may elect to complete master's degree requirements through studying in a part-time format while taking courses each semester.
I was told that you can work part-time and go to school full-time, or work full-time and go to school part-time to get your MSN.
I don't know about the SD program, but on the main campus, APU's School of Nursing established a local Neighborhood Wellness Center in 1998. You can read more about it here: Neighborhood Wellness Center: 10 Years of Service - Articles - Azusa Pacific University I would guess that the SD campus also participates in some sort of community outreach.
Just helping to make your decision a little harder......
Hi all,,,, I've been accepted for summer 2012 at Inland Empire :) . anyone has info abou the quality of the program there, faculty, lab, etc... thank :) I can't wait to start!!
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cahsezsaywhat
31 Posts
@jungdtCongrats! I have also applied and am interviewing at Concordia University in Irvine which is an ABSN program. I'm about 90% sure I'm going to APU SD though because for the cost it's a great way to get my masters, and the school has a great reputation. Plus the location is in the heart of San Diego, where I want to work and live. I didn't apply anywhere else. What CSUs did you get into? If I got into a CSU I think I would've gone just for the sake of saving money. But who knows. My bro and his wife actually met during their program at CSULB :)I've also asked about clinicals and was told: Kaiser, Sharp, Radys, Scripps Mercy, and varying community settings for Mental Health rotation. Hope this helps!