Boston College Direct Master's Entry 2017

lton · Feb 2, 2017

Is anyone else waiting on Vanderbilt? Vandy was my first choice, but now comparing programs with BC I'm not sure. Housing costs seem to be significantly lower in the areas outside of Nashville that I've looked at, but I'm not sure about their block scheduling during the second year. The more I read about BC, the more I'm leaning towards it! Any of you have some insight into these two programs?

To those still waiting, good luck!!! The wait can be torture but hang in there :) Hoping you all get good news.

cbelll · Feb 2, 2017

I applied for PMH and I also have not heard back yet

JDLcma · Feb 2, 2017

I am for Vandy

Take2inRI · Feb 3, 2017

Hi all,

I'm currently in the master's entry program at BC, first year. I hear your concerns about it being fast, and it is, but I decided to just dedicate my life to this for the short term and be done sooner. The philosophy is not that you will graduate and walk into a clinic and know everything you need to be a primary care provider on day one anyway. The question is, did you get a solid enough foundation? Your learning curve year one on the job will be huge regardless. You just have to decide if the 2 yr program works for you. It doesn't work for everyone. I'm leaning toward a residency myself, but we'll see.

Hmm, trying to remember some of your ?s on the previous pages.....

Last year PMHNP was the only specialty that had interviews and not every PMHNP applicant who got in had one, so don't stress about that.

We actually found out on Feb 1, but we were all surprised by that, so don't panic yet. I'm sure they give a date they KNOW they'll be done by.

I think most people got scholarship notification with their decision letter.

One thing that made me nervous with all programs is that they all seem pretty disorganized and friends in other programs told me theirs were nuts. I do not feel that way about BC, for organization I'm very glad I chose them.

If you're a MA resident, UMass is definitely cheaper.

I don't remember other questions, but good luck to all of you!! BC is a great program with a great reputation :-)

Iton specifically: I got into both BC and Vandy and went with BC. I don't regret it. Cost of living is WAY cheaper in Nashville, but BC's program is cheaper, they pretty much even out (or they did this time last year). Even though I was totally okay with traveling for school, I chose BC because I'm a New Englander, and because while Nashville is pretty sweet, it's also saturated with NPs and I didn't want to live in TN outside of Nashville. But I did love Vandy when I visited. Loved it.

SaltsyBG · Feb 3, 2017

Hi and thank you for joining the conversation! I know you're probably crazy busy but was hoping you could answer one question -

Considering how short the program is, and the fact that we will need more practice to become self-sufficient providers, what DO people do when they graduate with this degree from BC? Aren't residencies hard to come by? Do graduates actually find employment as FNPs right away, or do they do a few years of staff RN work to get more experience first?

If you've got any insights, I would be really grateful! I've been accepted for the FNP program, and am thrilled, but am anxious about the massive loans and not sure what happens right after graduation... Thanks!

SaltsyBG · Feb 3, 2017

Hi all,
I'm currently in the master's entry program at BC, first year. I hear your concerns about it being fast, and it is, but I decided to just dedicate my life to this for the short term and be done sooner. The philosophy is not that you will graduate and walk into a clinic and know everything you need to be a primary care provider on day one anyway. The question is, did you get a solid enough foundation? Your learning curve year one on the job will be huge regardless. You just have to decide if the 2 yr program works for you. It doesn't work for everyone. I'm leaning toward a residency myself, but we'll see.

Hi and thank you for joining the conversation! I know you're probably crazy busy but was hoping you could answer one question -

Considering how short the program is, and the fact that we will need more practice to become self-sufficient providers, what DO people do when they graduate with this degree from BC? Aren't residencies hard to come by? Do graduates actually find employment as FNPs right away, or do they do a few years of staff RN work to get more experience first?

If you've got any insights, I would be really grateful! I've been accepted for the FNP program, and am thrilled, but am anxious about the massive loans and not sure what happens right after graduation... Thanks!

psychNP125 · Feb 3, 2017

got an email this afternoon, no acceptance for me :/

lton · Feb 3, 2017

@take2 thanks for your insight!! I guess I should just wait and see if I'm even accepted to Vandy. Hopefully it's an easy decision!

@psychNP try not to feel too discouraged! Take some time to feel however you need to feel about it, but these decisions aren't a testament to your capability or worth in healthcare! Keep trying!!

psychNP125 · Feb 3, 2017

thanks!! good luck to you!

Take2inRI · Feb 4, 2017

Most do get jobs as FNPs right away if that makes you feel better :) Some people choose residencies, I'm not sure how hard they are to come by as I haven't begun looking yet, but I won't freak out if that doesn't end up being the route I choose. I'm expecting it to take a while to feel comfortable as a provider on my own, but so far I feel as though we'll be well-prepared after graduation. And the students in the 2nd year say they're really loving it.

Again, you have to decide if learning fast is for you. If I was more comfortable going slower I would have looked at longer programs.

And we're all anxious about the loans! :-)

virginiac · Feb 7, 2017

I'm in for PMH! So excited! Take2, thanks for the insight...always nice to hear that people like the program they're in :)

lton · Feb 10, 2017

Does anyone else still need to take pathophysiology? Or does anyone know a more affordable place to take it? It's $700 at Butler (