Boston College Masters Entry Program 2010

nic27 · Mar 24, 2010

Hi there, I’m almost positive that I’ll be attending BC next fall, so I’m happy to share my thoughts. There were a number of factors that went into my decisions. First, for personal reasons, I wanted to stay in the Boston area. Having worked/interned at hospitals in the area for several years, I am well aware of BC Nursing’s strong reputation. I think that will open doors when it comes time to apply for jobs, particularly in this area. I’m not sure how recently the master’s entry program was developed, but the Connell School itself is well-established, more so than other comparable schools like MGH. I was also accepted at MGH and was impressed with their program; however, I wanted the university affiliation that BC offers.

In addition, it seems like BC has access to good clinical placements, as well as a plethora of research opportunities if that’s of interest. I like the fact that the master’s entry program is so small and tight-knit (I’ve heard 35-40 students per class). I think that’s fairly unique for these programs and hope that it will allow for stronger relationships with faculty and classmates.

I also like the fact that the ME program is so accelerated and goes straight through the first summer. I admit that I am nervous about it being two years instead of three, but I’m confident that BC will prepare us well to enter the NP profession. I’m expecting it to be a very fast-paced, intense two years, so I can certainly understand why that wouldn’t be ideal for everyone, especially people with families or who hope to work full-time during school. All in all, the experience is what you make of it. It’s hard to go wrong with other comparable schools, but those are just some of my thoughts on BC. I'd love to hear what other people are thinking. Hope that helps!

kp002 · Mar 24, 2010

Thanks for the detailed reply! Your thought process is definitely helpful and similar to mine in most regards, so it is nice to see someone with the same reasoning for their choice in school. I am from CA and therefore do not have the same connection pulling me toward Boston that you do. However, that being said, no matter what school I finally decide on, I will definitely be coming to the east coast and have only heard/seen great things from Boston and their hospitals. It is nice to hear that BC has a strong and pretty highly regarded reputation there since it is obviously hard for me to really get a sense for that over here. And to know that you like Boston enough to want to stay there is great as well! Location is definitely a pro for BC in my mind.

I am also a bit nervous that the program is only 2 years as compared to 3 like most other programs. My thinking is that it is that way because the program at BC is maybe more intense and at a bit more accelerated of a pace than the others? Which is something I don't think I would mind.

My educational experiences have always involved large classes, so having the smaller and hopefully tight-knit classes is quite enticing. It will definitely be a change for me to have the opportunity to really get to know my classmates and professors!

My only difficulty with BC so far is that it has been a bit less communicative than others schools. I am hoping that as it comes closer to the start of the program, there will be a lot more information sent out about the housing options, the class, etc. Mainly just ways for us to get to know the professors, students, and administration (and where to live!), which will make this big change for me a bit less daunting :)

Dgrimm · Mar 25, 2010

Thank you to everyone who has given such great replies! Has everyone finished their prereq's for the program? I still have to take Anatomy/Physiology I and II. I am currently in the Boston area and taking microbio at Bunker Hill, but when looking at their summer catalog it seems like they're not offering A/P I and II. They're offering it in a Bridge session which is summer session I extended by a couple of weeks. Now, I'm not sure where to take them! Has anyone finished their requirements and/or in the same boat? Thanks!

cjm22 · Mar 26, 2010

Hi! I was also deciding between Yale and BC and I have officially made the decision not to send my deposit to Yale and to go to BC. Can't wait!!

Re: A&P, look into taking it at Northeastern during their summer session. It's a little expensive, but you can definitely complete I & II over the summer.

nic27 · Mar 26, 2010

cjm22- congrats on your decision! hope to meet you soon!

Dgrimm- I'm taking A&P at Mass Bay CC right now and it's not bad at all. Not sure if that's convenient for you (there's a campus in Wellesley and Framingham) but I believe they offer summer courses as well. Might be worth checking out.

kp002- I completely agree with you that BC hasn't been the best about sharing information so far! I haven't heard anything since that first email with information about immunizations, prereqs, etc. I've scoured their website and still have so many questions! I really wish they had an open house or something along those lines this spring. If you do decide on BC, feel free to be in touch if you have questions about the Boston, and either way, good luck with your move to the east coast!

cjm22 · Mar 26, 2010

Looking forward to meeting you too!

kp002 · Mar 26, 2010

nic27 - I have now officially decided on BC and would love your help in tackling the move to Boston! If I ever manage enough posts, I will be sure to PM you! Thanks so much for the offer.

cjm22 - It is nice to know I have a companion in choosing BC over Yale! If you don't mind me asking, what were your reasons for doing so?

cjm22 · Mar 27, 2010

Sure! I was totally impressed with Yale, but BC is the better decision for me for several personal reasons (e.g. not moving from Boston to New Haven, avoiding the annoying requirement in CT that you can't take your NCLEX until the spring of your second year, etc), but I also spoke with some of the faculty at BC and other PhD-educated nurses and, from their responses, feel confident that we are going to receive a fabulous, esteemed education at BC. It was a really hard decision, but I'm super excited to go to BC, have the option of completing in 2 years, and experience clinical placements in some of the best hospitals in the country (as well as a diverse range of community, school-based care centers as well).

Dgrimm · Apr 2, 2010

Hi Everyone!

I've officially decided on BC :) I'm really excited!!!! I'm in the Women's Health specialty and am looking forward to meeting everyone! Is there a facebook group going yet or a different thread for definite BC people? I live in the Boston area right now (Somerville), but now am thinking maybe I should consider moving closer to BC.

lrc13 · Apr 2, 2010

Hi Dgrimm,

I'm glad you chose BC and that we are all so excited! I wish there was a group of some sorts as well so we can all get to know each other and share information before school starts. You should look at the BC website for the campus shuttle maps, it looks like the cover more area off of the T so you could expand where you look for apartments.

:)

micronerd · Apr 3, 2010

Hi folks!

Just wanted to introduce myself too! I've decided to choose BC -- ped specialty! Looking forward to meeting you all soon!

greenflash47 · Apr 6, 2010

Hey all! I'm headed for BC in the fall, as well-- Psych Specialty! Has anyone heard how hard it is to tack on an additional specialty, or if that's even an option? Look forward to meeting all of you!