Can anyone tell me your experiences in a accelerated nursing program?

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Hi!

I just applied to wagner college's accelerated nursing program. I am so nervous :uhoh3: I already have a BA in Education and have been considering changing careers for a while. I have been working in the eyecare field for fifteen years as a licensed optician. I am not a kid, that's for sure :yeah:. But it is a truly scary experience to be doing this at my age. I considered changing careers to nursing because of my experiences working with people, it is something I really enjoy. Therefore, I want to continue in the healthcare field and the reason I am changing careers is because my profession has become more about making money than anything else. That is just my opinion but it has proven to not be as stable as I thought it was and at this stage of the game I need to move forward not backwards.

I would appreciate any feedback as to your experiences in this type of program. I am aware that it is not advisable to work since it is a full 15 month program. I will be paying out of pocket :confused: for all this, so I am a little scare about finances too. At least I am single and have no kiddies yet, but it is still a very risky decision I am making.

I applied to wagner because it is close to home. I am also thinking about applying to NYU (so expensive :crying2:) and wanted to apply to Hunter College but they aren't taking anymore applicants until 2012 :eek:. I missed the deadline for SUNY Downstate Medical Center, plus I read some posts here about how they had problems with their programs being on probation. That scared me a little bit :coollook:. Any insight about this matter would be highly appreciated :heartbeat:redbeathe.

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applied to Wagner, got in, finished program. 70k in debt later, there are almost no hospital jobs. Be careful...this is an expensive route.

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

I just graduated from NYU's accelerated program - and there are many people in the same position as you who have years of work experience and are looking for a more meaningful career change, so don't feel alone in this sense :) You will definitely need to commit 15 months to a lot of reading, studying, and staying on top of the demands of an accelerated program. At least at NYU, you do have an option to decelerate if you really need to work during the time you're attending school or if there are other priorities (but they do suggest not to). The only problem is - the program is going through major changes right now and appear to admit more students each semester than they can really accommodate (e.g. 300+ students recently admitted this fall). Classes include traditional 4-year BSN students who are in their Junior year as well as the accelerated students-- So just be prepared to be in a lecture hall filled with about 160 students and 1 professor (300+ students split into 2 different sections). Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions about the program - and good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I'm currently in an ABSN program-first of four semesters. And it is very difficult but so far all doable. There are many mothers (single or co-parenting) that are still surviving in my program. Also, some people who absolutely must work, have cut down their hours to about 16hrs/week. It all depends on your capabilities to handle the fast pace and hold down a job.

I'm across the pond from you.

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What school do you attend? Is the school in New York?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

No, Jersey. I have a few people who transferred out of NYU to come to my school (UMDNJ). They had nothing good to say about NYU. One being 300 vs. 63 students in the program. Big thing was you pay for the "name" and the $80K wasn't worth it there.

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Thanks for the info. Just checked out the website page for UMDNJ and noticed I missed the deadline for the Fall 2011 :crying2: but I won't be completed with all my pre-requisites until the first half of the summer sessions. What is tuition there for the 15 month program? Just curious. Also do you know of other affordable schools with this program in NJ/NY?

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Thank you so much for your feedback.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
Thanks for the info. Just checked out the website page for UMDNJ and noticed I missed the deadline for the Fall 2011 :crying2: but I won't be completed with all my pre-requisites until the first half of the summer sessions. What is tuition there for the 15 month program? Just curious. Also do you know of other affordable schools with this program in NJ/NY?

http://sn.umdnj.edu/academics/accelbsn/index.htm

You misread the info provided. You missed the Summer (May 2011) deadline. Fall 2011 has not yet been opened for applications. For instate residence it's ~$28K. I assume ~$32K for out-of-state. If you're interested in the Fall 2011 semester, you need to apply now, even while taking your summer classes. They will accept applicants on a contingent basis, meaning as long as you pass your remaining classes with a "C" or better, you won't get declined.

All the best.

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applied to Wagner, got in, finished program. 70k in debt later, there are almost no hospital jobs. Be careful...this is an expensive route.

Holy crap!

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Great help, yes will def. look into that. thank you!!

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That's exactly what I am thinking. LOL

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