[Ci] UMASS-Amherst ABSN in a nutshell

[Citrobacter]

Although there are many ABSN programs throughout Massachusetts, I've discovered that there isn't much information about one at UMass-Amherst, not to mention the program is relatively new. Thus, I'd like to share my experience about the school after a quick tour I had the other day. I also added some information I acquired from the website.

* ABSN program has recently moved its campus to Springfield, MA. I did say "campus", but it's actually just one floor of the building in downtown Springfield close to Baystate Hospital. You are still considered as UMass-Amherst student (and yes, that's what it will say on your diploma as well), but you will not have any interaction with traditional students or Amherst campus. You will have an access to UMass library, but it's not like you can purchase a meal plan or use campus gym or anything.

* They moved in August, so couple rooms were still under construction when I went there. Not that ABSN program needs a large space anyway, but it isn't big. 1 big lecture hall that is just enough to fit the whole class, 2 labs, a few telehealth rooms, couple computer labs, and some study spaces. There are some lockers for students, but only for about 20 people. However, the place is very clean and the lab equipment, computers, and furniture are all brand new. They even built this small model home with cameras and one-way mirror window where you can practice in-home care and later can look at yourself through recorded videos and receive feedback from other students and professors. IMO they've done a great job in creating remarkable learning spaces for their students.

* Parking is pretty cheap compared to other big cities, but it's not free. Students get discounted prices for parking at a nearby garage, and street parking is also pretty cheap for quick drop off. Restaurants and shops are close by, and Springfield has a good public transportation system, so buses are running all the time. There are many apartments around the area, but the school does not offer any housing option for ABSN students.

* It is relatively cheap. The entire program(17 months) would cost about $38,000, tuition and fee, including lab kit, books, iPad(iPad is required here), NCLEX packets, etc. The cost is same for in-state and out-state students. (This will be great for some out-state students!)

* For clinicals, they didn't really specify which hospital/facility/institution they usually send students to, but they did say that, at least for once, students will have their clinicals at Baystate. There's an internship during your last semester, and you have to fill about 150-hour requirement. You can actually pick where you want to do your internship.

* Pre-reqs MUST be completed prior to application deadline, and this is the ONLY grade they will really look. Undergrad GPA is not important. No interview, but there are essay questions and 1 LOR requirement. (There's a form for that) They do accept pre-reqs from NursingABC.

* Admission is NOT rolling. You will usually hear back from them around March. The class size is about 88.

If you have any more questions, please leave a comment. I'll try my best to answer them.

Let's see how many people are interested in this program!

Good luck, everyone!

- Ci

[Rockmonkey309]

Hello Citrobacter,

Thank you so much for the valuable information. I am planning to apply this cycle. I only have one concern. I asked 3 people to do my references ( a nurse manager, a nurse educator, and a nurse colleague). Do you think it matters how many references do we submit?. Another questions, Do you know when is the start month of this program? and What is the class schedule is going to be?

[Tomato378]

They only require one reference letter.

[Citrobacter]

Hello Citrobacter,

Thank you so much for the valuable information. I am planning to apply this cycle. I only have one concern. I asked 3 people to do my references ( a nurse manager, a nurse educator, and a nurse colleague). Do you think it matters how many references do we submit?. Another questions, Do you know when is the start month of this program? and What is the class schedule is going to be?

Hello Rockmonkey,

I asked 3 people to do my references ( a nurse manager, a nurse educator, and a nurse colleague). Do you think it matters how many references do we submit?

- UMass-Amherst ABSN program requires ONE letter of recommendation and they ONLY take one. In other words, if you submit more than one, they will randomly choose one and take that as the reference. It is better if you could ask one who knows you the most and get the best letter you can!

Do you know when is the start month of this program?

- I believe the program starts in August.

What is the class schedule is going to be?

- It really depends on which terms you are in. While you will have classes pretty much every day for your first semester, you will probably be in school for one day a week on your last semester.

Hope that helps!