Comparing MSN-Entry Programs - Need CSULA Info

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I'm currently finishing a BS in Public Health, and plan to go on to an MSN -Entry program with a FNP option. I'm really only looking at the programs at Western University and CSU Los Angeles due to where I live.

I've done a pretty heavy amount of research on Western's program, and the things I like about it are that the post-licensure classes are mostly online, with a few weekend seminars (so you can work full-time as an RN while finishing the MSN) and that it has the FNP option. I'm uneasy about having to secure FNP clinical sites on my own, but I'm sure that will work itself out. It's also a pretty long drive from my home, although it is against the flow of traffic, so it's not terrible.

I'm really having a hard time finding solid details about CSULA's MNS-Entry program though. Their website is really awful for getting clear information. I've tried searching here at Allnurses too, but haven't found the solid answers I'm looking for. As best I can tell it does have the FNP option, but I can't be sure. I also can't tell if their post-licensure classes are also online so you can work as an RN while completing the MSN/FNP. I'm really intersted in CSULA because it's a very short drive from home, and much cheaper than Western.

I do have an e-mail into a program coordinator at CSULA, but in the meantime I thought I might as well ask everyone here. Does anyone have the information I'm looking for?

Thanks all!

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Bump. Anyone?

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Hey there Maseca,

I just started the ELMN program 8 weeks ago and so far so good.

As far as I know, the post-licensure part of the program involves on-campus classes, but you are expected to work, so I imagine a lot of them are in the evening or only a few days a week. Something to keep in mind: the current price of the program is $425/unit = $32,000 for the prelicensure part (not sure how much more/less Western is).

Also: just because you apply for the program and check FNP as the option you are interested in, you are NOT guaranteed that track. Apparently, during Winter quarter, we have to "apply" to the track we're interested in and grades/class standing will play a role in who gets their first choice - this is because by the MSN portion, there are nurses coming from the community to get a grad degree, not just ELMN students.

Let me know if you have any other questions - we're the first class with the new fee increase and we've been dealing with a whole lot of....interesting...problems, so I can hopefully give you the inside scoop. :)

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Thanks for the reply innatchka!

That's somewhat disappointing that you're not guaranteed the track you apply for, and actually might be a deal-breaker for me. My only goal is to get that FNP, and I'm really not interested at all in the other tracks. Of course I plan on working my hardest to get the grades needed to hopefully get my first choice. But I just don't know how I feel about quitting my job, taking out loans, etc. on the HOPE that I'll get the FNP track.

I did finally get a response from someone at CSULA who confirmed that none of their classes are distance education. I'm also concerned about how one will be able to manage on-campus classes, and working full time as a new grad RN. We all know it's hard enough to get a new grad job, but to add scheduling restrictions on top of it? Seems like a risky proposition to me.

Have you heard from any of the people who are in the post-licensure part of the program how they're handling the work/school issue?

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Hi! I'm in the same boat! What did you end up choosing and why?

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@ Summerslippers,

I'm applying to schools in the next cycle, but I've decided to just apply to UCLA and Western. I do not like the fact that CSULA does not guarantee you the track that you want, and that the post-licensure classes are entirely on campus.

Also, I attended the information session at Western last month, and am so impressed with their program and the staff there that I'm pretty much considering Western my first choice!

I saw you were accepted to Western, congrats! Hopefully I'll be part of the next class! :D

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Wow I am soo amazed we have the same reasons for picking WesternU over CSULA! Thank you! Oh do ask me about anything regarding the application and interview process, I'd be happy to help :)

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