CSULA- ELMN 2012

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I thought we should start a thread for CSULA ELMN summer 2012 applicants since applications are due next month and I'm interested in talking to other people that are applying. Does anyone know how they choose acceptance- is it based on the same point system as their BSN program? Also, does anyone know if they look at cumulative gpa or just the last 60 semester/90 quarter units? There's a few quarters my sophomore year where I slacked off on some classes, but my last 2 years have been much better, so obviously I would prefer that to be weighed more. CSULA seems to focus more on grades than other schools I plan on applying to as there didn't seem to be much room for volunteer experience, certifications, etc. outside of the essay so I'm a little nervous. Anyhoo, I would love to get to know other people who are also applying & any info from people who have already went through this process before would be awesome : )

I just turned down the offer to be a part of the ELMN program :( I'm sad! But I hope that one of you other highly qualified applicants will be able to take my place! Good luck to you all!

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hi everyone! i received my phone call yesterday inviting me to join the 2012 cohort! i was actually at disneyland at the time so it was a pleasant surprise haha. to everyone still waiting for a reply, she is definitely not done so hang in there!

i am currently awaiting acceptance into the fb group but for now, is anyone else looking for an apartment and roommates? i am relocating from the bay area so i definitely need to find an affordable place asap. just a little background, i am really clean and i have gone through the whole college experience in the past so i'm not sensitive at all about noise, or having people over, etc. only thing is i have a small dachshund that i will be bringing with me (potty trained, doesn't spray), and i'm a musician so i play my guitar occasionally, but i'll be understanding of your needs =d. so if anyone is looking for a place and doesn't mind pets and music, let me know!

@antidentit what part of the bay area are you from? i'm from the bay area as well! do you already have a place to live?

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Congrats monmon87! So glad you are joining us in June. I haven't heard if anyone else is looking for a roommate yet. It seems like some are just commuting from the LA area, or are married/already living with someone. I'll let you know if I hear anything. Looking forward to meeting you at orientation too :)

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woohoo! i got in!! just received the e-mail this afternoon....look forward to meeting you all very soon!

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congrats, tilapiacooker!! don't forget to get on FB :)

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Congrats to you all! I am a student from cohort 7, currently in the master's program, so please let me know if you have any questions about the program!

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Hi yerda82! Thanks for offering to answer questions from the newbies :o

My first question is, basically, how do you feel about the program? And how does the second year compare to the first?

Do people pretty much get placed in the tracks they want (type of NP specialty or otherwise)?

And do you have to find your own preceptors for the master's clinicals?

I'm sure I'll have other questions as time goes on. Hope to meet you around the department or campus!

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Hi Susan007,

My feelings are mixed about this program. There are some great aspects--small close-knit cohort, some great clinical instructors, living in SoCal, finishing fast! There are also some very frustrating aspects--disorganization of CSULA financial aid, increasing costs of the program, a few "difficult" faculty members. Almost all of the issue's I've encountered were eventually resolved but dealing with the beaurocratic stuff can really put a strain on your learning. That said, some people feel that it's still worth it to get your RN in 1 year and your NP in another 2-3 years versus going somewhere than gives a BSN or an MSN (non-NP).

As for the 2nd year, I assume you mean the MSN part. I'm in the end of the 1st year of the MSN program and so far, it's been similar to the ELMN part. It's a lot of hard work and studying, but it's doable. As far as working during the program is concerned, some people do it but it's pretty tough. Still, it is recommended for finding a job and connections to preceptors during year 2.

As for applying to the tracks, most of the people got their 1st choice. Unfortunately, I was one of the few who did not. It all depends on how many apply to each track and it is almost completely based on GPA regardless of what they may tell you---so keep your GPA as close to 4.0 as possible if you want your 1st choice. In our cohort, I think 14 of 22 chose FNP and only about 8 were allowed into FNP so the remaining 6 were put into ANP. All the ACNPers got their 1st choice, as did psych people. Nobody chose Admin or Education or ANP that I know of so those would have been easy to get into. Still, I think cohort 8 is more interested in ACNP so it will depend on what's popular during your year.

As for the preceptors issue, I'm glad you thought to ask about this because I did not and am finding myself in a predicament trying to find a preceptor so I can continue the program. Unfortunately the school provides little to no help with this, so if you are new to the area, expect it to be a struggle and start networking from day 1 of clinicals.

Let me know if you have any more questions and congrats on your acceptance!!

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Yerda82- I really appreciate your honesty. I came across some of the more frustrating aspects you mentioned from reading previous posts and reviews. Personally, I'd rather know what it's really like for the actual students, so that I can be as prepared as possible.

My family works largely in the medical field, mostly SoCal, some NorCal. Please PM me about your specific situation and I'll see if we know anyone who could help you with your preceptorship. I'd be happy to help if I can! Hang in there.

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Hey everyone! I'll be joining you all as well. How can I get into this FB group?

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Hey everyone! I'll be joining you all as well. How can I get into this FB group?
Search FB for the group and ask to join. One of us will approve you then and you will have access to the FB page.Congrats to you on your admission!
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@yerda82: I just sent you a PM. Let me know if you got it, ok?

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