Depaul MENP vs. Loyola ABSN

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Apr 29, 2010

One of the benefits of going to DePaul's MENP program is that you'll lop off a year from your APN, since you'll do your research and take the vast majority of your core classes while in the program. Also, as DePaul doesn't have its own hospital, you'll have the opportunity to see a rather wide variety of institutions in the city as you rotate through clinicals. Further, since it's a two-year program, you'll go through clinicals at the more reasonable two-year pace, although the academics are definitely accelerated to fit everything in.

I'm not sure how professionals view the generalist masters per se, but I do know that DePaul students and graduates are generally well-regarded by local institutions (though this opinion would do better coming from an alum or nurse recruiter than myself, a mere grad student). If you intend on going farther afield after graduation you may have to explain the program unless you end up near another institution with a similar setup.

There's a ton of threads for both of these programs - poke around those and ask the people in those threads what they think.

tnisgrl33 · May 13, 2010

I'm a DePaul MENP grad, just finished in November. As far as I've experienced, all the hospitals in the area look highly upon the program. With the job market the way it is in Chicago I even think it gives new grads a bit of an edge in landing a job, especially at institutions who either have or are trying to receive Magnet status. The MS bumps up their stats. They also like that you are able to participate in conducting research at their facilities as well.

I do find myself having to constantly explain why I chose the master's over the accelerated bachelors though, it's still a little confusing to most people...no one is really sure where we fit in just yet.

But if you're interested in getting your APN down the road, I would definitely suggest going with DePaul. It will save you time in the long run!

majik310 · May 28, 2010

I have decided to go to DePaul, thanks you! Next step....registration! After being through the program, do you have any advice on how to spread out my classes/labs. I basically just have to choose when to take lab. From your experience, is it best to take both labs on the same day and then only have to be on campus 3 days of the week? Or should I space them out? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

bc34 · Nov 16, 2010

I'm wondering how you are enjoying DePaul's program? I am going to orientation for the MENP this Friday for the January start. How is the program run and how are the instructors?

Any advice?

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Nov 16, 2010

...I'll see you at orientation. I'll be overdressed as I'll have just come giving a presentation at Research Day.

Posh28 · Dec 14, 2010

...I'll see you at orientation. I'll be overdressed as I'll have just come giving a presentation at Research Day.

Just wondering if you are going on to do NP at Depaul? Also do you know if Depaul is switching to doctorate program for NP to prepare for 2015.

Thanks!

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Dec 15, 2010

Just wondering if you are going on to do NP at Depaul? Also do you know if Depaul is switching to doctorate program for NP to prepare for 2015.
Thanks!

It depends on who ends up hiring me - if my eventual employer will pay for me to do my NP at not-DePaul, I'll go there instead. If they have no preference, or prefer DePaul, I'll go to DePaul, since my credits will carry over with no problems.

DePaul's Department of Nursing is going through the process of implementing the DNP. From what I understand, though, they've been having some issues with higher levels of university bureaucracy which are resistant to awarding doctorates. Last I heard they were finally making headway, though I don't know when the switch would eventually be made.

Keep in mind that the people promoting the DNP by 2015 are the same people who have been saying that the BSN should be the entry degree for nursing since before I was born.

ranursing · May 15, 2011

I was accepted to SIUE's absn program for the fall 2011 semester as well as depaul's MENP program. I am confused on which route to take ...anyone have any advice? I know Depaul will give me a General Masters in Nursing and is much more costly...if someone could please give me their input! thanks!

MaleCNA87 · May 16, 2011

I was recently accepted to both DePaul's Masters Entry Nursing Program and Loyola's Accelerated Bachelors in Nursing program. I am having difficultly deciding where to go. I understand the programs are different in that one is a masters and the other is a bachelors degree, however, I don't quite know how professionals view having a Generalist masters in nursing verse a BSN. Does anyone have any insight on either of these programs?
Thanks!

Congrats!! I am interested in both programs but am still fulfilling the requirements. If you don't mind, what were your science and overall GPA's? I am nervous because I have a not so great GPA for my undergrad (2.9) but have been doing very well in the science pre-req's. Please let me know and once again Congrats! I am sure either program is great.

ranursing · May 29, 2011

for current depaul menp students or anyone in general : do you think the menp pathway at depaul is worth the money and a better track to take compared to siue for example their absn program? i was accepted to both and there is a big difference in how much each program will cost so i am hoping to see if anyone can give me advice which pathway would be a better choice...thanksss

manstat · Jun 2, 2011

All depends on what you want to do. If you think a MSN will get you to your goal faster, that is the route you should take. For me, I want to get out and working sooner so the ABSN was my choice. All private educations are expensive, just how much can you afford? Also note that many ABSN programs allow you to apply to Masters programs before you leave your current program and start a couple of Masters classes while you're in your ABSN (if you're accepted). I know Loyola and I think UIC allows you to do this.