Did anyone go to DePaul University or Loyola University of Chicago?

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 14, 2005

I am currently enrolled at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. I am hoping to complete my pre-req's there and go in the nursing program that they have to offer. It's a two year program to become a RN.
My goal is to then get my RN-BSN at one of these two Universities, but I am uncertain as to which one would be better for me. Are there any Nurses, Nursing Students who have made this transfer already. Was it a smooth transfer? Are there things you wish you had known before doing this? What are the pro's to getting your BSN like this? What are the cons?
I know Loyola Univversity of Chicago - Niehoff School of Nursing offers an RN/MSN program, whereby students can bypass the BSN and receive credits for previous courses, professional experiences, and take pre-req' courses for an easy transition into the MSN program.
The requirements for the program are:
-RN license
-cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 in nursing courses
-successful completion of the GRE exam,
I am looking for Nurses and Nursing Students opinons on this type of program.
Thanks to all who respond.

Hi FoxyRoxy,

I am currently enrolled at the DePaul university's Master's entry to nursing program. It is very intense and I love it. However, upon graduating with the MSN/RN I plan to complete my acute care Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner at Loyola and then to continue at Loyola to go for the PhD.

They are both private (costly schools) and I know that Loyola's reputation is also astounding. I cannot speak for the support of either of these schools of their students but, from speaking with Loyola I am really, really eager to start there when I complete the MSN/RN.

Since the MENP program is for non nurse majors I am not yet an RN. Loyola has a similar program as this also but, I opted for the RN portion from the DePaul program!

Good luck whichever you shoose.

Gen

p.s. in order to get into this program at DePaul candidates had to have sufficient GRE scores of a min 100 Q+V and a min of 4.0 AW, a year of biology, a year of Chemistry, and a Bachelor's degree

RN Colleen · Nov 26, 2008

Loyola's Nursing program is outstanding! I graduated in June 2008 from their ABSN program. It is a lot of work since it is an accelerated BSN program, but I learned so much and had so many great clinical experiences as well as faculty members that provided so much education and support. I would recommed Loyola if you are looking at schools for Nursing.

krzysiu · Dec 26, 2008

I have a degree in chemistry. Went back for my BSN through Loyola's accelerated program. I had a good time. I am currently a SRNA and learned in interviews that Loyola's program is recognized and well respected. Not to mention, my instructors and the dean stood behind me every step of the way as I applied to various master's programs. They took the time to get to know you personally and were very supportive during your time there. I actually still keep in touch from time to time. I can definitely recommend Loyola without hesitation.

IGiveTheShots · Jan 11, 2009

Hi there,

I'm currently in my second quarter at DePaul, and I could not be happier. The environment here fosters a sense of guidance and security that even my undergrad (IWU) lacked. The profs are fantastic (at least the ones I've come across in my short tenure), and the program allows for an NP in three years. (Two year MS degree and the one year NP certification program after graduation) Lincoln Park is a great area to live as well; coffee shops and restaurants galore, always a great way to destress yourself.

msmith · Jan 12, 2009

I graduated from DePaul's masters entry program almost three years ago. I enjoyed it and I am glad that I did their program because now I am going to be graduating in July with my NP/CNS from Loyola. DePaul's program is unique in that it is a shorter route to the master's degree in nursing and if you think you will someday be interested in advanced practice nursing, their program is great way to go about it.

Hope that helps!

momof4andwife · Apr 2, 2009

I am in the process of applying to DePaul for their Masters program. I have a bachelor degree in Business and went to a junior college to do the pre req's and got all A's in those. Do you have any advice or insight into the admission process? And the program itself? How intense was it? Is it doable with a family? How many hours a day did you study? Thanks in advance for the insight.

livingthedream, APN · Apr 2, 2009

I am in the program now, graduate in June. I understand that it is harder to get into now than it was when I applied. I did not have all A's in my pre-reqs and also have a previous BS in Business. For me, it was very hard, I study a lot. A LOT... but some things don't come easy to me so I need to spend extra time. That being said, I have gotten all A's and A-'s in this program (A-'s count against GPA and lowest A is a 96%). I don't have a family, but I have worked part-time through some of it. I have friends with children that tried to also have a job and could not do both. I study all the time. Hope this helps. Feel free to private message me for any more questions. Good luck!

krzysiu · Apr 2, 2009

I am in the program now, graduate in June. I understand that it is harder to get into now than it was when I applied. I did not have all A's in my pre-reqs and also have a previous BS in Business. For me, it was very hard, I study a lot. A LOT... but some things don't come easy to me so I need to spend extra time. That being said, I have gotten all A's and A-'s in this program (A-'s count against GPA and lowest A is a 96%). I don't have a family, but I have worked part-time through some of it. I have friends with children that tried to also have a job and could not do both. I study all the time. Hope this helps. Feel free to private message me for any more questions. Good luck!

I think we are in a unique time. I don't think standards have changed, but number of applicants may have gone up, thus leading to "harder to get in" in recent times. A great number of people are gravitating toward nursing because despite of what is going on nurses are still working. That being said, I think it does take a certain type of individual to remain a nurse. All my classmates had past lives and came from various professional backgrounds but several are no longer nursing (a significant number given the fact that my class wasn't exactly huge). What I do find interesting, however, is after speaking to the director of my anesthesia program, it seems like the applicant pool is down for anesthesia programs in the area. I have a friend in another program and they also accepted 3 less people than their usual number because less people are applying. I think it has gotten SO bad that if someone does have a job, they are less willing to jump ship and pursue something else. Also, I think people are in panic mode that how will I get by without working?? is running through people's minds. Another thing to think about, is, are people less likely to get personal loans to keep their head above water? Is it a combo of all this? Who knows, but scary none the less. I did Loyola's accelerated program. Did it keep you busy? Sure it did, but it wasn't bad at all. I worked and had a wonderful social life. NOTHING like the anesthesia program. No work and no life at all. Good luck, you'll be fine!

avani1018 · Oct 1, 2010

i recently got accepted to Loyola's ABSN program as well as Depaul's MENP program for January 2011. I have my bs in health adminstration. I'm having a hard time deciding which school to attend. One is a bachelors degree in 16 months and one is a MS/RN in 2 years. Any thoughts on which program would be better?

ChicagoLiz · Nov 12, 2010

I'm also debating on which program to choose if I am accepted into both. What are you going to do?

Iryna55 · Apr 21, 2011

I'm also debating on which program to choose if I am accepted into both. What are you going to do?

Hi, so which program did you choose b/c I am in the same boat.

Thanks