Direct Entry MSN program 2

admart · Mar 8, 2006

Did anyone out there apply to Simmons, MGH and UMass Worcester Direct Entry programs for fall 06? I am trying to decide between Simmons and UMass at this point. I have heard the Simmons program is better, but am worried about money. Also, are there any students in either program who can give some advice? Thanks so much!

cfrimer · Mar 8, 2006

Hi admart,

Funny, those are the exact three schools that I applied to! I applied to UMass Worcester for financial considerations, but really don't want to move to Worcester (I live in Cambridge now and there's no WAY I'd survive a commuting lifestyle).

Right now I'm trying to decide between MGH and Simmons. I have some good financial aid from MGH so am leaning towards there. I have heard lots of good things about Simmons, though.

Can I ask why you decided against MGH?

elizabells, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2006

Sorry to nose into your thread. Duke has an Acute/Chronic PNP program (PACNP). Here's the link: http://www.nursing.duke.edu/page/pediatrics_ped
You can also get a post-master's certificate in that by itself. I wonder if you could do it online.
I was looking through the "Last 24 hours" listings when I saw this one, and I thought I'd pass on the info. Hope I didn't barge a conversation. :imbar :sofahider

No worries, pooh! We're like the off-topicest thread on the boards!

admart · Mar 9, 2006

Hi All,
I have been away from the board for many moons since starting the Simmons direct-entry program. But seeing others struggling with the same decisions we all made last year, I thought I'd jump in ... and hello to everyone from last year
First, congratulations! It's really hard to get into these programs and you all deserve a pat on the back for getting this far :balloons:
I had to choose between Simmons, MGH and BC last year (I had also applied to UMASS Worcester, Regis, and Northeastern but withdrew my applications after getting into my top three choices). Luckily, my financial aid packages were relatively similar so that simplified my decision some. My best advice to you is to FOLLOW YOUR GUT! I visited all of the programs and I just felt that Simmons was the right fit for me ... and I haven't questioned that decision since. I love it and I think it's an amazing program. All of these programs have great things to offer so it's important to know what's most important to you and trust yourself that you're making the right decision. If you still have prereqs to take, Simmons has a great accelerated spring/summer program - I highly recommend it. Another thing to pay close attention to is the student:staff ratio in clinicals. Simmons maintains a 6:1 (max) ratio which I think should be the outer limits in order to have an adequate experience. There are Northeastern programs that have 14:1 ratios - that is unbelievable to me It's probably important to remember that disorganization is inherent in all of these programs (or so I've heard). It can be frustrating at times but just go with it and things do always resolve somehow.
I don't know if this is at all helpful, but I hope it is. Good luck to you all ... you'll make the right decision and go on to be great nurses !!

Hi NP-to-be,

I am trying to decide between the Simmons and UMASS direct entry programs. Right now I am leaning towards UMASS just because Simmons is so much more expensive. However, I don't want to choose a school based solely on money. I have talked to a few professors at Simmons and they say all the students work during the second/third year, does this help keep the cost down?

I am interested in eventually working with lower income populations so I don't want to have too many loans coming out of school because I am not sure I will make that much later on. However, I don't want to turn down a better educational opportunity because of cost. So, any advice you could give me would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

elizabells, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2006

If you're interested in lower-income pops, maybe look into the National Health Service Corps. They provide scholarships up front and loan repayment after the fact if you work for them for a period of time, I believe two years. I think most of their placements are in underserved areas.

LBH32C · Mar 13, 2006

Hey guys- I guess I am the only southerner around. I am from Nashville :Melody: and have been accepted to Vanderbilt's ACNP program here in Nashville (the only school I applied to) such an easy decision since it is right in my backyard -- anyway, does anyone have some info on scholarships, loans, etc? I know none of us will be able to work while in school (at least that is what I am told) :nono: So I am just a little panicked on how to pay for this major debt I will be in soon!!

LBH32C · Mar 13, 2006

Nevermind guys sorry - I just found the tread specifically for scholarships!! OOPS:smackingf

lovingpecola · Mar 14, 2006

LB, did you receive a financial aid packet from Vanderbilt yet? I have yet to receive one, I was just wondering how their package is???

LBH32C · Mar 14, 2006

I got a small financial aid packet before I even got accepted. I am sure there is more on the way.

pshs_2000 · Mar 14, 2006

the National Health Corps Scholarship isn't for students in bridge or direct entry programs:o ...but you can do loan repayment after you graduate :)

msmith · Mar 14, 2006

Hi - just a note for those considering depaul university for the masters entry program. PLEASE stay away from this school. I am about to graduate in just a few months and it's been the absolute worst experience! It is EXTREMELY disorganized and some of their instructors are absolute

B-----S! Your best best would be to go to Loyola. It has a very good reputation and I know many people who attend there and they say they are getting a good education. In my graduating class at depaul, there are still people who can't take a blood pressure. so there's my two cents worth.

blip2001 · Mar 17, 2006

Hi NP-to-be,
I am trying to decide between the Simmons and UMASS direct entry programs. Right now I am leaning towards UMASS just because Simmons is so much more expensive. However, I don't want to choose a school based solely on money. I have talked to a few professors at Simmons and they say all the students work during the second/third year, does this help keep the cost down?
I am interested in eventually working with lower income populations so I don't want to have too many loans coming out of school because I am not sure I will make that much later on. However, I don't want to turn down a better educational opportunity because of cost. So, any advice you could give me would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Hi Admart,

I'm in the process of making the same decision right now too! I'm planning on visiting both schools again, sitting in on their classes and maybe talking to some of the students there. I do want to eventually end up working in the Longwood Medical Area and I feel that if I went to Simmons, it'd be easier for me to work there after grad school, since we'd probably be doing clinicals in that area.

-Nora