Direct-entry MSN programs

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just moving the other thread to its new home. Here's where we talk about issues unique to Master's-entry programs!

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi, Helper,

I applied to Jan 2006 MENP at DePaul. Got much info from

Genn here but still not sure what the attrition rate was

for the first year of your class. And how many male students

do you have in your class? Are they doing just fine as

other students? Thanks.

Amitai.

Hi Amitai,

Of the 20 or so at this fall's orientation group, (not total class) there were two men. Good luck! Hey, I think there is a slight possibility that they may have a seat open for this fall cohort, (maybe you would want to inquire if it is still open?)

Genn

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I'm really not sure what the attrition rate is at depaul. I just know that for our class, no one has dropped out at this point, not that I know of anyway. I think the year before there were a few people that dropped out. There are 2 males in my class and they are doing just fine. I think they are enjoying the program.

Take care and maybe we'll see you in January.

Hi, Helper,

I applied to Jan 2006 MENP at DePaul. Got much info from

Genn here but still not sure what the attrition rate was

for the first year of your class. And how many male students

do you have in your class? Are they doing just fine as

other students? Thanks.

Amitai.

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Sure you can share this info with whoever you think might benefit. I think you will find that with 3 courses in the fall, you will have more time to study for the harder classes. 430 is awesome in the summer. I took online and I'm so glad I did. basically we just had to write a paper and do a presentation. And respond to discussions on the message board.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Take care.

Thanks Helper!

I will indeed leave my fall quarter with the three classes, (16 quarter credits). Is it okay to share your post with the cohort? One new student is taking the 430 in the fall and another one is debating it. Your information helped me and may help them too.

Genn

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hi guys,

first, thanks for this great thread. i've been feeling very uneasy about changing my world upside down -- you guys have been so inspirational to me.

i am another newbie interested in applying to the direct entry MSN programs. i am starting really late though -- been thinking for 2 years and decide it's time to do something. i have a BS in computer science (2000, 3.7GPA) and no science background and none of the pre-reqs (A&P, Microbiology, etc). I have not taken the GRE but plan to very soon.

my dilemma is timing. by now, all the community colleges have closed off their class so i can't just quit my job and take the pre-reqs. i really would like to get started right away, preferrably starting the MSN program in fall 2006.

i want to stayin southern cal so i looked into Western University (pomona, MSN Entry). the admission deadline is Dec 1, 2005. they would accept my application and i just need to complete the pre-req prior to starting the program in aug 2006. http://www.westernu.edu/admissions/msne_requirements.xml

Guys, I need your honest opinion about my plan of attack:

- take Anatomy online while i continue to work

- study and take GRE by november

- get application together by dec 1 (without my A&P or Microbiology)

what are my chances? i've been in IT consultaing in the healthcare industry for several years but do not have any experience in clinical setting. i know i will do well in school and interviews, if given the opportunity. but would they look at my application and put a "REJECT" straight away?

my other options are wait another year to complete my pre-reqs, and apply for an Accelerated BSN later.

what are you thoughts?

thanks.

kim

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Hi Kim

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - I have a BS in biology (and am most of the way through a phd in cell biology), and am applying to direct-entry MSN programs for Fall 2006. I also don't have much of any direct health-care experience, but do have most all of the prereqs done and took the GRE 4 years ago.

I don't think they are going to take your app and reject it out of hand, but I would be a bit wary about rushing to get all of that done by december. It could just be really stressful, and if you definitely want to stay in so-cal you probably want to maximize your chances of getting into your first choice. Given another year to prepare, you'll have plenty of time to do A+P and micro locally (with lab, required for most programs), take the GRE at your leisure, and get some health-care volunteer experience. All of that would make you a shoe-in for admission next year.

That said, I don't think it's at all unreasonable for you to apply for this year. That is essentially what i am doing myself, after all. :rolleyes: But I'm willing to be flexible about which school I go to, and I'm doing everything possible to make myself look like a serious applicant - volunteering in a hospital, A+P with lab, etc.

Anyhow - no easy answer. I guess it couldn't hurt to go ahead and apply now; if you don't get in it will certainly be easier the second time around!

Good luck, and let me know if you'd like to talk more!

janony

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Kim,

what you have suggested is totally doable. I worked also when i took A&P (in a doctors office) and now I am enrolled in a direct entry program and I finish in June. I barely studied for the GRE too. I just reviewed my geometry/trig/algebra skills and that was pretty much it. I think I spent 3 weeks preparing for it and I got a decent score, decent enough to get in anyway. I would say go ahead and apply. I seriously doubt they would turn you away. U have a great GPA too!

Best wishes to you.

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hi guys,

can you offer any insight on which is a better option: Accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN? i know both offer options for RN licensure during the program but what are the pro/con of these two options?

thanks,

kim

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hi guys,

can you offer any insight on which is a better option: accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN? i know both offer options for RN licensure during the program but what are the pro/con of these two options?

thanks,

kim

Hi Kim

Well, if you want to be a NP / CNS, I think you need a masters degree, so that's the advantage of BSN over MSN...

As for combined vs. separate, Hopkins' website has a blurb on what they think the advantages of a combined BSN/MSN program is over a direct entry MSN. Personally, I'm applying to both types of programs, but that's basically just because of where they are and what they focus on. I'm applying to:

BC

Northeastern

Simmons

(i live in boston and would kinda like to stay here)

UIC

Hopkins

and maybe UCSF, though that's suuuuch a long shot I'm not sure I should bother.

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whoops! forgot the hopkins blurb. here it is. :)

>>>>>>>>>

Benefits of a Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN Program at Hopkins vs. an entry level Master's Program

Many students with prior degrees ask why they should pursue a BS to MSN program that grants both a second baccalaureate degree and a master's degree. The baccalaureate degree in nursing gives the student a strong foundation to begin their career and prepares them as a nurse generalist. The master's degree prepares the nurse in an advanced practice role specializing in a specific area of nursing. Below is a list of benefits of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN.

Many nurse managers prefer their employees to have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing in addition to a master's degree. Nurse managers and administrators recognize the importance of the baccalaureate degree and the strong foundation that it provides, particularly with its focus in critical thinking.

Employment in many government and military organizations require nurses to have a baccalaureate degree in nursing in addition to a master's degree in nursing.

Graduates of the Hopkins Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN option receive both the baccalaureate and master's degree in nursing in approximately the same amount of time, if not less, than receiving only a master's degree in a generic direct entry master's program.

Admissions at Hopkins School of Nursing is flexible in that it allows students to elect to be 'Undecided' for the master's portion of the BS to MSN at the time of application. The baccalaureate program allows for exploration and experience of many clinical areas and career mentorship prior to declaring a master's focus. A Hopkins student may declare their focus at any time prior to enrolling in the master's program.

Students may change their master's focus while enrolled in the baccalaureate program. They may also choose to take a semester or a year break prior to enrolling in the master's program or they may choose to end the program upon completion of the baccalaureate program.

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Thanks for the blurb.

In my research, I've found CRNA programs in southern california would only take BSNs into their applicant pool. I wonder what's the motivation to do MSN?

I do not know what I would specialize in or if I will. I don't want to limit myself. I guess I should aim for a BSN... Any one has any thoughts on advantage of accelerated MSN is better?

kim

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hi guys,

first, thanks for this great thread. i've been feeling very uneasy about changing my world upside down -- you guys have been so inspirational to me.

i am another newbie interested in applying to the direct entry MSN programs. i am starting really late though -- been thinking for 2 years and decide it's time to do something. i have a BS in computer science (2000, 3.7GPA) and no science background and none of the pre-reqs (A&P, Microbiology, etc). I have not taken the GRE but plan to very soon.

my dilemma is timing. by now, all the community colleges have closed off their class so i can't just quit my job and take the pre-reqs. i really would like to get started right away, preferrably starting the MSN program in fall 2006.

i want to stayin southern cal so i looked into Western University (pomona, MSN Entry). the admission deadline is Dec 1, 2005. they would accept my application and i just need to complete the pre-req prior to starting the program in aug 2006. http://www.westernu.edu/admissions/msne_requirements.xml

Guys, I need your honest opinion about my plan of attack:

- take Anatomy online while i continue to work

- study and take GRE by november

- get application together by dec 1 (without my A&P or Microbiology)

what are my chances? i've been in IT consultaing in the healthcare industry for several years but do not have any experience in clinical setting. i know i will do well in school and interviews, if given the opportunity. but would they look at my application and put a "REJECT" straight away?

my other options are wait another year to complete my pre-reqs, and apply for an accelerated BSN later.

what are you thoughts?

thanks.

kim

Hey Kim,

I would say to take Anatomy and Phys at night while you are working. Do you have the rest of the pre-reqs done (comm, stats, social sci and psych?) Then you would need just micro? They really want to see your A&P grades. Then you would stand a better chance of getting in.

I worked fulltime and took night classes at my local CC; there were also online classes which gave me more flexibility. You might want to check into online classes too.

Allow 3 weeks for the GRE scores to get to the school (even though they say they can see it instantaneously). So if you can do it, take it in October instead of Nov.

I think you would stand a stronger chance of getting in if you had your pre-reqs mostly done and did some volunteer work at a hospital or clinic. However, you do have your IT experience in the healthcare industry, so that should count for something.

For example, at Hopkins, they are not as concerned about the lack of healthcare experience with patients; they just want to know you are academically ready. They look at your grades, GREs, pre-reqs and recommendations. Of course, you do need a strong essay as to WHY you are making this switch.

It might help if you talked to the people at Western and asked them. They could give you a better idea. Good luck.

Smile123

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Specializes in Postpartum.
Hey Kim,

I would say to take Anatomy and Phys at night while you are working. Do you have the rest of the pre-reqs done (comm, stats, social sci and psych?) Then you would need just micro? They really want to see your A&P grades. Then you would stand a better chance of getting in.

I worked fulltime and took night classes at my local CC; there were also online classes which gave me more flexibility. You might want to check into online classes too.

Allow 3 weeks for the GRE scores to get to the school (even though they say they can see it instantaneously). So if you can do it, take it in October instead of Nov.

I think you would stand a stronger chance of getting in if you had your pre-reqs mostly done and did some volunteer work at a hospital or clinic. However, you do have your IT experience in the healthcare industry, so that should count for something.

For example, at Hopkins, they are not as concerned about the lack of healthcare experience with patients; they just want to know you are academically ready. They look at your grades, GREs, pre-reqs and recommendations. Of course, you do need a strong essay as to WHY you are making this switch.

It might help if you talked to the people at Western and asked them. They could give you a better idea. Good luck.

Smile123

Kim,

Great advice from Smile. I too would rec. A&P or Micro first. You definitely want one of the lab sciences to be on your transcript when you apply. I just finished Micro online with lab- and while I truly hated the format of the class- the schedule flexibility was perfect for me. I had assignments, labs and quizzes due each week that I could submit whenever I wanted to. There were five unit tests and no final. It was a lot of work but not very hard work- it was a very do-able A. I think if you could squeeze in some volunteering on weekends or even just shadowing an RN and an NP, that could make an impression and probably provide you with some good material to incorporate into your essays. Don't sweat the GREs- if you test well, brush up on high school math for a few weeks to get back those skills, get a good review book (I used Princeton Review) and you should be fine. I think I read somewhere that preparation can have a bigger impact on your quant performance than your verbal. The analytical writing section is still kind of new and I'm not really sure schools know how to interpret the scores yet- so I wouldn't worry too much about that either.

Good luck and keep us all posted on your progress!

-Jess

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