Direct-entry MSN programs

Louise409 · Feb 10, 2006

Hi Kim00mik--

Congrats on getting into Western U. I was going to apply there, but the physiology class I took was only 3 units, and they needed 4. I get a good feeling for the place, because it's a focused technical school. I don't think it matters too much where we get our degree, unless we really learn enough somewhere. I get the feeling that it's a solid program and you'll become a competent nurse from there. I would definitely start there if I were you. You can always get through the RN portion, then take time off and apply somewhere else for the NP part, right? I wouldn't wait another year on the hope of getting into UCSF. I think you'll be excited to get going on your path, plus you got a good feeling from the place and good responses from students who are going there. You'll figure out your specialty down the road. Also, practical things are more difficult in SF--rents, parking, etc. Isn't Western U off by itself with its own campus? By the way, did you apply anywhere else?

kim00mik · Feb 10, 2006

Thanks, Louise...

I am leaning toward going there but then again I am going back and forth a lot lately. Plus I am not sure what my chances are for UCSF so waiting another year just to be rejected in order to say that I tried does not sound appealing to me.

Western U does have its own "secluded" campus in Pomona. I think it's actually a minor con for me -- the campus is kinda ugly -- it is a converted shopping mall/department store... so they are all 2 story square building. But I did get a good feel from the students there. My bro goes there for PharmD and he likes it enough.

I didn't apply anywhere else. I just decided to switch career last aug and didn't have time to prepare for other applications.

Did you talk to Western about your one unit discrepancy? It would seem to me if you have a solid application then they'd over look the one unit. I talked to one of the admin and she said they are trying really hard to recruit good applications (hence the start of the "direct admin" process this year.) Is it possible to submit an application late? I know they are just going through interviews right now.

Louise409 · Feb 10, 2006

Hi Kim--I still say go for it at Western U. I understand about the ugly, suburban look. Somehow for me, being sort of insular seems like a plus, with less external stress. I got rejected from UCSF and am waiting on Medical University of Ohio, of all places!! (Talk about ugly and gray!) A very close friend of mine who's an NP/Midwife from the UCSF program got rejected the first time she applied, so your acceptance could be delayed also. I say get your RN at least, then if you want to transfer to a different NP program you can! The Western U program is closed and taking apps for 2007.

kim00mik · Feb 11, 2006

well, i've put down my deposit since this is the only school i applied, even though i am still deciding. i wonder how many ppl just do their 1st year pre-licensure and get their RN but do not continue w/ their master's portion. I am a little worried about Western's CNL program -- it's so new that there isn't a certification process in place yet... what if CNL initiative fails? i wonder what would happen to the students in these pilot programs...

aajohnny · Feb 13, 2006

Hello all! Don't know if this is the appropriate place for this question, but you all seem to have some *real* experience...can anyone give me any thoughts about Columbia's ETP program versus Yale's GEPN. Got into both and didn't apply anywhere else, so I'm deciding between the two for Midwifery specialty. It seems like the only advice I can find is either from a "pre-screened" student or from people who hated the programs so much they left them. HELP! I'm sure a lot of it will come down to what they offer financially, but I've heard horror stories about both of them offering something and then not coming through. ANY info might help. I currently live in New York, but don't mind leaving (I'd move in either case anyways) and I'll be in debt with both of them for the rest of my life. Any thoughts about the quality of the programs/specifics?? THANK YOU!!!

smile123 · Feb 13, 2006

Hello all! Don't know if this is the appropriate place for this question, but you all seem to have some *real* experience...can anyone give me any thoughts about Columbia's ETP program versus Yale's GEPN. Got into both and didn't apply anywhere else, so I'm deciding between the two for Midwifery specialty. It seems like the only advice I can find is either from a "pre-screened" student or from people who hated the programs so much they left them. HELP! I'm sure a lot of it will come down to what they offer financially, but I've heard horror stories about both of them offering something and then not coming through. ANY info might help. I currently live in New York, but don't mind leaving (I'd move in either case anyways) and I'll be in debt with both of them for the rest of my life. Any thoughts about the quality of the programs/specifics?? THANK YOU!!!

Congrats on getting into Yale and Columbia! Ask both programs if you can speak to current students and alumni from the program. Then you will have a better idea which one suits you. was able to do that with other programs. Good luck!

Smile123

janony · Feb 14, 2006

from one valentine's baby to another....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIZABELLS!

janony

cfrimer · Feb 14, 2006

Hi all,

I've loved reading everyone's experiences in their direct-entry programs and/or application processes...

I applied to 3 Boston-area schools (MGH, Simmons, and UMass Worcester), and I have been accepted to MGH, which is great. I interviewed at UMass and was told I'm a "strong candidate" so I am kind of assuming that I'll be able to choose between MGH and UMass.

(janony, I have had an experience with Simmons similar to yours... good to know I'm not alone! They are being ridiculous sticklers and have delayed review of my app because of transcripts from college summer school classes I took in 1993 while I was IN HIGH SCHOOL! They didn't want to accept my Chem classes as prereqs because they were 11 years ago, but are threatening to close out my app because of high school classes?!? Ok, sorry, rant over!)

I've seen a few mentions of MGH on here, but does anyone know anything about UMass Worcester? I am inclined not to want to move to Worcester (I live in Cambridge now), but naturally I am even more inclined to want to choose the best possible program. I am planning on the dual Adult/Gerontological course of study.

Also, although I am mad a Simmons for their snarky attitude, any ideas about how their program compares to MGH and UMass? (Let's just pretend I'll actually be accepted there!)

Thanks!!

~Chantelle

elizabells, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2006

from one valentine's baby to another....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIZABELLS!
janony

Happy Birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy birthday Ja-No-Ny, happy birthday to us!

Angie O'Plasty · Feb 15, 2006

Hi all,
I've loved reading everyone's experiences in their direct-entry programs and/or application processes...
I applied to 3 Boston-area schools (MGH, Simmons, and UMass Worcester), and I have been accepted to MGH, which is great. I interviewed at UMass and was told I'm a "strong candidate" so I am kind of assuming that I'll be able to choose between MGH and UMass.
(janony, I have had an experience with Simmons similar to yours... good to know I'm not alone! They are being ridiculous sticklers and have delayed review of my app because of transcripts from college summer school classes I took in 1993 while I was IN HIGH SCHOOL! They didn't want to accept my Chem classes as prereqs because they were 11 years ago, but are threatening to close out my app because of high school classes?!? Ok, sorry, rant over!)
I've seen a few mentions of MGH on here, but does anyone know anything about UMass Worcester? I am inclined not to want to move to Worcester (I live in Cambridge now), but naturally I am even more inclined to want to choose the best possible program. I am planning on the dual Adult/Gerontological course of study.
Also, although I am mad a Simmons for their snarky attitude, any ideas about how their program compares to MGH and UMass? (Let's just pretend I'll actually be accepted there!)
Thanks!!
~Chantelle

I just got accepted to MGH as well--got the good news today, after getting rejected from both UMass and Yale in the past week. I'm looking forward to starting the program there this fall (Acute Care track--I'm interested in cardiology) and plan on commuting from Worcester if that works--I figure I can take the commuter rail in and get studying done on the trip. I'd prefer not to move, as I like where I'm living now (actually about a mile from UMass Medical Center!) and rent is much more reasonable here than in Boston. As for UMass Worcester, it seems like a good program but I don't know if there are any rankings etc. to compare it with others. By the way, Worcester isn't such a bad place to live :wink2:. If you end up here, I can tell you about some of the good places.

krisssy · Feb 15, 2006

I just got accepted to MGH as well--got the good news today after getting rejected from both UMass and Yale in the past week. I'm looking forward to starting the program there this fall (Acute Care track--I'm interested in cardiology) and plan on commuting from Worcester if that works--I figure I can take the commuter rail in and get studying done on the trip. I'd prefer not to move, as I like where I'm living now (actually about a mile from UMass Medical Center!) and rent is much more reasonable here than in Boston. As for UMass Worcester, it seems like a good program but I don't know if there are any rankings etc. to compare it with others. By the way, Worcester isn't such a bad place to live :wink2:. If you end up here, I can tell you about some of the good places.[/quote']
What is MGH? Krisssy

Future_NP110 · Feb 15, 2006

Angie-o-Plasty (and others who have heard from MGH):

I am a long time lurker, new to posting on this site....

I am waiting (read: checking the mail every 5 minutes) to hear from MGH. I was accpeted into the program at Regis a few weeks ago and while I am very relieved to have an acceptance under my belt, I really like MGH's program, specifically the Women's Health Option. At Regis they do not offer the WHNP option, only Family, CHild or Psych.) When did you hear, and if you don't mind me asking, what other schools did you apply to (if any)?

Thanks and have a great night.

COngrats on your accpetance at MGH!!!