Does prestige really matter for direct entry NP programs?

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I just found out that I was accepted to the GEPN oncology NP program at Yale. This is very exciting! :yeah: However, I now have a huge decision to make.

I am from the Boston area and have also been accepted to the direct entry program at Regis College. Ideally, I would much prefer to stay in the Boston area. I love the Regis program and it would allow me to do my clinicals in the hospitals I would eventually like to apply to. I also like that Regis awards a BSN afer 2 years of schooling. I am very family oriented and would prefer to stay in Massachusetts.

BUT...

Is Yale too good to pass up? Will going to an Ivy League university make a difference when I applying for NP positions, or is passing the boards enough. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to look back and wish that I chose to go to Regis over Yale, or the other way around. Thanks!

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Forgot to put this in my original post...

I am also waiting on a few other programs in Boston. Before I pick up an move for 3 years is graduating from Yale going to make a big difference? Thanks.

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Forgot to put this in my original post...

I am also waiting on a few other programs in Boston. Before I pick up an move for 3 years is graduating from Yale going to make a big difference? Thanks.

Hey there,

I was also accepted into Yale and am having the same exact problem as you. I live in Boston now and also got into BC and Northeastern. I really liked Northeastern and i also love yale's program. I'm very hesitant about leaving such good friends behind in boston but at the same time, I have a good feeling about yale. Although this is a good problem to have, it's not fun eh? I'd love to talk more about this with you if you want. Also, let me know if you hear any good advice regarding this issue.

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Specializes in cardiac electrophysiology, critical care.

Hi, if you are planning on working as an RN (while you finish your MSN, for example), then my advice is to stay in the city where you would eventually like to work- I believe this is especially important if that city is Boston, where there are very few nursing job openings! New grad RN's are having immense difficulty finding jobs here and it can help if you already have your foot in the door at a hospital somewhere. I got my BSN through an accel. program at JHU and I think that "prestige" of one's nursing school does not matter for staff RN positions. Since I am not an NP I can't speak to the job market or importance of school reputation for advanced practice roles...Good luck with your decision!

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I have heard great things about the Yale program, but I am definitely planning to work in Boston after I finish school. I am leaning toward staying in the area hoping that the connections I have made through work, and any future connections I make through school will help me later on to find a job. I am so up in the air right now. jnd1213 I would love to talk more about this.

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Specializes in TICU.

Hi Guys -

I'm looking to apply to Yale next year for the same program. I was wondering, if it's not too personal, what your college major, GPA and experiences were so I could get an idea of the ideal candidate there =)

Thanks!

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Hi-

I was a bio major in school. I also worked in oncology for 4 years after, before applying to Yale. I think my work expreience really helped. i actually didnt have a great GPA, it was just below 3.0. I was very suprised when I got in, but like I sadi I think my experiences after college made a huge difference.

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As an NP who went through a direct-entry program, and now works at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I feel well suited to answer your question...

Stay in Boston. The connections you make will be vastly more important than having an 'ivy league' resume. If you are looking to work in Boston after graduation, you will have a much better chance by having shown yourself to be exceptional during your clinical rotations, rather than having a good resume.

Hope that helps.

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