Downstate Accelerated/Class of 2011

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 24, 2010

Good morning,
Does anyone know anything about placing out of classes? I am taking a pathophysiology class right now and read somewhere on here that you can place out of the class at Downstate. I am wondering if that is a test or if they just look at your transcript?
Anyone know about this?

My understanding is that you can place out of anything but the actual nursing classes. You need to show a transcript and they will determine if the courses are equivalent. It is highly recommended that you place out of any classes you can, especially the first summer when the schedule is really grueling and practically impossible to absorb everything in such a short time.

mamalizza · Mar 1, 2010

i still haven't heard yet and am going insane! i see there's been some folks getting in (congrats!) but has anyone heard no?

plus, my online checklist say's i'm missing things but when i called a couple weeks ago they said that my application was being reviewed so they have everything.

thanks for any info:)

Tanguera, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 3, 2010

I've done enough bashing of Downstate on this site and while I hate to spread negativity, I also want to inform those who are considering coming to this program about its weaknesses. I was in the same position last year at this time tryign to choose a nursing program. I didn't know much about Downstate's program and while I heard some negative things, I didn't have any clue as to what I was getting myself into.

For those of you waiting to hear back from admissions - get used to waiting for replies. Many professors are terrible at responding to e-mails and some will never get back to you at all. There is extreme disorganization by the administration. There are a lot of professors who make powerpoints/class notes available to you only the night before the class lecture so you will not have time to pre-read. Do not expect professors to teach you anything. They will come to class with a powerpoint and simply read off of the slides. And you will have to be present for all of it because many professors take attendance. Expect to be given information by a professor that is contradicted by another professor or various textbooks/scholarly resources. Expect the administration to lose your paperwork and ask you to resubmit it. Expect the professors to treat you like you are in high school and speak to you in a condescending tone of voice....

The positive things about the program.... These are things that are pretty much out of the control of the administration or professors. The positive things are that the other students are hard-workers and team players. We're all in this together, and we have been able to work well with each other mostly because we often feel that it is "us" against "them". Additionally, since professors will provide you with short, curt responses to your questions, you will often ask your fellow classmates for things they have heard or experienced.

I really don't like spreading negativity, but I also think back to this time last year when I desperately wanted more information about Downstate so that I could make a more informed decision about which program to attend. I will try and answer your questions if you have any directed specifically for me.

Tanguera, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 3, 2010

About placing out of classes. You can place out of pathophysiology if you take it beforehand which I woudl highly highly recomment if you can do it since the course is a 5 week course and is IMPOSSIBLE to have a good grasp on that material in 5 weeks while you're taking other courses. I don't think you need to take a test in it, just show them the transcript.

I think there was a student who already took pharmacology before we got to school which was also a smart move. I think other than pharmacology and pathophysiology, there aren't other courses you can take beforehand. Good luck!

malapata · Mar 3, 2010

i still haven't heard yet and am going insane! i see there's been some folks getting in (congrats!) but has anyone heard no?
plus, my online checklist say's i'm missing things but when i called a couple weeks ago they said that my application was being reviewed so they have everything.

I think I'm sort of in the same situation as you. I have not heard yes or no. I did get a letter from them about two weeks ago asking for a course description, so I assume they are still reviewing applications...Good luck to you!

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 3, 2010

I still have no idea who Tanguera is... :)

VasoactiveRN · Mar 10, 2010

Ahh yes. Also forget about getting A's. I have never gotten a B until I got into this program. It is not hard, they just don't want to give A's. They also want you to think like a nurse (or dumb down).

VasoactiveRN · Mar 10, 2010

Oh yes, DONT BUY the nursing tote, its like $68 and YOU WILL NEVER USE IT!

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Mar 10, 2010

Just a reminder about the Terms of Service of the site;

Please do NOT name names of professors, ancillary staff, fellow students, etc. in your posts. This is in an effort to preserve the privacy of members and non-members alike.

Thanks, and carry on!

mazzini148 · Mar 11, 2010

Chaya, you really don't know who she is?

mazzini148 · Mar 12, 2010

More transfer credits:

I just want to add that in the Spring term it is possible to transfer 3 credits for a course in research from nearly any course that has research in the title. You'll have to provide the course description and possibly the syllabus in order to get credit. Also, it is written that those who seek transfer credit will have to write a critique of a nursing research article. This may or may not be true. Thus far those of us who are not taking the course haven't been asked to write anything.

mamalizza · Mar 12, 2010

a question to current suny downstate students- may i ask when you got your acceptance letter last year? still haven't received mine and i'm obsessing a bit:) i appreciate all the info you guys are posting about the program!