East Tennessee State - ETSU 2nd Degree Program

Lady_Vol · Dec 23, 2008

Does anyone have any information about ETSU? ETSU 2nd Degree Program? Or just East Tennessee State University nursing program in general?

Lady_Vol · Dec 29, 2008

Are there really no ETSU graduates or current students out there? Would really love some feedback on this program. Thanks.

KarenC9485 · Jan 11, 2009

Hi Lady Vol...

I am an ETSU alumni (non-nursing degree), but am applying for the second degree program starting this summer. I did some research on the program last year as well so I know a little bit. The program is five semesters long. It only starts in the summer. It is considered an accelerated format. I think that the program accepts around fifty students a year although I am not positive that is correct. It is fairly competitive. The program told me last year that selection is based solely on previous GPA. I believe the cut-off for acceptance is generally around a 3.3. Last year, there were two second degree programs though (a day program and a night and weekend program). I have been told that this year the night and weekend program has been canceled leaving only the day program. I am not sure what this will do with the competitiveness of entry.

I think the program looks pretty good. There are several hospitals in the area that participate in providing clinical sites. The two local hospitals also offer scholarship support for students that will commit to three years after graduation. The School of Nursing is located in a newly renovated building which has nice lecture halls and resources for students. There is so shifting of administration within the college. A new Dean will be starting in Feb.

I hope this provided some answers. If you have other questions that I might be able to answer, let me know!! Also, I have had several friends go through the traditional program and everyone seems very happy with their experience.

mblove · Jan 12, 2009

KarenC9485-

I've applied to ETSU too-good luck to you! Did you apply to the 2-year program as well?

Thanks for all the info, the admissions staff were reluctant to give me specifics about their average/lowest GPA, competiveness, etc. I applied to both the accelerated and 2-year programs at ETSU & WCU. There's no perfect program, but I'm excited about what I've heard and read about ETSU's nursing programs, and hope it will be a good fit. I'm curious if there are any more applicants or graduates out there? I hope I have a good chance at getting in, but it's been a long time since I've waited for a decision letter like this- yikes!! Staying positive & having faith that I'll end up where I need to be.

Lady Vol- I talked to a girl that just graduated from the 2-year program (as her 2nd degree) & she spoke very highly of the school & her instructors. I've also gotten a lot of positive feedback about ETSU from professionals in the area.

KarenC9485 · Jan 12, 2009

I did also apply to the 2 year program. I am really keeping my fingers crossed about the second degree though!

lb27 · Jan 29, 2009

I am currently in the 2nd degree program. It's actually not that difficult to get into. Initially, they accept a certain number of people, but a lot of people pass on the program. I can remember several people who initially were not accepted, but got calls the subsequent days/weeks up to orientation day, asking them if they were still interested in joining the program. So even if you don't get in at first, keep your schedule open because it's very likely you could get called up to orientation day (it was May 1st for us).

Good luck.

mblove · Jan 29, 2009

Hi lb27,

Thanks for the info! I'm really hoping to get into the accelerated program & would love to start in May. Can I ask how you like the program...the classes, teachers, clinicals, & classmates? How bad is the workload & what's your schedule like? Had you considered other programs in the area, & are you happy at ETSU?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've also applied to WCU's accelerated program, but I'm leaning towards ETSU. I'm really inspired by the community outreach programs the nursing department is involved in- not to mention the research they're doing.

Any feedback would be very helpful- thanks!

KarenC9485 · Apr 8, 2009

Would anyone who got into the program this year mind posting their GPA? I am trying to gauge where I might stand on the wait list if a spot where to open up at the last minute. I would greatly appreicate it!

mblove · Apr 8, 2009

Hey KarenC9485-

Sorry to hear you didn't get into the accelerated. I was accepted with a BS gpa of 3.72, not including prerequisites that were close to a 4.0. I was really surprised that my friend with a 3.5 was waitlisted. I talked to Jamie- student services for the ABSN program- and she said there were a lot more applicants this year. I'm still hoping my friend gets in- but if not she's doing the traditional program. We think they should at least give you a clue about the likelihood of starting in May...you know, long shot vs. possible- just waiting without any idea of your place on the list is horrible! Can I ask- did you have over a 3.5 & are you still finishing pre-reqs this spring semester? (We were wondering if they were weighing the pre-req grades more heavily?)

Good luck!

KarenC9485 · Apr 8, 2009

Thanks for your response. I have a 3.37. Last year, I got into both the day and night accelerated programs with a 3.34. (last year they had two accelerated programs, this year they only have one.) If your friend has a 3.5, then I must be a little ways down. I don't think they give any weight to the pre-reqs. I have close to a 4.0 in the pre-req courses and took them all at the 3000 level as opposed to the 2000 level courses that traditional nursing students take. I hope that your friend hears back. If she does please let me know that the waitlist is moving. I agree that they should give us some idea as to where the waitlist sits. I would also still be interested in anyone else who would like to share a GPA.

zjdm57 · Oct 1, 2009

I was accepted in the traditional BSN program which began in the Spring of 2008. Around 80 students were accepted and the cut-off for the program was a 3.59. As long as you put your time to great use and be very diligent about being on top of your studies and clinicals, it can be a great experience. I'm in my 4th semester and now we only have 53 still left. Once you are in the program just don't lose sight of the goal or big picture. Only the first two semesters have classes designed to weed out the weak. The first one will be pathophysiology and the second semester will be foundations. After that, it will be just building on what you already know. My advice is if you have applied twice and still no acceptance, I would redirect my focus on a more attainable profession.