Loyola ABSN

U.S.A. Illinois

Published

Hello all, just wondering if there are any Loyola BSN graduates out there than can give me any advice on the program. I am looking for an accelerated BSN program and I see that Rush offers one also. Just looking for some insight. Thanks

Scott

Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.

Was accepted to both Loyola and Rush ABSN program. Opted for Loyola. Don't regret it, both are respected programs. Going to start CRNA school. ABSN nice because it shows you have a potential to handle a more rigorous work load if you wish to further your education. There are several reasons why I chose one over the other which includes program start date, feeling I had during interview for Rush, and seemed like Loyola had more diverse clinical sites.

Chris

Hello all, just wondering if there are any Loyola BSN graduates out there than can give me any advice on the program. I am looking for an accelerated BSN program and I see that Rush offers one also. Just looking for some insight. Thanks

Scott

Specializes in Burns, ICU.

Have you considered the DePaul Masters program? It is a bit less than 2 years and then they also have a CRNA program that you can go. This way you get the RN the Masters then work in an ICU and then bridge right over. It is a thought.......

Hey Scott,

I think you'll be fine working, but every person is different. I worked about 25 hours/week with no problems. I really didnt study at all and still passed with B's. I wouldnt suggest doing that, but I had lost all ambition to continue my education at loyola and planned on quitting. I just couldnt get the motivation to try anymore because i hated so much.

On the other hand, some students studied night and day and didnt pass. Just understand your limits. Since you already have advanced background for the program, it will probably be cake. I thought my easiest bio/chem semester was still harder than Loyola's hardest nursing semester in the absn. They say the summer is the hardest because you do physio and pharm on top of the other nursing courses.

Know your limits and you'll be fine.

I know what ya mean about wanting the faster pace. After getting a science undergrad and doing premeds, Im going to feel like im moving in slow motion at normal paced nursing program. It's ok though... im still moving forward.

Oh and I talked with some students who were finishing the program when i was there. The previous year overlaps the next summer so i was able to ask them questions. They said after the first summer it gets easier. But, they too said they hated most of their time at Loyola.

If you can get into creighton, I'd suggest checking them out. I got in there too and they were excellent with returning phone calls and giving me accurate info. They were really nice too! Sounded like they really care about their students. I heard their absn is the oldest in the nation, so most of the glitches are probably gone.

Good luck to you! :)

Thanks so much for all of the info. I actually applied to the direct-entry Masters program at Columbia with an emphasis in anesthesia and I am waiting to hear from them before I accept at Loyola. I bombed the GRE, but my grades are good and I have healthcare experience. So I will keep my fingers crossed.

What are the hours of the program? Is it a typical 7-5 kinda deal? Do you ever have clinicals on the weekend? I don't think I will stay out another year. If I don't get into Columbia, I will more than likely be going to Chicago. Is it possible to live closer to the city and commute to the Lakeshore campus? Thanks again

SC

The hours are pretty sketchy in the summer. I didnt think it required all that much time or was all that intense. Some days you'll be there for up to 8 hours and some days only 2 hours. I would say it's no more than around 20 - 25 hours/week of total class time. not too bad.

There's nothing on the weekends from what i know... unless they do some major changes for next year.

From what I know, during the normal school year, there are clinicals on 2 days of the week and classes on 3 days. So probably tues/thurs clinicals (8 hours/day i think), and classes on m/w/f. Not sure how much time is spent in class.

I didnt think Loyola did rolling admissions? how did you already get in? Their deadline isnt until january and i thought they didnt review until after then???

Good luck with all your plans. I hope you get in at columbia.. It sounds like a solid deal if you do. Maybe you could retake your GRE before their app deadline:)

Peace out:)

Thanks again for the info! My biggest concern with any program that I applied to was how organized the program is. By this, I mean is the program structured 7-5 (at least somewhat close to that). I already have a large chunk of student loans already, so I do not plan on taking out loans to live on. I need to work ~15 to 20 hours a week to pay for living expenses, and I hope that with good time management that can happen.

As far as Columbia goes, I have a hard time beleving that my application can be tossed away because of one variable. I mean the point of taking the GRE is to see how you will adjust to "masters" level courses. I already have a clinical doctorate and I have been in grad school; so I think I am more than capable. Hopefully, they can see that! I will be more than excited if I get into Columbia, but I also think that living in Chicago would be awesome too. Plus, my wife's family lives within driving distance.

Thanks again, Scott

Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.

I beg to differ, I went to Loyola ABSN program. First year made 60K, After that made approx. 100K a year. Do not work more than 48 hrs. a week. Don't think it is a bad return on investment. I'm paid hourly, do not have the big meeting on Monday and I am not worried about "closing the big deal", do not have a pager or lap top, and I wear pajamas to work. Not to mention, it opened the door to CRNA school where I plan to atleast double my salary from there.

I'm a Loan-ola grad.... My advice is this: Go to a state school if you can....

While an ABSN program appears appealing due to the 12-15 month length. It is far more financially beneficial to attend a traditional program and go to school for the whopping extra year... At a third of the cost.....

Both Rush and Loyola cost $30,000+ tuition and fees only... Plus you'll need living expenses which in Chicago are not cheap... Some people worked.. Mostly guys in the program...

During school I was single and completely financially independent, my cost for living loans was $25,000... And I worked part time.....

Total cost for Loan-ola...approx. $60,000 including extra's such as books, food, etc. etc.

I lived in a studio apt. and drove a bicycle which I still do...

And this may come a shock.... Nurses don't make that much money.... With over time, night shift/weekend diff., tuition reimbursement and a signing bonus I'll be lucky to make over $60,000 this year... I work in one of the "nicer" hospitals. Doing agency, weekend programs and working 50++ hours a week, may put you in the six figure range... But I know a few savvy, hard working nurses and they even fall short of 100K.

60K isn't too bad if you are single, ride a bike and live in a studio.... I have a nice life... With that salary..

It just depends what you want to do... Most of the men I know almost have to go to grad school, NP, CRNA, etc. just so they can keep their heads above water.

I'm not trying to be all doom and gloom... I love my job and the choices I made... Again it depends what you want to do... I just wish someone had told me something like this before I started the program...

Rush did have a program where you can essentially waive your tuition if you work for them for two years.... I don't know if that's still happening as the market has changed quite a bit.

I hate to say this, but the Army offers tuition assistance and $1250 a month for living expenses if you sign up during a program.. $30,000K for the reserve.... I knew a couple guys who had to do this, or rather wanted to do this so they weren't swimming in debt. It's still something I consider...

Oh, and being a male can work for you or against you... If you are self supporting, good luck.... Private school is full of princesses...

Does anyone know how to get in touch with someone at Loyola regarding the ABSN program? I have emailed the person they specify on their website 2x in the past 3 months and have yet to heard back from her. I have also called to ask about talking to someone about their program to which I am told to come to an info session or fax a transcript in to that same person who has not replied to my emails. My husband told me to just go there and demand to see someone. Both DePaul and Rush invited me to have individual meetings with them. I met with PhD's from the admissions department both of whom gave me an hour of their time. I'm not asking for an hour, just for someone to answer a few questions over the phone. This seemingly dismissive behavior concerns me and makes me question how the actual program is managed...

I called the main number (773.508.3249) and asked to speak to someone about the ABSN. I think I ended up talking to Sasha. She did all of my transcripts, etc. I have not had a problem contacting them in the past; however, I was calling back in Oct/Nov. Are you looking to start this May? I don't know if the deadline has past.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Scott

Hello Scott,

Thank you for your quick reply. Ironically, Sasha is the person I emailed previously who hasn't responded. Perhaps she's just been swamped over the past few months? I will call again and ask for her directly. I am not starting in May as I have about 1 1/2 more years of pre-req's (I am only able to take 1 at night per semester due to my work schedule). Are you in the program? If so, how are you liking it?

I am not in the program yet. I got accepted for the may 08' start and I am still waiting to hear back from 1 other school before I send in my deposit. I don't really know that much about the program. I have seen some other posts about the program and there seems to be a mix of ideas on how it is. Just search on this site for the Loyola ABSN and you will find a couple of people that talk about the program. Mostly they talk about how $$$ it is. Let me know if you have other questions.

SC

Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.

Nursing is an "in" thing to do right now. And, the fact of the matter is, they probably have more than enough qualified applicants for the limited number of seats for people who follow their direction and either go to one of their information sessions or fax their transcripts like they are instructed to do so. Depaul is ditching their ABSN program, but I can assure you Loyola is run just fine. Their reputation was SPECIFICALLY brought up in my CRNA interviews. They are respected. So, just follow their lead and keep in mind you are in competition with others for a seat in their program. I felt nursing was much easier than obtaining my degree in chemistry. However, youre still dealing with a large university and not a weekend nursing course that gets advertised during intermissions of Jerry Springer and Judge Judy. I never had a problem getting anything from anyone there. It was a very positive environment. Send them your information, I am sure, if you qualify, someone will have no problem getting back to you.

chris

Does anyone know how to get in touch with someone at Loyola regarding the ABSN program? I have emailed the person they specify on their website 2x in the past 3 months and have yet to heard back from her. I have also called to ask about talking to someone about their program to which I am told to come to an info session or fax a transcript in to that same person who has not replied to my emails. My husband told me to just go there and demand to see someone. Both DePaul and Rush invited me to have individual meetings with them. I met with PhD's from the admissions department both of whom gave me an hour of their time. I'm not asking for an hour, just for someone to answer a few questions over the phone. This seemingly dismissive behavior concerns me and makes me question how the actual program is managed...
+ Add a Comment