Looking at UNC BS to BSN accelerated program

JackieRTP · Jan 11, 2009

Hello, I'm 25. I'm considering doing the accelerated 14 month program at UNC to get my BSN. I looked at their website and it looks like I would need to take a couple prerequisite classes this summer to be able to apply for the program. It says all applications must be in by August for January 2010 considerations. I would be cutting it close. Can I apply to both the accelerated and 2 year program or do I have to choose one? Do they give preference to those who apply early or do they go through them all at once? Is admission largely based on GPA? I have a cumulative 3.2 and a major 3.4 in BS Education. I graduated in '07 and recently left my job to move to North Carolina to be closer to family. Does UNCs BS to BSN program have the huge waiting list like I hear about other community colleges and tech schools around here? I'd really like to go back and do this but I don't think I can wait another 2 years just to get in. Has anyone went through an accelerated program and live to tell about it? I was thinking about taking the summer courses at NC State or a community college like Wake Tech, but would it look better if I took them at UNC? (about a 45-50 minute drive) Do you think there will still be a high demand for nurses in this area in 2011 when I would graduate? Part of me is torn because my mom is a nurse and she was telling me what a good option it would be because of the huge need for nurses and health care in this area especially. The other part of me is worried about taking the pre reqs, not getting into the program in 2010 and wasting a year of my life when I could have been looking for another job that I could get with my current degree. However, I am not satisfied with the pay, hours, or quality of life the current degree gives me. Thanks for the help.

Do a search in this forum. Many of your questions have previously been answered.

As for demand after graduation, none of us has a crystal ball. :)

Tony Stark · Jan 11, 2009

I searched BSN, BS to BSN, and UNC and it came back with

Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

Perhaps you could guide me in the right direction.

JackieRTP · Jan 12, 2009

Hi Tony! Yes, you are right, the search feature is broken from the forum software. They updated the software two months ago and apparently it broke this feature. Even your own post contains the words 'BSN' and 'UNC'.

You can however, use the search feature at the top of the forum screen. It has the words 'Google custom search'. This option luckily is working and searching the allnurses forums. :)

mysskay · Jan 25, 2009

Hey Tony, I see you posted back on the 10th, not sure if you've had your questions answered yet but here's a try. First let me say I don't know the actual answers as to whether you can apply to both the accelerated program and the 2yr program during the same cycle. I would recommend contacting UNC for clarification. They have been really helpful anytime I've called. I know from using the online application, after I entered my name and application type, I couldn't go back to change it (the nursing department did eventually).

You can apply and still have pre-reqs in the work, but I would mention that those who have completed their pre-reqs do tend to get priority consideration, but that doesn't mean you CAN'T apply without them. Your call.

I would imagine the demand will still be high, as with most health care provider jobs because the population is expected to keep living longer. However, in this market no one can predict how the demand or the economy will affect your being hired or the benefits they will be able to provide. One doctor I spoke to said the demand for certain level nurses has and always will be high, as most people move up the ladder once given the opportunity. And the job most in need is the most people don't want to do.

As far as not wanting to "waste a year of your life" you have to think long term. What is one year when it can essentially change the rest of your life. That is if you are getting into nursing for the right reasons. Also, within that year you can be doing everything necessary to improve your application or finding out everything you can about being a health care provider. The year will go fast. Nursing is competitive, you have to think about your competition. If they don't mind waiting a year (maybe even more) then you have to learn to adapt the same attitude or else maybe you should reconsider your options. You are going to be competing with people who have been dreaming about being a nurse their whole life. You can't substitue adequate preparation.

I would like to leave you with this, "even if you can't be where you want to be right now, you can still be doing something worthwhile." Within that year you would be taking classes (wouldn't want to rush learning and being as prepared as possible), filling out your application, getting recommendations and writing a solid essay. They don't have to choose you, so it's best you do something to make yourself stand out. Think of volunteering or whatever else you're passionate about. It will just give you more to write about, allow you to seriously consider your choices and provide fulfillment that no one job can offer.