Marquette University - Direct Entry MSN Spring 2023

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Hi, I just got accepted into Marquette University's Sp 2023 Cohort in Pleasant Prairie. I'm from Houston and was hoping to connect with some of my fellow classmates or maybe even those still waiting on admissions.  

NP, I had no one to answer my questions is why I made this thread :).

By stats, I meant GPA and Science GPA as well as # of degrees. I don't know anyone's grades on the prereqs, but I know that I got accepted with the requirement to redo my stats class (too old even though I made an A) and I got a B in another pre-req. I definitely had some C's & and 2F's for general classes on my transcript. However, I had solid recommendation letters, a well-written personal statement (if I do say so myself), great life experiences, and work experience as a CNA. I would say the consistency I see in my cohort is everyone has had experience with patient care: with counseling, CNA, PCT, LVN, volunteer, etc.

There are 92 people in my cohort, but I don't know how many applied. Our optional 'Pre-Orientation' was about 2 months before the actual orientation. Our orientation was one week before classes started (for two mandatory days)

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I'm happy to hear that about experiences!! I have a little over a year of caregiving experience. If I do get in, I would love to attend pre orientation but I'm not sure if I'll be able to since I'm from another state. I'm so nervous for next week, I really hope to be admitted.

Thank you again and wishing you the best in the program!!

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Hi again @DutchessCares!! I got my acceptance yay and I have a few more questions if you don't mind. I know you're busy so please answer only when you can!! :))

1) How is the program so far in terms of workload?

2) How is the online part? Is it mostly teaching yourself?

3) How many times a week do you guys go on site for labs/simulation, and how many times do you have clinicals?

4) Do you think it's doable to live on campus and travel to PP for labs/simulation if I'll be commuting/using public transportation? 

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Hi @kirbyyy, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! I'm so excited that you'll be joining us, this is such a huge accomplishment so take a moment to celebrate.

Just clarifying that these answers are for the PP location

1) I do not work, so I treat this like a full-time job, as such it is very manageable. I would say the biggest thing is to get organized fast, stay organized, and work at least one week ahead (start orientation week when classes 1st open). There is a lot of busy work (readings, papers, quizzes, other assignments) each week for each class. For those who work it's more challenging, but they are doing it. You may be able to work on the weekend, but you'll have to be dedicated for the rest of the week, and you'll probably be unhappy having to do this. 

2) Online is not mostly teaching yourself, it is interactive. We have synchronous meetings, and also pre-recorded lectures for notes each week. Basically do the modules & readings, then go to class and ask questions when they go over the modules. You will of course have to read to figure things out that weren't explained to your learning style, but otherwise, you should be fine.

3)For the first semester: on a normal week, we are on campus 1 to 2 days a week. Once at least to attend labs on your scheduled day (this will be lab and simulation). Abnormal weeks would mean we may be there 2 other times a week to do exams (sometimes there are one or two exams in that week as well, and they are all on campus) or ( not so often ) meeting/ events. 

After 1st semester: I cannot say for sure because things change for every class and depending on your start semester I believe.

4) It is definitely doable to live in Milwaukee and commute. Classmates are usually happy to carpool, however, if you primarily want to depend on public transportation I do not believe that this is a good idea. I'm not sure how that works but it is a 45 minutes drive to PP and you cannot be even a minute late to exams. Pleas please, figure out a better transportation situation or secure a good rideshare with someone in your lab immediately. Your classmates will have Groupme so you can ask for a ride there and just don't have them waiting on you,  and contribute gas or get them coffee or whatever. 

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I really appreciate all the info and advice!! I plan to live on campus in one of the marquette apartments for grad students but I'm on the waitlist for the studio/1 bed ones. Do you know if it's easy to get off the waitlists and secure one of those?

I will definitely try to find classmates to carpool with, I'll be happy to offer gas money and coffee and such. How about for clinicals? I'm worried as I heard that it is harder to carpool on clinical days.

Lastly, how many months prior were you guys able to enroll and how is the process of enrolling and such?

Thank you sm!! I'm so excited to start :))

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@kirbyyy I am definitely excited for you to start. It's so enjoyable once you get a routine. 

I know two people that got off the waitlist, however, I am not sure if they are purely grad students in these dorms. Also, I've heard that there are no full kitchens in these dorms (no stoves), so be mindful; they may say they have a community kitchen but you may not be able to access it as you like as well. They are dirt cheap though, and you can get a meal plan which is economical. 

Clinicals always change due to hospital availability & student preferences. As such, I am sure it will be hard to get a ride on clinical days, but if you live on campus in Milwaukee you may get lucky and be able to walk or shuttle to a nearby hospital if you are placed there. 

I do believe that you can enroll 1 to 2 months out. That part is pretty much based on when the directors tell you to. I personally waited until 1 month before class start because I had a million questions; mainly because I didn't realize that clinicians were not until the 2nd semester. Otherwise, enrollment was pretty standard, don't sweat.

Also save about another 500 to pay for uniforms, shoes & little nursing equipment they'll tell you to buy. And know that you may not get a refund until after classes start, so cater for that. Be able to cover yourself for at least a month or two in case you have to rely on their loans.  

My last piece of advice would be to see if you could find a $60 AHA CPR course near you. This will allow you to spend time settling in, instead of spending a third day of orientation week having to figure out a ride to do the CPR course they will set up for you.  

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Thank you so much! You've been really helpful! :) I have a three more questions and I promise these will be the last

1) What do you mean by clinicals always changing? Does it always change in one semester or do you mean it changes every semester?

2) Do you know if we can sit for the CNL certification? I got admitted into another direct entry program with a CNL specialty and now I am torn between these two programs.

3) Do you know anything about the post-master's certificate? Any information would be helpful :)

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@kirbyyy LOL no problem. Ask away, I promise I won't get tired :). 

1) No clinicals doesn't change within the semester. I meant that each new semester the times and days change based on hospital availability to Marquette. 

2)  I am not sure if we can sit for the CNL certification, but I would ask the advisor or email taylor pamprin (ask your advisor for her email and expect a week or 2 delays because she is very busy)

3) Honestly I do not know anything about the post-master's certificates b/c my goal is med school, but set an appointment with Taylor and have all your questions written out. Make sure you look at all the programs you're interested in, maybe bookmark them so you can go to them, look at them and ask the questions you have.

 

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Also @kirbyyy congratulations on your new acceptance!! Make sure you do your research to ensure you make the best decision for yourself. At the end of the day, you'll be getting similar education. (Make sure you talk to alumni so you can get an honest student's perspective)

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Thank you so much! I appreciate all the help!! Both programs are ranked well and overall really similar, even in terms of tuition which is what makes it hard for me to choose. One thing that makes me really worried is having no car, and I think the other school would be more reliable regarding transportation as the building is just on the main campus.

That's good to hear about med school!! What made you pursue nursing first if you don't mind sharing? 

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@kirbyyy, that sounds awesome, makes your decision easier with them being similarly ranked. Sometimes I too wish that our program was at the main campus because I dislike having to drive LOL so that program being on campus is definitely a plus. Whichever program you settle on will definitely be lucky to have you, you remind me of myself LOL. As for med school, I have actually always wanted to be a Dr, but I didn't want to rush into it without having some more medical experience and an amazing application for med school. I am young so I think that nursing will give me invaluable experience as well as a break financially as I prepare for med school. It seems to be working out as nursing school isn't killing me, and I am still able to keep my mind sharp and soon my medical skills will be augmented and sharpened as well.  

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That's really good! I think having experience as a nurse will for sure make you competitive as an applicant for med school! That's exciting that your end goal is to be a doctor, it will be really rewarding. How old are you btw? If you don't mind sharing that :) Also, I would like to keep in touch with you if that's okay, especially if I decide on Marquette!!

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