Masters Degrees in Ontario

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Hello,

I would like some information about personal experiences with nursing masters Degrees/Nurse practitioner programs. I'm graduating from Uottawa/Algonquin and I'm interested in going for a masters to be a nurse practitioner, I'm not that interested in research and don't like writing essays. I would like to be an advance practice nurse. I'm not sure if I even have high enough grades to get in, I have a B+ in every course in 4th yr, so my overall GPA for my undergrad is probably a 6 something, the Uottawa website says they want a minimum of a 6 GPA(B) but of course thats only the minimum. So it would be great if anyone who was accepted for a masters in Ontario or knows anyone that did could share their experiences, what GPA is really needed to get in, how much more difficult masters is than undergrad, and how competitive the program is etc and where you work with a masters. I've looked on the internet for more info but cant find anyone with personal experience about this, I can only find information about the program from the universities website.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Masters programs are much more intensive than the undergrad programs because there is a lot of reading, researching and writing APA style papers in a very short period of time.

I have friends in both the nurse practitioner and the education streams. They have all reported the same things. Also, the programs are highly competitive. Usually the minimum requirement is not enough to be accepted. However, the admissions office also considers your personal statement, CV and letters of reference in making their decision.

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Thank you for your response. Do you know what the average was to get in? Are you also in Ontario? And do you know if its possible to be a nurse practitioner without the research stuff required in most masters programs? The University websites make it sound confusing since there is a MsN, NP program and a program that offers both, but then it says NPs need to have a bachelors and a masters to apply, then it says theres a thesis option or a clinical option for a masters degree. I'm not interested in research at all, I'm interested in being a nurse but also being allowed to do more than a regular RN.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I have three friends in ON in Masters Programs, one in BC, one in AB. There is no avoiding research in grad school, regardless of the stream you choose. Research is the essence of graduate education. The thesis based option requires a great deal of research, but the clinical streams will too.

As for the average, it varies depending on the applicants the school receives.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

So you already have your BSN?

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Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

I know multiple people in NP programs in Ontario and they all require lots of research and paper writing. Also, most if not all require at least 2 years of full time nursing experience. It is a very demanding program and some will not allow you to work during the school year.

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Yes, I'm graduating this yr, still have to write the CRNE. I have a new grad position on my med surg consolidation floor. Its a nephrology floor. I know I have to work for a year-2years but I wanted to know what are my chances of getting in, if theres no point then I may just go to the OR.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Officially they say 2 years but I have heard that most applicants have more than that usually.My NP had 10 years experience.

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I dont plan to work if I do get into a masters program, do you know specifically what average is needed? If the minimum requirement is like an A+ throughout all 4 yrs, then I'm probably not going to bother. Its fine if the research is part of the program but I dont want to become an NP to work in researching. I would think the program would include advance patho and assessment, which is what I'm interested in learning about. Also does anyone know if the 2 years experience has to be in ER/ICU or can in be on a normal med surg floor?

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Specializes in Gerontology.

You should talk to someone at the university you want to do your Masters at. Every University is different.They can review your marks and tell you exactly what they are looking for in their applicants.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Every program has different averages and it's based on that year's cohort of applicants. So for example, if the majority of the applicants for that program had A averages, then that will be the criteria that school will require. Usually, if you're sitting at the cutoff point, you may not get accepted. However, the admissions office will examine all of your other documentation.

You've just got to apply and then see what happens.

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I am currently in a masters program and graduating 2015. The application process is downright competitive and my preparation took a year. It helped me a lot when I went to speak to the director of the program and she provided me with the information that I needed to push through with my application .I knew from the start that it was going to be tough but I went on because it is what I want. By the way, they always want to see what makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants. It is not just about the marks but don't get me wrong that it does not matter. Good luck .

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