Metrostate?

HM2VikingRN, RN · Aug 22, 2007

I am in the accelerated RN program at mankato. It is a lot of work but managable. good luck. all of the grads have been able to find jobs....

deeDawntee, RN · Aug 22, 2007

Hello!!

I have heard excellent things about the program at Metrostate. I have taken a couple classes as prereqs to the ADN to BSN or MSN program, I hope to be accepted to the ADN to MSN program next year. I have been truly impressed by the caliber of teaching I have received there. Although, I don't have direct experience with the nursing instructors, I have heard good things.

I get tuition reimbursement at my institution and could have gone almost anywhere to further my education, but choose Metrostate. I really like the sense of community when I walk on campus and the friendliness there. Even the President of the University stopped me one day and struck up a conversation!! Now that was really cool! It is also the quickest program and it meets one day a week. For the ADN to BSN program, you go through the program with the same people. I start statistics there next week.

Hopefully you will get response from people already in the program itself.

Good luck, maybe I'll see you around campus!!

tdrynelle · Oct 16, 2007

I just started the Post-Bac BSN program this fall. It's a lot of work (I think most full time programs are) and they don't encourage you to work while going through it (although most of the class is working some). I have talked with some of the people who graduated with the first class (this past May) and they all liked the program and felt they were well prepared. Their NCLEX pass rate was 100%. If you are interested in the program, they hold informational sessions in the fall about the program and it gives you a good idea of what's really involved (http://www.metrostate.edu/cnhs/nursing/meetingpost.html).

Toots71506 · Dec 20, 2007

Hi tdrynelle - It sounds like you started this fall so you would know now how the program really is. I'm curious what the time committment is and if most people have families and other committments outside of school. I sure do and if I'm told not to work I'm wondering if that means 'DON'T have a life either', which is just not possible with a family. Any feedback you can give on the school is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

tdrynelle · Dec 20, 2007

The time commitment is large, but I've heard that about all nursing programs. I'd say 75% of our class works at least some (10-20 hours per week) and about 1/3 have kids (some babies, some older). So far, everyone in our class has been able to survive the juggling act. The one thing with this program is that you don't get to choose what classes you take when. They tell you when your classes are period. You move through the program as a group and do everything together. So if you need flexibility, I'd suggest you look at another type of program.

But with all that said, I have also heard that the post-bac BSN program for Metro is going away (I believe we are the last class), and it's changing to a master level program instead. I think they are still working out the details on how it will work, but from what I've heard it's something like five semesters straight, full time. But you'd need to check with them for more details.

Good luck!

Toots71506 · Dec 21, 2007

Thanks for the information about Metrostate...I'll look into that.

Would you say the time committment is large because of running to class and clinicals or is it because of the papers and memorization or is it a combination of all of it?

tdrynelle · Dec 21, 2007

I would say both class and outside work (only 3 weeks of clinicals first semester, so that wasn't a big deal). First semester, for example, we had class at Metro on Mondays 1-2:30 for Theory, then Tuesday 9am-3pm, Wed 10am-5pm, Thursday 12-5 and then one online type class that we were supposed to do Thursday mornings. Then lots of outside assignments to complete as well as a ton of readings (that no one could possibly ever keep up with). :-)

Toots71506 · Dec 21, 2007

Thank you so much for your information. It helps so much!

If you were to choose a school all over again would you choose Metrostate or do you and others in your class have regrets?

tdrynelle · Dec 21, 2007

At this point - yes, I would. I really wanted a program that would give me a BSN when I graduated. At the time I was looking, the choice was basically between the UofM and Metro. However, U of M didn't offer a full BSN, just a certificate. (Since then, there program too has changed to a master's level program.) The other thing was program length - U of M was 15 months straight. Metro gives us a summer off (great chance to do a nursing internship), and it's a much smaller school. In addition, at this point, Metro has a 100% NCLEX pass rate from the first graduating class. And in talking with those who completed it, they said overall it was a good education, and they felt well prepared in the end. Hope that helps. And good luck in whatever road you choose!

Lars81 · Jan 2, 2008

But with all that said, I have also heard that the post-bac BSN program for Metro is going away (I believe we are the last class), and it's changing to a master level program instead. I think they are still working out the details on how it will work, but from what I've heard it's something like five semesters straight, full time. But you'd need to check with them for more details.

Has anyone heard anything new about this? It looks to me like they are still offering this program. Does anyone know if they are planning on getting rid of this program?

KKinMN · Jan 3, 2008

I went to an info session a few months ago and they are changing the accelerated BSN program to a Master of Nursing program. The MN program will start next Spring semester ('09). The application is due on 1/31/08. You have to attend an info session or email them to get the application.