MGH Institute of Health Professions

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone has applied to the MGHIHP new accelerated BSN program? If so, what do you think your chances are of being accepted?

Specializes in ICU.
Hi everyone, I was recently accepted to the Direct Entry Masters Program for Fall 08 at MGH and I was just wondering if anyone has any advice about this program? I sent in my deposit to secure my spot but I am not completely sure if I want to jump right into becoming a NP. I am only 21 and am just finishing my undergrad work this May so I don't know what the best option for me is. I also have a secure spot at Quincy College for just an associates degree and RN. Any advice would be appreciated! :)

Without a doubt, go for the masters at MGH! It will give you so many more options than an ADN, and the time frame is not so much different between the two. It may seem like you'll be in school forever just finishing your undergrad and going straight into a grad program, but it is SO much easier than going back to school later in life. I've done it both ways--I went straight from undergrad to my masters in another field 15 years ago. Now I am changing careers and going back to school for nursing in my mid-30s. There's no comparison--juggling kids, work commitments AND studying is SO much harder and more stressful!! Go straight through if you can!!

Just my :twocents:

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Hello Everyone! So I got my financial award letter and its a little overhelming. I definitely didn't get as much as I needed, however, I should of expected that. I will more that likely have to take out a loan for roughly 24,000 just to live and "pay off" tuition. I'm considering other options including opting out of this nursing thing all the way to working a year and deferring (if they have that option.)

Is anyone else having this issue? If so, lets vent!

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Hi adrienne,

I know it sucks, i spent saturday worrying about it all day. the conclusion that i have come to is that, im in a worse off spot than most people. my undergrad education is ALL loans, federal and private that i have struggled to pay since undergrad. I will be undoubtedly doubling my debt, but i will most likely be doubling my salary when i get out of school with a nursing degree. All of the money necessary for life/tuition in a program like this is a harsh reality, expecially because in undergrad i worked full time to pay my living expenses (rent etc) so ive never really lived without an income. BUT, i think in the long run, its going to be worth it. At least in my case i KNOW that this is exactly what i want to do, and being sure of that makes a lot of the worry fade into the background. I'm not going to lie, i still worry and money is still a stress and sometimes i think im crazy for getting this deep in debt. BUT there really is no alternative for me, its kind of just what has to be done.

and really, MGH is probably the best place to learn! So i think youve been given a GREAT opportunity!

So, try and rest easy, and really think about it before you give the opportunity up!

Good luck!!!!

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Hey Colljt!!

Thank you so much for the kind words, I so needed them! I was at work today thinking do I want to continue working or pursue nursing and provide a better life for my daughter and myself. I am so with you, my undergrad education, like you, was ALL loans and am struggling to keep up with the payments.

In the long run I know nursing has the potential to be a very lucrative career, thus providing the opportunity to pay off my loans. When I think of in like that, its not such an overwhelming thought!

But its very reassuring to know that someone else is in the same boat as myself, looking at the same options and debating the same ideas.

Like you said it is a very comforting thought to know that we are going to be getting one th best educations this state can offer in afflliation with one of the greatest hospitals in the world!!

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Hey guys,

When did you get your award letter? I haven't received anything yet. I'm curious to see what it looks like. The first come first serve line in the email that we received makes me wonder what is going on...thanks!

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Hey Aly - I was anxiously awaiting my letter as well and it finally came yesterday. Don't worry I'm sure it's on the way, but on the website it says you can contact the financial aid office if you haven't gotten it by April 1st.

To Adrienne and Colljt - I am in the same boat as both of you and it was so helpful to hear that you are going through the same issues! I am also already up to my ears in undergrad debt and I pretty much got nothing from MGH - so I'll be basically doubling my debt. I was debating whether I actually wanted to go through with this as well, but you are right - it will be worth it in the end. It's silly to think about bailing after we've put in all this time and effort on prerequisite classes, applications, etc. And 14 months is going to fly by! Thank you both for lifting my spirits about all this. Looking forward to meeting you in May!

-Anne

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Hi Adrienne:

I think there are other excellent and much less costly places to pursue nursing in Boston .. without going into the kind of enormous debt the MGHIHP requires.

I suggest thoroughly checking out other programs (BSN's at UMass or Salem State, or ADN at a Community College) before you sign on MGH's dotted line. When you get into that kind of debt, your future earning power is compromised. (I speak from personal experience....!)

Good luck!

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I'm actually kind of getting frustrated as the financial aid office isnt seeming to be that helpful! I cannot really contact anyone there, EVER. Ha ha.

But i think its good a lot of us are in the same boat(well not good, as i dont wish my debt on anyone else!) i thought i was alone too, and when i say swimming in undergrad debt, i mean it, like every penny for undergrad tuition was a loan. BUT i am STILL trying to look on the brightside.

I think it will be well worth it in the long run. So keep your heads up!

Were you all at the open house?

Colleen

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Hey guys,

Are there any students in the Masters program or the upcoming BSN program that can recommend cheaper health insurance for individual coverage? The schools insurance is SO expensive and im trying to research my options for health insurance and figure it would be worth my while to see what some of you have. I am entering the BSN program this may.

thanks so much!

colleen

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Hi Colleen!

I have been in pretty constant contact with the financial aid office. I feel like I have no knowledge in what to do for this stuff, and luckily Jolene is there to answer a lot of my questions! Just keep being persistant and call around 3:00pm, that always seems to work for me. I got my financial aid just about squared away and am waiting for the stuff to approve some things now.

As for health insurance, I work for the Mass. Department of Revenue so I know ALLLLL about this new mandate for health insurance. And it is putting a lot of people between a rock and a hard place. But one thing I recommend is looking into Commonwealth Care. Its the state's answer to this new mandate and is supposedly affordable to Mass. residents, its definitely worth a try.

Let me know if you need anymore help, I am happy to help.

P.S.- Have you done your CPR course, gotten books/uniforms etc yet? Cause I am so behind the ball right now!

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Hey adrienne!

Thanks for getting back. I feel like i have a grip on getting everything for financial aid squared away. i ended out having to take out a lot of alternative loans, but i feel like at my age, im just not okay with moving home with my family at 25. i feel as though i wasnt out on my own in an apartment since i was 18, i would consider it, but living on your own for 8 years then moving home, no thanks! So since boston area rent isnt exactly cheap, im looking at a lot of loans. BUT i finally feel like i have grip on it, ha! I might be eating ramen in school. :o)

as far as health insurance goes, i enrolled with the school, and in the meantime applied for connector care which i might not get, as if your school offers insurance they tend to deny, said the guy. but i know i can appeal if the schools is expensive. so its cool.

as far as school stuff goes i have ordered everything in terms of supplies, minus books. i did my CPR stuff, my dad is a firefighter and paramedic and also teaches cert. classes so i did it with him.

where in ma are you living? im assuming youre quitting your job when school starts. maybe we can get coffee sometime!

Take care!

Colleen

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Hey Colleen,

Those alternative loans are so bittersweet, its like a good thing that you get them but at the same time you got to loan, and are obligated to it considering you signed your life away and I sware I swore away my first born!! (lol)

Yea, I like in an extremely convienient area. I like in the Longwood Medical area, next to Brigham and Woman's around the corner from Children's Hosptial and up the street from Beth Israel. Not to mention, there are numerous colleges in the area. The rent is based on our income, so thats a good and bad thing because as soon as you get a raise at work, your rent goes right up with it, so its like you are always behind the 8-ball. But the location and convience of it all almost makes it worth it, I also have the T at either end of my street and the Partners shuttle is 1.6 mins away from my house also.

I am seriously slacking with the school prep. stuff! I want the 'best' of everything but still have no idea on where these things are located! I am so jealous that your dad certified you! I've been dragging my feet up that hill as well. But I work well under pressure and it will all get done..eventually.

And I definitely would love to do coffee sometime just PM me, and we can get mentally prepared for this adventure we are about to embark on together! Where is your current location now, and what do you hope for the future???

Adrienne

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