MSN-EL Western University of Health Sciences 2011 Students

tweetychick510 · Apr 18, 2011

Both programs go straight into post master without having to reapply. Both programs are in the LA area. So those are not factors in my decision. I have until the 29th to deposit for Western. I have not received letters to deposit for Azusa yet.

Bblue11 · Apr 18, 2011

Thank you very much Bblue11 for responding to my question! Please refresh my memory, did you also commit to Western University and will be attending Fall2011? Yes, I've read on different forum sites that Azusa does incorporate religion in their teaching, that's why I am most concerned about going there. But Azusa does have a higher reputation and a higher ranking than Western and is MUCH MUCH cheaper. Do you think I should factor in the costs of the schools in making my decision? I've talked to a friend who recently got a job as an RN and he told me that only 10% of his class got a full time job and the rest are jobless with so much debt. He's worrying me a little and told me to go to the school with a higher reputation which costs lesser so that i dont have to be financially burdened later on when I graduate. So what do you think?

Yes I will be attending Western in the Fall. Whether or not you should factor in the costs of the schools depends on your present financial situation. Cost is less of a factor for me but if I had kids to support or had a lot of debt then incurring an extra $30-40K in costs would be a big deal. Did your RN friend graduate with a masters in nursing?

Bblue11 · Apr 18, 2011

hey tweetychick, did you attend an interview at Azusa?

tweetychick510 · Apr 18, 2011

It was an interview over the phone so that's why I'm unsure of this program and if they have simulation labs or not. I will call today to ask them these questions. I haven't visited the campus either. No, my friend is just an RN, no masters. But he was telling me how it would be very difficult to find a job as an NP if I don't have experience working as an RN or that if I do not have any connections with the hospitals. Also, during our interview with Western, they said that we have to find our own clinicals and preceptorships. That's also a downside to me.

Bblue11 · Apr 18, 2011

Your association with any school, whether it be Western or Azusa would be your connection to hospitals. I don't know about Azusa but at Western you start working as a RN before you move on to the post licensure portion so you would have experience working as a RN before you graduate as a NP. I went to one of Western's informational meetings and someone did ask if it was difficult getting a job as a RN after the pre licensure portion. They said that for last years cohort it was, that it took longer than expected but that after six months almost everyone had (it was not a problem in previous years). It sounds like you should visit Azusa. They probably have info meetings...

summerslippers · Apr 18, 2011

Hi guys! Sorry but I can't help but respond to your posts. Western univ DOES help you obtain a clinical for RN or NP portion. I clarified that with jacob over and over. Good luck on deciding!

ilnurse15 · Apr 18, 2011

I was under that impression as well, it's just up to you after the prelicnesure program to find a perminate RN job and then you can go on to the NP portion. Or what ever post-licensure track you choose.

shars · Apr 19, 2011

Hello everyone! I also got accepted into Western University. But I haven't accepted my offer yet because I'm still debating between Western University and Azusa Pacific University. I am concern with the cost of Western and their distance-based learning style. Can someone shed some light on the pros and cons of distance-based learning and why you all decided to go with this program? Any insight on this would definitely help me out soooo much!!! BTW, my name is also Michelle =)

Hi Michelle! So I have been going through a similar dilemma in regards to fully committing to Western. I have a lot of anxiety surrounding the financial obligation... it is quite scary. The prospect of not finding employment is less of a concern however. As others have stated, you're not limited to LA and the surrounding areas due to the distance-learning component of the program, which I consider a total positive. I feel like this program has a good educational support system connected to the distance learning. Have you had any experience with distance learning? If so, how have you felt about it in the past?

Just out of curiosity, where is your friend located? I don't blame you for freaking after you hear that! I feel like I'm going to have an anxiety attack every time somebody gives me information leading me to believe this could be a bad decision...lol.

You really should visit Azusa's campus. My best friend just recently visited the campus there for an unrelated program. She said it was nice but that she wasn't won over. It is really important to get the vibe of a place. I have to say, I really did like the vibe at Western. I felt really comfortable there which was a huge factor in wanting to attend their program. Anyway, I understand what you're going through... it's a huge decision. Good luck to you!

ilnurse15 · Apr 20, 2011

Shars were you accepted or are you on the alternate list? What date did you interview? I was on 2/15 morning, i'm still on the alternate list, I'm hoping to hear something soon!

shars · Apr 20, 2011

Hey ilnurse! I was accepted! I may have been sweating a bit when I was sending in my deposit, but it is in now and I am super excited to start the program. I interviewed on the last day, the 18th, in the morning.

On another note, I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm really pulling for you! Your attitude has been awesome and your posts have been really helpful :) I hope everything works out!

ilnurse15 · Apr 21, 2011

Thanks!!!! I wish you guys were on the admissions committee.

ilnurse15 · May 3, 2011

I've just been accepcted! I'll see you all in the Fall! I can't wait, I'm so excited!!!!