NCCU's program

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Has anyone heard anything about NCCU's programs, like the BSN or ABSN programs? I tried to contact someone at the school but never received a reply and I also requested info through their website and still nothing (and Duke and UNC sent materials within 1 to 3 days of my request).

Just trying to figure out anything about their program because minimal information is on their website to give you some good insight.

Any current students or alum able to give some comments?

FYI:

"RN to MSN Pathway

To assist nurses who have an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing with a BS/BA in another field of study, the Duke School of Nursing has the RN to MSN pathway for advancing their education. Admission to the MSN program will be dependent on meeting the MSN admissions requirements."

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

Technically when doing a RN-MSN bridge program you're still completing courses required for a BSN so I don't think it's necessary for you to get your BSN before getting your MSN. I used to be so stuck on getting my BSN instead of ADN because of the so called label of being a "professional nurse" as opposed to being a "technical nurse" People say go for your BSN instead of the ADN especially if you plan to go into management. What company in their right mind would allow someone to be a manager w/o any experience in that field? So why not get your ADN, work as a nurse while also completing either your BSN or MSN...whichever you prefer, then if you have a desire to be a manger once you complete your BSN, you'd have at least a year of experience under your belt.

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Hi,

I'm new to this site and I wanted to get some feedback. I am trying to apply to UNC/DUKE/NCCU ABSN programs for January 2011. I'm taking a few prerequsities in the spring. Does anyone know anything about the NCCU program? It seems like their program requires more than UNC and Duke. Do we need to take the 3 pre-nursing courses before getting accepted to the program? What if we do take those courses and not get in?

Any feedback and UNC and Duke? I'm really hoping to get into Duke and UNC but I'm afraid my GPA is not high enough. My cumulative is 3.0 but my science courses are 2.5. I plan to retake some to get my grades up.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Neurology.

AznCutie,

Exciting that you are starting prereqs soon! I think the prereq GPA is weighed heavier for UNC ABSN than the cum GPA so make sure to make those 5 classes A's. In addition to a high pre-req GPA make sure you have some regular volunteer experience too. The UNC ABSN is really competitive. Duke's is competitive too, but I think there is more movement on the waiting list there. I didn't apply to NCCU because I wanted to focus on the prereqs I needed for the other schools, so I can't help you there! In all honesty, I think you need at least a 3.5 on your prereq GPA to be competitive at Duke or UNC. There are some minimum grade requirements for certain courses so make sure you check those out if you opt not to re-take a class. Good luck on your journey to becoming a nurse. I start the UNC ABSN program in January.

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Thanks momofthreeboys,

I actually am working full time right now, and have been the past 5 years, so I don't have time to do volunteer work. Can I write about that on the 3rd essay? I am 27 years old, and its been 5 years since I've been in school. I graduated w/ a Bachelors in Biology. I will be taking Micro/Lab an Developmental Psychology in the Spring. I might need to retake Anatomy II ( i made a C as an undergrad). Do you think I'll have a chance of getting into UNC? I really want to start by Spring 2011. I just got married this past June and would really like to start ASAP.

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Specializes in Neurology.

Congrats on getting married! I am an older student too. I understand not having time to volunteer. I think that would make a great third essay, just make sure to include any volunteering you did while in college. Work experience will work to your advantage too. UNC is very competitive but they look at your entire application. Writing strong essays could get you in if you pull up the pre-req GPA to around a 3.5. Are you doing online classes? It would be pretty easy to retake any classes if you did them online even while working full time. I understand the rush- I did all my prereqs last spring and summer!

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Thanks momofthreeboys!

Would it be advisable if I just apply for the BSN instead of the ABSN, since it is less competetive? I made all B's in the prerequisites, and hoping to make an A in micro/lab this semester. I'm looking at UNC/DUKE/ and NCCU, I wanted to have more than one option. The micro lecture is online so that makes such a big difference, and Developmental Psy is recommended at UNC and Duke so I'm taking that next sem as well. I really want to get into a program and not have to retake any classes.

What is your suggestion that I do? Just apply for BSN or ABSN? It sucks that we can't apply to both!

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Specializes in Neurology.

It completely sucks you can't apply to both. If I was in your position I would apply for the BSN- I think generally the mean prereq GPA for the UNC ABSN is about a 3.7.

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Momofthreeboys,

Oh wow, ok I'll consider the BSN Program. I'm also applying for Duke, I've read in previous threads that you applied there as well. Any suggestions? Do they look at GPA heavily than volunteer work?

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Specializes in Neurology.

I think Duke really looks at the whole person- the interview really helps! I think you have a good shot at it- They are really looking for leaders in nursing and what you could contribute to the cohort with your background. Do your research about why Duke is a good fit for you and tell them in your interview. I really really loved Duke's program even though I chose to go to UNC ultimately. I heard of people getting in with all kinds of GPAs so I think they are looking at the whole person like I said before. Good luck! I am excited for you. :)

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momofthreeboys,

Thanks for the encouragment! I'm kinda nervous, I just want to get in somewhere! :) I'm really hoping for Duke/UNC. Seems like NCCU is requiring alot more, but I'm going to go ahead and take the prereqs for that as my back up plan. I started the online app for DUKE, maybe I should go visit the school?

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I would never in one million years recommend NCCU's ABSN program. It is total and complete chaos. Incredibly disorganized. Students are expected to jump through one hoop after another after another. Just trying to get into the program itself is a nightmare - from not telling the student up front what ALL the requirements are to not telling students until the last possible day if they have been accepted or not. It is required that students take the 4 "nursing bridge courses" before entry to the program (when you make application). All other pre-requisites are fudged somewhat, meaning, that while the list is long of things you should need to have take to be accepted, if you go in and sit down with one of the nursing advisors, they will go through you transcript and tick off things you have taken that could even remotely resemble one of the required courses. Just make sure you have photo copies of EVERYTHING. If they say you've taken course X and it will count for course Y, have it in writing.

Overall, NCCU is mostly messy. Expect lots of tears and drama and BS. I know that there isn't a nursing program out there that doesn't have some of that, but this is just too much.

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