OHSU's Accelerated BSN program 2012

[smallfry2]

Hi! I live in Portland, OR and want to apply for OHSU's accelerated bachelor's program for nursing, but there isn't a lot of information out there on it. I've browsed their website, but it doesn't answer all the questions I have. I would love to know exactly what they judge you on in order to get in. I know your GPA and essays are extremely important, but do they care if you have had work history, or your CNA license or not? I don't have any experience, but have a 4.0 so far in my pre-reqs, and a 3.6 in my previous bachelor's degree (in a social work field). Anyway, I want to apply for the program to enter it in the summer of 2012, so I can finish up my pre-req's and what not. I am just wondering what else I need to do, because I really want in. Also, how much does it cost, and being accelerated, is it 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, or what? I have two kids I'm going to need to find childcare for while I'm in school, so I just want to know what I'm in for. anyway, if you can help me answer any of these questions, I would so greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[Strider Bike USA Mom]

Congrats Sara!!! What an accomplishment! Is there any advice for the application process for the ABSN? What kind of GPA did you have going in? Did you also apply to all the CC's and UP, Linfield, etc?

I'm a little nervous about the essay. So much seems to ride on it. I wish I had that creative, witty writing style that might get noticed, but sadly I do not.

Best of luck, out east! I'm sure you will find an amazing job, being an OHSU grad!

[sarabear44]

Thanks Strider. I have written about the application process in a couple other posts. If you go to my "view public profile" and look up my past posts, you might find some other helpful threads about applying to PDX nursing programs.

In short, the average pre-req gpa of my class was 3.8. Mine was about that... I had all A's, one B+ in psychology... I only applied to ABSN programs--all over the country. If you apply to UP, make sure you don't miss the "Providence Scholars" deadline!! At the end of our program, they passed our essays back out to us and I read a couple peoples' essays. So some advice: Don't worry about being creative or witty!! Don't write in a style that isn't yours. Be yourself in your essay--that is what I noticed. I was expecting some funny or amazing high-level writing from my classmates, but people just poured their hearts out about the questions. One of the best advice I've heard is ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. So many people get caught up in the essay-writing or copy an essay from another application that they don't accurately address the question.... And try to tie in what your future goals are, to show that you've thought through why you want to be a nurse. I talked about how I eventually want to be an educator (I used to be a teacher)... Others want to do international work, homebirth midwifery, smoking cessation, or comfort the dying because of a personal experience. OHSU only accepts people who are serious about nursing, not just looking for a decent-paying job. That's my advice and I wish you all the best!! :-)

[StudentG]

For those who have completed or were accepted to the Accelerated program: When you submitted your application did you have any classes in progress? I'm wanting to apply however, I will have Nutrition and Genetics in progress when applying. I don't want to waste my time and money, if that makes me less competitive then those who have finished all pre-reqs

[ValerieBPDX]

I don't think it matters if you have a few classes in progress. I was just starting Nutrition and Micro in winter quarter when I applied. I was waitlisted at first at OHSU but offered entry in May for the ABSN June start. (I had already decided on UP by then.)

[partera]

I had almost all of my prereqs in process when I applied, except for A&P and Statistics, and I got in. I don't think it matters.

[VAcupcake]

I am applying to the OHSU ABSN program and currently working on my essay. Two of my immediate family members (father and brother) are OHSU alumni (School of Medicine). Is this something I should try to mention in my essay??

[junipers]

Hello Group,

I am currently an ABM student at a different university, but I wanted to let you know that I was accepted into the OHSU program for nurse-midwifery two weeks before the program started! So, if you are put on the waitlist, don't despair and try to keep your life really flexible until the last minute!

[habitus]

anyone heard from admissions about summer program notifications?? I'm getting anxious as I've been accepted to Johns Hopkins but would still love to stay in Oregon. let's get these boards active!

[Midwife22]

Have not heard anything yet. I applied to the Accelerated Bachelors to Masters in Nurse Midwifery and I got an interview in which I was told midwifery notifications will be sent next week. Since the Accelerated BSN deadline was a month later, I suspect end of March or April possibly?

[habitus]

From the admissions office, notifications won't be sent out until mid-April.

[berkeleygirl]

Hey Habitus, I was scrolling through the blog because I'm dying to hear about OHSU and noticed you and I are in a similar situation! I'm currently in Berkeley (and would love to stay on the west coast) and also I got into Johns Hopkins! Are you potentially entering the summer program? How are you handling housing, etc? It's so hard not knowing about OHSU...

[habitus]

Hey berkeleygirl! so crazy because i went to berkeley for my first bachelors and have lived up here in Portland since 2009. I'd be entering the Fall ABSN program at JHU and to be honest with the lag time of OHSU i'm about 90% sure that's where i'm headed. would you start this summer? i can't even imagine not knowing that close to the start of the term. about housing, i've been looking at apartments to get an idea of price range, distance to school, etc and may just end up driving out there and finding a place on the spot the beginning of august. it's a big move and i have 2 cats! congrats on your acceptance!