MNRN007

Hi, You will start your first semester probably at the end of August and will be in class usually 3-4 days per week- it is very manageable! You could definitely pick up a shift here and there; I never did because I have a baby and wanted to enjoy a little extra time with him. Plus this is a great time to really work on your grades so that when you are busier you have a little bit of a buffer. Some of my classmates have worked and I know that a few even still pick up the occasional shift. It does start to get busy though with class every day (except weekends) from 9-4 and then 2-3 exams per week. Clinicals start mid November and it is really busy from then until the end of the semester. This semester seems like it will continue with that pace. MSA is awesome though, they want you to do well so clinical and class time is balanced and limited to 40 hr/week total. What you need for studying outside of that is another story! The length of clinical shifts vary by facility and MSA doesn't allow call for your first rotation. Where I am now we can do 8, 10, or 12 hour clinical days. Doing longer shifts may get you a day off during the week but it is kind of difficult because on the days we don't have clinical we have class. Right now it seems we have 16-20 hours of clinical per week. Plenty of student loan money, so you can live pretty comfortable still and MSA is pretty cheap compared to most programs. Let me know if there is anything else I can answer!

Hi, I am a first year at MSA and it seems like the interview format is the same as it has been in the past. It is pretty informal, you interview with two different people and it usually lasts about an hour. If there is anything else I can offer for info or advice, let me know. Good luck! It is a GREAT program!

I have the chance to get a stipend from my current employer while I am in school in exchange for a two year work commitment. Unsure if I should do this or not. Wondering if it is just limiting my options when I am done with school or if it is a good idea because I will have a guaranteed job as a new grad with some incoming $$ while I am in school. Anyone done this or have any helpful advice for me? Thanks!

Check out the acclerated BSN program at UW-Oshkosh. It is very competitive to get into but does not have a long waiting list and only takes 12 months to get your BSN if you already have a BS in another field- plus it is mainly all online. It is the program I did and had a great experience with it!