PC2009

Hi All! I am trying to decide between two nursing programs: Rush University's GEM program and Case Western Reserve's Graduate Entry DNP program ( Have a BS in Biology from Loyola University). I have been accepted to both of these programs. My family lives in Cleveland but my boyfriend is a resident at Rush so this is a pretty difficult decision for me to make. My major concern about Rush's program is that I am not accepted to the Advance Practice portion and will need to reapply. I'm worried that I will need to have years of experience to make myself a competitive applicant for their APN programs and will, in turn, end up taking years longer to become an APN. I have a few other concerns about this program: 1. The way the program was marketed to me it seemed like you could easily get a job at Rush as an RN and receive 100% tuition reimbursement for the advance degree. Anyone know how true this is? I really want it to be true! 2. Are GEM students commonly admitted to advanced degrees at Rush directly from the program? 3. I know this is a long shot but has anyone heard of ANY joint nursing programs at Rush? I am very interested in either an MSN/MPH or MSN/MA in Bioethics. 4. I was told at my interview that all of Rush's MSN programs are switching over to DNP programs in the next few years in compliance with up-coming changes in NP/CNS standards. Is this true? I feel like, at this point, if I'm going to get my MSN I mine as well get my DNP and really don't want to have to re-apply AGAIN for this portion. If anyone has any information that could help me make this decision that would be great! Even if you want to tell me something I didn't ask about or feel very passionate about either of these programs PLEASE tell me! Thanks!