Seattleite

@KN4321: Sorry this reply is coming a week late! I would choose Vandy over MGH for a few different reasons, one of which is the obvious sense of pride the faculty and dean have in their program. This is super important to me, because I know that there are practitioners who don't think as highly of accelerated program grads. I believe that I will feel supported at Vanderbilt and that students will have plenty of networking opportunities with alums and local practitioners. I also appreciate the opportunity to search for specialty preceptors in my home state. And finally, the NPs that I have gone to for advice over the past year or so were thrilled to hear that I was applying to Vanderbilt. I truly respect their opinions, and they spoke very highly of their colleagues and friends who graduated from Vanderbilt (they both got their MSNs from UPenn). I'm majoring in French and Biology, and plan to visit Nashville immediately after graduation. It kills me not to be able to fly out for the open house this weekend, but I'm really excited to start looking for somewhere to live! I don't know if this was just me, but on the financial aid application, I couldn't figure out what to put for "credits" for Fall 2012, Winter 2013 and Summer 2013. I saw the figures from last year in the financial aid packet, but it says that curriculum for next year wouldn't be set until the end of May. Did anyone else just list the figures from last year? Maybe I'll call and ask about this tomorrow morning. Also, the facebook page is a great idea! I'll go ask to join!

Hi all, About the no-BSN issue and the DNP: I'm from Washington, but I spoke to 4 or 5 NPs around here before applying to graduate schools. None of them had been direct entry students, but they all supported these programs. A comment I heard was that, "Occasionally a bad egg comes out of these programs, and that's unfortunate because people they encounter may think they're representative of all direct entry grads, but bad eggs come out of traditional programs, too. There's a growing need for advanced practice nurses, so I'm glad these programs allow more motivated people to enter this field." One other NP told me that her colleague had gone through a direct entry program and had chosen to work as an RN for a year or two in an Family Practice clinic to gain extra experience before taking on an NP role. However, one thing I heard from ALL NPs I spoke to was "you'll want to get your DNP!" Anyway.. I know this is information from a limited group, but I found it comforting.

No good fish! Haha well that's a dealbreaker! @KN4321: I applied to MGH and am waiting to hear back from them, and I was accepted at Marquette, but those are the only other schools I applied to. Vandy's my first choice, so I'm not sitting on ice waiting for my MGH letter. I like how much "belief" the VUSN faculty have in the Prespecialty program- they're proud of it! But yep, I'm a young one.. I'll still be 21 when the program starts in August!

@KN4321: How cool! I'll graduate from UW this spring and have lived in the city for five years, but I grew up in Kent and spend most weekends in Packwood (tiny town.. I totally understand if you've never heard of it!). Also, I'm not FNP, but as far as I can tell, Vanderbilt and MGH both list 6 semesters total. Perhaps MGH doesn't include summer sessions?

Thanks, amandy45! And at least our email says we can contact Cheryl Feldner to set up a visit at another time. I really want to get over there and look around!

Hey! It looks like the conversation's going back to the other thread, but I got into the PNP-PC specialty this morning. I'm from Washington, and I also applied to Marquette (accepted) and MGH Institute (waiting to hear). Vanderbilt is definitely my first choice, so I'll be sending my "yes" to them this week!

Hi everyone! I'm new to Allnurses, but I wanted to drop in and let you know that I'll be declining my admission offer to Marquette, so another spot will "open" for someone. Good luck to everyone who hasn't heard yet! The late May start date is just around the corner!

Hi all, I'm new to Allnurses, but I found this thread and wanted to introduce myself. I got my acceptance email for PNP-PC this morning (prespecialty) and am thrilled! The email said that my official admission letter has been mailed, as well. I saw that others received letters in the mail today.. perhaps they only send emails to those of us who live pretty far away? -E