kris443

Hi x, The program is currently 7 semesters without summers, so its 40 months. However you get your RN after semester 5 (2.5 yr) and can then work and do the rest of the program part-time if you like which would of course extend the length of the program. Tuition is currently about 4000$ per semester. Books are expensive at about 300-500$ a semester. there are a lot of other supplies you have to purchase for the first semester and I ended up spending about 1,000$ on supplies (books included) this first semester. Hope this helps! Kristen

I am actually leaning towards SFSU. But I am afraid I am making a mistake!! Would it be a big mistake to get an MSN-CNS when I ultimately want to work in a clinic setting. I think I would probably have to go back to get my FNP... I really like the idea of specializing in Women's Health at SFSU, but I am worried that I might actually be better of getting the FNP from APU. I guess i feel like APU is a more practical degree. Has anyone who ultimately wanted to work in the capacity of a NP gone to a ELMSN- CNS program?

Its true, money should be considered. It is not a make it or break it issue for me though. SFSU is higher ranked, but I am not sure about the CNS certification. I really want the NP cert, eventually. Although SFSU does offer a FNP post masters certificate that differs from the CNS MSN degree by only 3 courses so I would not be too far from getting the FNP if I wanted to. Oh decisions decisions!

Hi all, I am really conflicted about which school/program to choose! I got into SFSU GMSN - CNS Women's Health and APUs BSN/MSN FNP program. SFSU takes 3.5 years and I would not get my RN for 2.5 years or 5 semesters, after which I could work and take the remainder of the MSN program part time. SFSU does not offer summer classes =(. At APU I would get my BSN after 1.5 years and then go on to MSN/FNP either part or full time which would take another 1.5- 2.5 years. APU is an accelerated program. SFSU is higher ranked and is essentially free for me, besides the cost of living in SF. (But I am trying not to make my decisions based on money). My current ultimate goal is work in women's health or maternity in a community clinic type of setting. Any thoughts? Any insight?

Hey Guys, I have been accepted to SFSU and have accepted the offer. I am still not sure I am going to go though, still waiting to hear back from another school or two. Anyways, Jali22, where/when did you hear about bringing back summer courses! That would make my day! See you all soon! Kristen

I have some insight into being able to work during the masters portion of the program. Although the administration does not strongly encourage it, you can work as an RN after passing the NCLEX. The masters portion classes are usually offered in the afternoon and evening so the day is mostly free. I emailed back and forth with one of the directors about this and she said that although we are free to work during this portion, most places hiring are looking for people with a BSN or MSN, in addition to the RN so we will probably have better luck finding employment once we finish the program. I also spoke to a current student who said that a lot of her cohort is kinda freaking out about finding a job after passing the RN exam. She also mentioned that the administration might discourage working during the program because they are afraid that student will drop out. I know that finding any job in the Bay Area is difficult and nursing jobs are defiantly not an exception. However the program does allow it so it seems as though it mostly depends on job market and individual tenacity. This is a very important issue for me. I can not imagine not working for 4 years! Any money saved on tuition would be eaten up by the cost of living in SF and not working for 4 years. Oh man, I really want to go to SFSU but the program is so drawn out! 4 years coupled with the possibility that we wont be able to work during it is really hard for me to wrap my head around!

@ KKandes, Thank you for your response and the information! Good Luck and who knows, maybe I'll see you there!

BTW, I am not anti-religion in general, just a little turned off by it in a educational setting. Hope I am not offending anyone!

First of all thank you to all those who responded! To all those who applied to APU/ are going to APU, What is your take on the super christian mission and morals of the school. Is this factoring into why you want to go/don't want to go to APU. To those of you in the program, is religion/Christianity evident throughout the program. I know we have to take at least one 'religion' type of class. I hate to say it, but the super christian vibe is totally turning me off of this school, in spite of the fact that the program they offer looks great. Anyone out there have anything to say about this. I am waiting to hear back about SP 2013 at the SD campus. I have already been accepted to SFSU and PLU in Washington.

Hey There, We have to respond by May 1. Good Luck! Kristen

Thanks Hanna, I got the exact same e-mail from SFSU today. I was told that I could 'load up' on courses if I wanted to speed things up, but I do not know if that is realistic. 4 years is so long, but it might be worth it to me for location and the Women's Health specialty. I am not sure yet... I am trying to get in touch with a current student and will let you know if I do and what I find out. Good luck with your decision! Kristen

Nice! we might be classmates! Are you familiar with the role of the CNS-Women's Health? Do you know how it is different from the Women's Health NP role? I am having trouble figuring out what the role of the CNS is.... anyone? any insight? I too am considering another school and a feel like I really need to get more info about the CNS emphasis before making a final decision. I will pass on to you what I have learned about the program from my research... The program is not accelerated and no classes are offered any summer so 7 semesters in 3 and a half years, although I believe you can work as an RN after completing the first 4 semesters and passing the RN exam. We will be taking our classes with undergrads. What all have you learned about the program?

I found out yesterday I was accepted to the SFSU GMSN CNS in Women's Health. WooHoo! Anyhoo, I'd love to talk to someone who is in the program or has graduated from the program!

Hi LN and everyone! I just got accepted to the GMSN at SFSU for fall 2012 CNS Women's Health! Woohoo I would really love to be in touch with someone who is in the program right now or has graduated from it. My main question is, After completing the undergrad, pre license portion of the program, and while we are doing the masters portion of the program, can we work as RNs? Anyone?

For all of you that got into APU: If you do not mind sharing what were you stats? GPA Science GPA and where did you go to undergrad. Also, I would like more info on the program. Does anyone know what tracks are available for the ELMSN program? Thanks! I applied for Jan 2013!