JordanLeigh

Hi everyone! I've thought about applying to UNC ABSN program next year. I wanted to see if anyone who had been in the program had any feedback about working while doing it. Is it set up where one could work a part time job? I can't not work and refuse to take out loans for living expenses. I've heard the program is pretty intense, so just wondering if this would be even doable? Thanks for the input! Jordan

Thanks everyone so far! The ABSN programs seem to be very expensive and take 2 years of full time, intensive work which I cannot do. UNC and Duke both have those, and I just cant afford to do them. The opportunity cost of missing work combined with the tuition is too great. I'd just go to PA school and be done with it if I could do 2 years without working rather than the 4-5 I'll need to eventually get a MSN or DNP program. I've found many programs as well that would allow me to go into an MSN or DNP program since I do have a BS already, just not a BSN. I'd have to take some additional courses most likely. I was more worried about what programs would be around in 3-4 years when I'm ready to make that move. I keep hearing about this big change, but doesn't look like anything has happened yet. It's helpful to hear some schools are indeed phasing the MSN programs out.

Hi everyone! I'm just starting on this road towards nursing school and was hoping to see if anyone knew what the deal is with the 2015 change to DNP for NPs? I've read so many conflicting opinions. Is it a requirement or was it a suggestion that isn't really getting implemented as originally thought? I am in NC, not sure if that has any impact on the question. Also, if you have any advice on my plan I'd appreciate the feedback. I am currently 24. I have a BS in Business and a MA in Human Services. I am taking A&P courses now and plan to get CNA certified this fall to enter a ADN program in 2015. A local CC actually has an evening option next fall that I think I'll be qualified for. I am going to get my ADN then apply to either MSN or DNP bridge programs since I dont have a BSN. I want to do either Family Primary care or women's health. I am not looking into the ABSN programs because they are full time and more money and I need to work. So my decision to do a ADN has more to do with money than anything else. It will take longer, but WAY less money. I can do the entire program for like $4000. I would LOVE to be a practicing NP by the time I'm 30. Any advice? I'm also debating whether it's smarter to just go to medical school or a PA program. Obviously they are way more money, but at this point, it would be quicker than the NP route for me. I'm open for all feedback. Thanks!

Trin22, you may want to call admissions yourself and ask about the online courses. The ones I posted were sent to me from the admissions department and he said they have been used before by students. The requriements don't specify that a lab is required. It say 6-8 hours of A&P for example, meaning a 3 credit hour labless course wouldbe sufficient. Although, other schools are probably not going to accept online courses for sciences, so may be better to take them in person. I would call and ask yourself of a lab is required.

Trin22, I have not taken them yet. I was planning on taking them at NCSU this summer because they are offered in 5 week sessions, so I can take both A&Ps over the summer. I wanted a backup plan though in case the courses become full.

Trin22, I emailed the admissions office about the same question. He gave me this list of online courses they accept. These are jjst ones that have been used before. "Online Courses: VLC :: Students :: Search For Online Courses UNC Online Marian University | Accelerated BSN Nursing Program | Home University of Rochester School of Nursing This is just a sample of available options. You can perform a google search to look for schools near to you to go to campus or look up online courses offered at any institution. Just make sure the school is accredited. " Hope this helps!!

I emailed FinAid about loans and I copied the response below. I dont think I am going to be able to attend as I know I wont qualify for private loans and would never ask someone to cosign on that big of a loan for me. I am simply shocked at how little aid is offered for this program seeing as Duke is so expensive. Hope this helps, if anyone was wondering. Be ready to take out some private loans unless you are one of the lucky ones who receives a huge scholarship. The ABSN program is considered an undergraduate program for federal purposes. This means that ABSN students are subject to the undergraduate federal loan limits. Students who are classified as dependent on the FAFSA application are eligible to receive $5,500 in subsidized federal loans and $2,000 in unsubsidized loan. Students who are classified as independent on the FAFSA application are eligible to receive $5,500 in subsidized federal loans and $2,000 in unsubsidized loan. These maximums are for the entire academic year which means they are evenly divided across fall/spring/summer or spring/summer whichever time a student begins the program. We do consider all students for the need based grant that the School of Nursing offers. This grant is based on the FAFSA calculations and eligibility will be determined at the time we package students. The grant amount is $2,250 per semester for the duration of the ABSN program which is 4 semesters. Because the ABSN program is fairly expensive, students who have no other resources must take out private loans to cover their tuition and living expenses. If you do not have a co-signer or established credit, then it’s best to not start the program until you are able to secure a private loan for the four semesters on your own or find a co-signer. Below is a link to our website with the costs of the ABSN program for 2012-2013. The tuition increases every year and we will know the new rates for 2013-14 by late March. http://nursing.duke.edu/sites/default/files/financial_aid/absn_2012-2013_coa07242012.pdf If you are interested in applying for financial aid, the link below contains the instructions. Apply for Aid | Duke School of Nursing If you would like to contact private lenders about possible funding, the link below contains a list of recommended private lenders. Duke Financial Aid: Recommended Lenders You also should check your federal loan history if you have taken out loans for undergraduate studies. There are maximum limits on how much a student can borrow. Below is a link to the federal website to check your loan history. National Student Loan Data System for Students

HopefulNurse, Maybe it is 170... some in admissions told me 125 a few weeks ago, but that could have been based of last years numbers. They could have changed it. I hope its still 125 though!! Does anyone have any info onw hat kind of loans we qualify for? Im getting depresed right now looking at things. Looks like a lot of private loans and I dont have the best credit (no credit cards or anything to bring it up). Plus, I dont know how comfortable I am taking our loans with HUGE rates to them. Any knowledge of this?

Hi everyone! I have been looking at these posts for a while as well. I was also offered an interview. To give you a little about my background, I graduated from NCSU with an AG Business Degree in 2011 with a 3.81 GPA and will finish up a MA in Human Services in May of this year from Liberty University. I don't have any healthcare experience, other than having a disabled veteran husband, so Ive been in and out of the hospitals. I have worked in sales and agriculture since 2010. I am very excited to go to Duke Days! Although, I am worried about financial aid and paying for this program :/ Does anyone know how loans work for programs that costs this much? I went to state on a full ride and have minimal loans from Liberty. I dont even know what kinds of loans there are for an ABSN or what the qualifications are. Andy advice would be appreciated. I look forward to see some of you at Duke Days! Congrats to all that got invited and good luck! I think we all have fairly good chances. I was told that they invite 125 to interview for 70 slots. Not everyone will be able to afford it and others will accept offers from different schools. So I would say you probably have about a 70% chance of getting in if you were invited to an interview.... those are my thoughts anyway.