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One of my friends who is a nurse now uses her iPad mini as a reference when need be. She likes using it, but I don't know if they will let us use them during clinicals, etc...

Thanks for your feedback - it is definitely comforting to know that you have had positive experiences with students from both programs! I do get the feeling that UMass offers more support to their students in terms of finding a job, preparing for the NCLEX, etc. Though I am assuming that this is because the class size is so much smaller.

I was awarded a large scholarship from MGH, so MGH tuition would end up being about $20k less for the whole program. I think I am just torn because UMass had been my first choice. Had I not been awarded the scholarship, it would not be a question. I'm just not sure that it is worth taking on the extra student loan debt at a 6.8% interest rate...

@BCGradnurse: Thanks for your response! Would you just recommend going with the program that is less expensive then if the output is the same?

Just to clarify, I'm sure that grads from both programs are awesome as both schools have great reputations. I'm really looking to get a better understanding of the pros/cons of the training provided in each program. I know the UMass requires 1000 hours of RN work experience prior to graduation while MGH does not...I'm not sure how this (and other differences in the programs) affect graduates starting out.

Does anyone have any feedback on the quality of students from the direct-entry MSN programs at UMass Worcester (UMass Medical) or MGH IHP? If there are any preceptors out there that can comment on the perceived level of knowledge, experience, preparation, bedside manner, etc. that these students exhibit, that would be extremely helpful!

Do any of you know if health insurance is included in the tuition amounts that they list in the handbook? It says inclusive of all fees...but i'm not sure if health insurance counts as a fee.

Nothing yet - i'm supposed to hear end of this week/early next. Good luck!

So I think the interview went well :) I won't know for sure until the first week of March, and I know that it is a very competetive program, so we shall see... @whatatreat86: I didn't hear until last week and I submitted right before the deadline as well, so I wouldn't worry yet!

@DizzyD25 Also, did you have any luck getting in contact with MGH about visiting the campus, etc? I think I am going to see if they will let me come in for a tour, etc. sometime this or next...

Sorry - I've been without internet access for a few days. Congrats on your acceptances :) I'm interviewing this week, so fingers crossed! Any pointers for the interview? Did they only cover the questions that were outlined in the confirmation email? I think you will do just fine without the BSN...so many people have gone through the program and have found jobs after, so I can't imagine that you will have a different experience as long as you work hard. The best piece of advice that anyone has given me during this whole process is to 'pursue whatever works best for you, not what others think is best'. It sounds like you've found the right fit!

I live in Boston and share a one bed with my significant other...we pay $1650 + cable/internet & electric and our landlord is increasing rent to $1750 when we move out. This is for ~500 sq ft (small!), but it's in a very convenient location - back bay area. If you live in an area less accessible by the T, you should pay a lot less. Studio's are typically in the $1300 range for a 'non-luxury' building. If you share a large apartment or house then the price/person will be a lot lower. Areas that are typically cheaper but are decent/safe include: most of Somerville, Oak Square (Allston/Brighton) and Belmont/Arlington. You might also be able to find something cheaper in Southie/Dorchester, but I'm not a huge fan of that area. I have friends that live in both Oak Sq. and Somerville that share apartments with others and pay about $600/person. One key thing to note: Boston rentals are not like NYC or other major cities where you can find a place just a few weeks before you move in. You need to start looking early (like April/May) if you want to get a good deal. You can still find apartments last minute, but your options will definitely decrease considerably by the end of June. There are some off-cycle listings, but most leases are 9/1-8/31.

That's awesome news :) I'm surprised they were able to turn around the decisions so quickly!

Yeah it is strange. How quickly do you have to respond to UMW after they give an offer?

Let me know how the visit goes! If I find out any more info on either program I'll share with you, too :)