Rush GEM program- How easy is the transition to APN?

[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!

[rachelrae155]

Hello,

I know this is a somewhat old post, but I'm curious to know which direction you went. If you did end up going to Rush, what do you think about the program? What kind of jobs do people seem to get as graduates of the GEM program? I'm thinking about applying to the GEM program, so any advice you have is much appreciated! :)