Rush vs. DePaul masters entry program

[lilac time]

Hi there,

I recently got accepted to both Rush and DePaul's masters entry program. I need to make a quick decision as to which school is right for me. I've read many threads on both the programs (very helpful, thank you), but wanted to see if you had other advice on how to make a decision. Any direct comparisons between programs? Any ideas on what I should be looking for in the program? Any input would be most appreciated.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

I've only applied to (and been accepted by) DePaul, so the only difference I can tell you about is that Rush requires the normal slew of ABSN prereqs before you start, where DePaul only wants a year of Bio, a year of Chem, and a GRE score that shows you're not an idiot, all three of which you presumably already have since you were admitted.

[livingthedream, APN]

I am at DePaul, cannot comment on Rush... if you have DePaul questions, let me know.

[mommy2three2]

I am also applying to both.

From looking at the two programs it seems the end result while the same is slightly different. DePaul seems to be more oriented to those who wish to continue their education beyond the MS you earn from them while Rush seems to be more geared toward prepping a General Advanced practice nurse. Of course that is just my take on the two programs.

DePaul has also been doing it for longer, and Rush's program is newer. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing but I know if I had to choose I would most likely choose DePaul as I am not sure how I personally feel about being a semi-guinea pig.

[ChicagoPeds]

I am also applying to both.

From looking at the two programs it seems the end result while the same is slightly different. DePaul seems to be more oriented to those who wish to continue their education beyond the MS you earn from them while Rush seems to be more geared toward prepping a General Advanced practice nurse. Of course that is just my take on the two programs.

DePaul has also been doing it for longer, and Rush's program is newer. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing but I know if I had to choose I would most likely choose DePaul as I am not sure how I personally feel about being a semi-guinea pig.

I believe that the person who has created the Generalist Entry program has had prior experience with this program at another college (I forgot where). So, although it would be a semi-guinea pig position (due to the nursing professors just getting on board with this), the person in charge has experience. Hope this helps.

[chicago878]

Does anyone know if the DePaul DE-MSN program also allows students to gain a CNL (clinical nurse leader) certificate like Rush?

[cookielady,rn]

I can't speak for the msn program, but the NP programs at Rush are comprised of nearly all online classes. If you like having someone to give additional information or expand on text I would go DePaul. I wish I had known how it would be before accepting.

[erchick85]

A co-worker of mine did DePaul's program and loved it. I'm starting at Rush in January, and the newness of the program came up in my interview--I had concerns about it as well. Their explanation was that it was an idea promoted by the staff who already taught similar classes, that applicants who already held a bacchelor's degree wanted a more advanced degree, and that the program is similar to the ABSN but obviously more in-depth and with an added CNL option. The interviewers assured me that everything was running quite well and when I asked if they ran into any problems the one interviewer looked hurt and offended. So they are quite proud of their program and Rush has a strong reputation as a quality school for nursing.

[IGiveTheShots]

we have a CNL internship after graduation to help get you through the door. we also have several post masters certs, they're at http://las.depaul.edu/nursing