Samuel Merritt ELMSN... anyone else applying

modoc · Feb 22, 2006

Less than 2 weeks ago, I applied to Samuel Merritt ELMSN for Case Management. Even though it was after the priority deadline, I talked to the admission office and they encouraged me to apply anyway, saying the process wasn't "closed" yet, but was "closing" very soon. I haven't heard any back from them yet, but am of course extremely anxious. How long did it take for you to hear back from them after you submitted your application?

How did your interview go? What was the format like? Was it interactive or did they just throw questions at you? Did they tell you when they would be getting back to you?

My biggest concern is that I haven't finished all the prereq yet. I need to complete my final 2 or 3 in summer school, including anatomy, so my concern is that they may not consider me. Did you have all your prereq's completed?

karmyk · Feb 22, 2006

Hi! It's awesome to see someone else is interested in Samuel Merritt's ELMSN program!

Less than 2 weeks ago, I applied to Samuel Merritt ELMSN for Case Management. Even though it was after the priority deadline, I talked to the admission office and they encouraged me to apply anyway, saying the process wasn't "closed" yet, but was "closing" very soon.

I actually submitted my application before the priority deadline, as did all of the interviewees who went with me, but they did mention that they are still accepting applications on a rolling basis... so don't worry! They received a lot of applications, and it takes them awhile to go through the files and make sure that everything is there.

How did your interview go? What was the format like? Was it interactive or did they just throw questions at you? Did they tell you when they would be getting back to you?

The interview was actually one of the most unique, unusual, but fun interviews that I've ever been to... and believe me, I've seen my share over the past few years (I had to go through four interviews just to apply for the place I got my undergraduate-- and 3 were panel interviews with government officials). To tell you the truth, the interviews made me want to go to Samuel Merritt even more... in a way, it was a great learning experience because it pushed all of us out of our comfort zones... and apparently, you can't really predict what's going to happen because it's different from everything I've heard from other people I've spoken to. The best way to describe it is: take it as it comes. It's better to go into it unprepared because it lets them see how you adapt to different situations and interact with other people.

One of the great things I noticed about the faculty is that they have a lot of passion for advanced practice nursing and nursing education... you can see it in the way they talk about the school, its current programs, and the future things they want to implement into the program.

We also were able to talk to some students and go on a campus tour with them, and the students were very honest about the program... in general, they like the program, and while it's challenging, it provides you with so many learning opportunities. They said the faculty is great and helpful as well.

*edit: I forgot to add that they mentioned that they make many of the acceptance decisions in March... but some people are offered early acceptance if they really stood out overall. To tell you the truth, everyone at the interview impressed me A LOT... so just about anyone who went to the interview has a good chance of getting in*

My biggest concern is that I haven't finished all the prereq yet. I need to complete my final 2 or 3 in summer school, including anatomy, so my concern is that they may not consider me. Did you have all your prereq's completed?

I have all of my prereqs for this program completed (I'm also applying for the ABSN program)... but I'm sure if they're confident that you're capable of finishing those prereqs (and finishing them well), then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You might want to actually try asking one of the admissions counselors about your application and situation. I've kept in touch with the Sacramento one (because it was easier for me to visit her office than the Oakland one... I live near Sacramento), and she's always been extremely helpful every time I've asked her a question.

Good luck!!!! And if the prereqs are an issue now, always remember that they have a Sacramento program that starts in the Winter/Spring (and I've actually heard that some Sacramento-area students can eventually transfer to the Oakland campus later on in the program... I think probably once you get into your advanced practice specialty). =)

modoc · Feb 22, 2006

WOW! Thank you for your email. Samuel Merritt was my first choice, and after what I heard from you, I'm even more certain it is were I want to go. Good luck to you, and let me know if you get in.

guest27716 · Feb 23, 2006

I was thinking of applying to Samuel Merritt for the ELMSN in Case Mgt but I have many concerns. I have been told numerous times that I would be a floor nurse before getting into CM b/c you need clinical experience to get into CM. I would like to do CM if I didn't get into research.

What did they tell you about jobs after you gradaute? I am suppose to go to an open house in March. Are the classes during the day? I also thought of the ABSN but didn't want to backtrack to a bachelor's. Thanks.

Jennifer

karmyk · Feb 23, 2006

I have been told numerous times that I would be a floor nurse before getting into CM b/c you need clinical experience to get into CM. I would like to do CM if I didn't get into research.

I totally understand where they're coming from... I can't really give you an answer regarding case management because I'm not familiar enough with that program to advise you about it. If anything, though, there isn't anything wrong with working initially as an RN to gain experience towards becoming a CM.

The current FNP students did point that they have an adequate amount of time while they're doing the FNP track (after they've finished the portion geared towards making them RN's and taking/passing the NCLEX) to work as RN's... The students and faculty also mentioned that the clinical and internship (time/experience) requirements for the Samuel Merritt ELMSN programs are much higher than the requirements at most other schools..

HOWEVER! I didn't get to speak to any CM students about how their program works. You might want to contact an admissions counselor to ask more about that... When I wanted to know more about CM, an ELMSN-FNP student also recommended talking to the Program Director for the ELMSN-CM program... If you want, I can PM you her name and contact information (but you can also find it on the Samuel Merritt Website). I haven't directly spoken to her, but I've heard she's very nice and helpful... and when she spoke at the Orientation I attended last year, she seemed very passionate about the program and open to answer questions about it...

I'm also sure that you'll find out a lot more about the CM program at the orientation. Are you interested in the Sacramento program? I can also PM you the contact information for the Admissions Counselor in Sacramento. She's really, really awesome, and I'm sure she'll be more than happy to help you find the answer to your questions.

What did they tell you about jobs after you gradaute?

I don't know how it is with Case Management, but the faculty and students did mention that the Samuel Merritt College graduates have a very good reputation in the area.

Are the classes during the day?

I believe that the traditional classroom classes are during the day... however, when you do your clinical and/or internship portions, the time varies. Some people have to work on weekends... some have to work during evenings.

I hope that helps! And that I didn't confuse you... If anyone sees anything I posted incorrectly, please correct me! I don't want to mislead anyone or give anyone bad information... =(

Anyhow... Good luck!!! Ooh! And please post what you find out, too! I'm sure there are other people who would like to know that information as well. =)

karmyk · Feb 23, 2006

For those of you who are interested in the Samuel Merritt College ELMSN-CM program, I found a very interesting and positive post about it from one of the current students:

http://nursingschool.tribe.net/thread/51c72251-f766-45e2-82ac-99395c0c280c

Here's an excerpt... it really looks positive!

I wish I had some pointed advice to give people in the process. I'd say that *for me* it was worth it for me to pay the premium for a private school and get started. I'm starting at $40/h plus 10% shift differential - and not a minute too soon! I feel like if I had dicked around with the other options I would still be a year away from my license. And I feel like I've gotten a good education and that I'm well prepared for the floor.

karmyk · Feb 24, 2006

...and a bit of the burden has finally been lifted off my shoulders. =)

I got in!!! I received a phone call not too long ago... and in a way it's almost too good to be true. They congratulated me, and I almost broke down and cried because I was so happy... I didn't even expect them to call back so soon!

I know this is just the beginning of what will be a long, challenging, and intense journey... but it still is a major step forward.. and I can't wait! =)

modoc · Feb 24, 2006

CONGRATS!!!! You should be very proud of yourself.

guest27716 · Feb 24, 2006

A Big Congrats to you! I am so happy for you. I can feel your excitement. I am going to the open house in March.

Wish me luck.

Jennifer

karmyk · Feb 25, 2006

Thanks!!! And good luck to you both, too!

modoc · Mar 6, 2006

I have an interview scheduled next week, and the interviews are all in one hour slot increments, and nothing was said about a campus tour or speaking with current students? Was your interview 1 hour or longer? Did you know about the campus tour before you went? I'm wondering if the Case Management dept does something different than the FNP dept. Thanks.