University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMassMed)

I hope you are all aware that the GEP to DNP program does not grant any nursing degree such as a BSN or MSN, only a DNP upon graduation. Instead, you will be given a certificate of completion after the GEP year and a Masters of science after completing DNP year 2. In other words, good luck finding entry level RN jobs without a BSN or ASN, specifically inpatient med-surg positions. Especially in Massachusetts where many hospitals have crossed over to only hiring those with BSNs as of 2021. You will find a job eventually but it will be much more difficult. If you live near NH, apply for a license in that state because you will have better chances of landing those positions there without a BSN. With respect to the MS, it does not specify MS of nursing therefore technically it isn’t a nursing degree either. The only nursing related degree you will be given is the DNP. Perhaps you may not think much of these details now but trust me when I say that it will hinder you in transferring to another program. We current students call this “the trap”. Those of you who have chosen to enroll in this program will soon see the true colors of the faculty. To keep this story short, quite a few of us have learned throughout the years how unsupportive this school environment is. I hope that you never have to overcome any academic or personal obstacles in your lives while you’re students in this program but chances are that you will and it is then that you will understand perfectly what I’m referring to. In terms of education, I agree that we are trained very well but that is the only good thing I have to say unfortunately. You will find out that the faculty will not grant you much flexibility if you ever shall need it but they will expect you to meet all of their expectations irrespective of your circumstances. It is amazing that during a pandemic, when the entire world suffered, we were still expected to meet course expectations which were determined pre-pandemic despite many of usexperiencing covid related personal situations and employment hardships at that time. To be honest, it’s likely that many school cultures fit this profile, but with certainty I assure you this is what you will encounter throughout your studies at UMass GSN. Many of us, who will soon be graduating, wish there were online student reviews about this program when we applied 4 years ago because we surely would’ve enrolled elsewhere. Some of us have explored the option of transferring but like I stated before, it was quite difficult to do so given our lack of nursing degrees despite all of the coursework completed.