Seattle Pacific University

jmking · Aug 24, 2007

I tried to get into SPU's program for 2006 but had no luck. They had only 50 slots and over 250 applicants. If you are presently a student there and have stellar grades you may have a chance to get in. I did not care for the school because I feel that most of staff was not very supportive and nursing department was not very informative to transfer students. My honest opinion is to look else where.

sum07 · Aug 31, 2007

Does anyone have any information on SPU? ie, how difficult it is to get into, and the quality of education, etc?
I am very interested in becoming a nurse, but I am SO intimidated by the competitiveness!! I have finished my prereqs, inc. both A&Ps, Nutrition, Lifespan Dev, with 4.0, and Micro w/Lab and Statistics with a 3.0. I am currently enrolled in my Chem courses. I was a volunteer EMT-I for about 1 yr and recently got a job as a surgical assistant (non-certified). I do not have a CNA license. I have a BA in Psych and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I have applied to several schools but am not getting accepted!!Can anyone give me some advice on how I can get into a school??

Have you applied to Shoreline?

lc3 · Sep 9, 2007

Does anyone have any information on SPU? ie, how difficult it is to get into, and the quality of education, etc?
I am very interested in becoming a nurse, but I am SO intimidated by the competitiveness!! I have finished my prereqs, inc. both A&Ps, Nutrition, Lifespan Dev, with 4.0, and Micro w/Lab and Statistics with a 3.0. I am currently enrolled in my Chem courses. I was a volunteer EMT-I for about 1 yr and recently got a job as a surgical assistant (non-certified). I do not have a CNA license. I have a BA in Psych and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I have applied to several schools but am not getting accepted!!Can anyone give me some advice on how I can get into a school??

Did you try looking at Master entry programs in the area instead? I also have a BA in Psych and my grades are similar to yours. I was able to get in on my first try to University of Washington's MEPN and Seattle University's MEPN as well.

I didn't bother trying for 2nd BSN because its more time consuming in the long run. If you do want to do a BSN, then I would look at acclerated BSN programs. They are a bit more expensive but a lot less time consuming.

I can tell you that you will have a very hard time being accepted as a bost-Bac student for nursing school. I know for UW and SU's stats for post-bac students they only accept about 4-5 a year. The average number of applicants for them ranges between 300-450 total applicants. This does make sense to me because schools want to be able to serve those without degrees first instead of letting people w/ other degrees have those spots. Hence, the master entry programs and accelerated BSN programs for those with previous degrees.

I personally didnt do the community college route either b/c it takes longer than an acclerated BSN program and you don't get a BSN out of it. Plus, ASN programs you miss out on some great clinical experiences like community health and public health experiences which I'm interested in. I would also say ASN programs are more competitive than the 4-year universities. I know Shoreline CC is very competitive but is an excellent nursing school.

I know SPU is not as competitive but they have a very conservative teaching curriculm(so my frnd says). She actually doesnt like the school very much. Also, if you are looking at SPU then you can afford to do an acclerated BSN program! SPU is a private school and its way expensive. Why pay 2 years of tuition there when you can pay one year tuition to do an accelerated BSN?

englishsm · Sep 12, 2007

I have considered all aspects of what you suggest, and I appreciate your feedback. The reason I have not considered a Direct Entry MSN is, well, I guess I just feel nervous about it. I had hoped to work as an RN to gain experience for a few years first ... but I will look into it. Another reason is b/c the field I am most interested in is WHCNP and I can't find a MEPN with that specialty. Also, I would LOVE to do an Accelerated BSN!! But, I have searched on allnursingschools.com and don't see any in the state of WA... do you know of some? Thanks so much!

Reyley · Sep 20, 2007

Hi Englishsm,

I am currently a senior in the SPU nursing program. With your background and scholastic ability, I would say you have a good chance of getting into SPU's nursing program, and definitely succeeding in it! I strongly encourage you to apply. I have enjoyed the professors and the small clinical groups. The students are a great group to work with. It is more competitive for transfers than current students, but don't let that deter you from applying. If you can afford to be a student for a year here, you would increase your chances of getting accepted (you can meet with the Financial Aid Department for info on the package you would qualify for). Either way, definitely apply, and then if you have to wait a year and can enroll at SPU, you could do so for a year and then reapply as a current student.

Again, with your background, I think you have a good chance of getting in. Make sure your essays are strong (have people proof read) and focus on your experience with cultural diversity, whether that is age, religion or ethnicity. Being and EMT I and a surgical assistant, you probably have plenty of stories to pull from. Also capitalize on how your BA in Psych will make you a better nurse. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Blessings!

Does anyone have any information on SPU? ie, how difficult it is to get into, and the quality of education, etc?
I am very interested in becoming a nurse, but I am SO intimidated by the competitiveness!! I have finished my prereqs, inc. both A&Ps, Nutrition, Lifespan Dev, with 4.0, and Micro w/Lab and Statistics with a 3.0. I am currently enrolled in my Chem courses. I was a volunteer EMT-I for about 1 yr and recently got a job as a surgical assistant (non-certified). I do not have a CNA license. I have a BA in Psych and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I have applied to several schools but am not getting accepted!!Can anyone give me some advice on how I can get into a school??

englishsm · Sep 23, 2007

Thank you for the encouragement, Reyley! I have heard a few negative things about the program? Do you enjoy the program, professors, clinicals, etc?

GirloftheSun · Oct 24, 2007

Thank you for the encouragement, Reyley! I have heard a few negative things about the program? Do you enjoy the program, professors, clinicals, etc?

The program is okay. Not a lot of support from the faculty. Lots of $$. Limited diversity. I didn't feel prepared at all when I finished. I worked on the floor for a year and left. I have no desire to go back. I'm making way better money using my degree in research, no weekend and holidays. I suggest you talk to about 15 nurses and ask them what they like/don't like about their jobs. I think people go in with this expectation that they are going to save the world but in reality, the working conditions aren't that great and it's not about patient care. As you can tell I'm a little jaded, but that's why you should talk to other people. Some people love the profession. I would've prefered to to a PA route or an MEPN if I knew then what I know now

Nurseless in Seattle · May 10, 2009

Thanks for asking this question. I am also very interested in this school. My advice to you would be to take an accelerated BSN program, you've got great credentials.

I'm in the middle of a tortuous dillema myself. After 2 years of trying to get into a school in California and failing, I encouraged my husband to take a job in Seattle. He got it and I was resolved in giving up my California search and starting a fresh search in Seattle. Unfortunately, I just found out in the last 2 weeks that I was accepted to 3 schools here in California (CSU Stanislaus, Chabot College, and Modesto Junior College)!!! With these acceptances in hand, I do not want to go through the ordeal of starting all over, managing a whole new set of prerequisites, enduring waitlists, going through a whole new round of testing, etc. in Seattle. It is so hard to get into a school and everything I've read is that it is just as hard to get into Seattle Pacific or other schools in Seattle as it is in California.

My problem is, my husband cannot quit his new job, he gets paid a lot of money and it is very difficult for him to turn around and get a new job. In fact it would be a black mark on his resume if he quit his new job after only 2 months. He is fine for me to stay in California and he will visit us every weekend so I can pursue my dream but I'm torn. Should I go to Seattle and endure the hardship all over again, or just stay here in California and start a nursing program right away! My other concern is that I have two children ages 6 and 10, who would stay with me while I study but I am hoping to hire a nanny to help with that.

Let me ask you, you seem to be as determined as I am in getting into a nursing program, what would you do if you were in my position? Take a chance in Seattle? or Take the opportunity I've been given in California.

colorednurse · Dec 4, 2009

Are you a person of color? I had 3.6 and found that University Of Washington & Seattle Pacific University were giving admission to girls & boys of white color admission FIRST & some had 3.0 too.

It can be discrimination too. In that case do not waste time in an area like that. Get the education in a color friendly school.

There is nothing much to nursing, now I see. They teach a lot and use very little at end.

A waste of life and money. I want to know do the doctors learn as much as we did? Anybody know?

Go anywhere and get the degree fast as you can.

BTW--The RN degree has "nothing" to do with the Masters. It can be totally like MANAGEMENT or writing papers.

You know like all education we had. Same old , same old..just pay tuition.

If colored nurse -- then go get a Masters from a State that is 'color' friendly and have 'colored faculty' who care about you like a daughter.

When I did my RN - the white faculty were mean to me and treated the white girls like their OWN daughters when they did the SAME mistakes I did.. It is HORRIBLE... and heart breaking...

koi310 · Dec 4, 2009

I you REALLY, TRULY, want to be a nurse, and your husband is as supportive as you say he is, then you should stay in California. You might not get the same chance again. Also, once in a nursing program you might be able to transfer to another program in Seattle. You're crazy if you don't take it.

Thanks for asking this question. I am also very interested in this school. My advice to you would be to take an accelerated BSN program, you've got great credentials.
I'm in the middle of a tortuous dillema myself. After 2 years of trying to get into a school in California and failing, I encouraged my husband to take a job in Seattle. He got it and I was resolved in giving up my California search and starting a fresh search in Seattle. Unfortunately, I just found out in the last 2 weeks that I was accepted to 3 schools here in California (CSU Stanislaus, Chabot College, and Modesto Junior College)!!! With these acceptances in hand, I do not want to go through the ordeal of starting all over, managing a whole new set of prerequisites, enduring waitlists, going through a whole new round of testing, etc. in Seattle. It is so hard to get into a school and everything I've read is that it is just as hard to get into Seattle Pacific or other schools in Seattle as it is in California.
My problem is, my husband cannot quit his new job, he gets paid a lot of money and it is very difficult for him to turn around and get a new job. In fact it would be a black mark on his resume if he quit his new job after only 2 months. He is fine for me to stay in California and he will visit us every weekend so I can pursue my dream but I'm torn. Should I go to Seattle and endure the hardship all over again, or just stay here in California and start a nursing program right away! My other concern is that I have two children ages 6 and 10, who would stay with me while I study but I am hoping to hire a nanny to help with that.
Let me ask you, you seem to be as determined as I am in getting into a nursing program, what would you do if you were in my position? Take a chance in Seattle? or Take the opportunity I've been given in California.

dimama, MSN, APRN · Mar 26, 2010

Thanks for asking this question. I am also very interested in this school. My advice to you would be to take an accelerated BSN program, you've got great credentials.
I'm in the middle of a tortuous dillema myself. After 2 years of trying to get into a school in California and failing, I encouraged my husband to take a job in Seattle. He got it and I was resolved in giving up my California search and starting a fresh search in Seattle. Unfortunately, I just found out in the last 2 weeks that I was accepted to 3 schools here in California (CSU Stanislaus, Chabot College, and Modesto Junior College)!!! With these acceptances in hand, I do not want to go through the ordeal of starting all over, managing a whole new set of prerequisites, enduring waitlists, going through a whole new round of testing, etc. in Seattle. It is so hard to get into a school and everything I've read is that it is just as hard to get into Seattle Pacific or other schools in Seattle as it is in California.
My problem is, my husband cannot quit his new job, he gets paid a lot of money and it is very difficult for him to turn around and get a new job. In fact it would be a black mark on his resume if he quit his new job after only 2 months. He is fine for me to stay in California and he will visit us every weekend so I can pursue my dream but I'm torn. Should I go to Seattle and endure the hardship all over again, or just stay here in California and start a nursing program right away! My other concern is that I have two children ages 6 and 10, who would stay with me while I study but I am hoping to hire a nanny to help with that.
Let me ask you, you seem to be as determined as I am in getting into a nursing program, what would you do if you were in my position? Take a chance in Seattle? or Take the opportunity I've been given in California.

Nurseless - have you made your decision or are you still deciding? What a difficult and heart wrenching decision.