Simmons versus MGH Direct Entry Nursing

pristock230 · Mar 13, 2009

Congrats on getting into both schools - those are both great schools!

caroline82 · Mar 13, 2009

Hi there, regarding Simmons, when did you hear from them about getting in?

Thanks

goberun83 · Mar 14, 2009

I'm interested in hearing about both programs as well, as I just got my Simmons letter yesterday. I already sent in my deposit to MGH but I need to make a decision soon. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

c_white1 · Mar 14, 2009

I'm interested in hearing about both programs as well, as I just got my Simmons letter yesterday. I already sent in my deposit to MGH but I need to make a decision soon. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

It's been a couple of years since I compared these programs, but if I recall correctly, isn't there a pretty significant tuition difference? I seem to remember Simmons as the cheaper option by a considerable amount.

caroline82 · Mar 14, 2009

I am so jealous, you guys at least have a choice to make. I am still waiting to hear from Simmons, and maybe be so lucky to have a choice to make :-)

questionableresource · Mar 18, 2009

So Simmons and MGH folks... Has anyone any idea on how to decide? Currently I'm here:

MGH has a great ranking and is very well respected. Everyone tells me I'll have no problem with them on my resume.

Simmons is a hair cheaper, and has a lighter course load as they have summer courses.

So far, that's it. How do you decide?

sarahlpnwannabe · Mar 18, 2009

Well you say that MGH has a very good rep so I would go with that choice simply because that might give you extra points against other nurses that might want the same job as you once your all done with school and looking for work.

But if you want to work while you go to school and dont want too much stress on you then I'd go with Simmons. That way you can do the summer courses without the added pressure.

By the way...I've heard of Simmons. But I've never heard of MGH; I initially thought Mass General ( is that stupid of me? :imbar ) Is that another college in Boston?

juliewoo · Mar 19, 2009

By the way...I've heard of Simmons. But I've never heard of MGH; I initially thought Mass General ( is that stupid of me? :imbar ) Is that another college in Boston?

MGH Institute is affiliated with Mass General Hospital, but it's a separate institution. They only provide graduate degrees (with the exception of the accelerated BSN), so they're not really a college.

goberun83 · Mar 23, 2009

SOOOOOOO stressed out. Any further advice on how to decide between these two schools? I've spoken with two current students in the MGH program, both love it. I loved Simmons when I visited the campus and met with some of the professors. I just have no idea what will be the right choice for me. I guess MGH is ranked a little higher, but that isn't really important to me. Simmons does give you that option to do a duel degree program with Harvard School of Public Health, which is kind of cool. I'd try for the maternal-child health track, but you can't apply to that until after the first portion of the program. I do like that I'm already in the Peds track at MGH...

There are just too many things to consider. Help!

butch228 · Mar 23, 2009

I would see which school would give you a better financial aid package..they are both expensive..remember those loan payments add up ...I went to MGH...although it was pricey..some of my classmates got generous scholarship money....employers out there don't really care about NP school rankings..not yet..

NPNICO · Mar 25, 2009

I am scheduled to start the MGH NP program in fall 09. While I am excited, am also nervous about the course work and also the tuition or cost of attendance. I have a family and will have to quit my job, so I calculated about $50k for the year. that's expensive! While they have great faculty, yes I heard about the clinicals where they send you all over the place, you would think with their reputation, they would get good placement arrangements. I got an opportunity to study at BC on a part-time basis/conditional. They did not accept me all the way yet until I prove myself (how arrogant!). Can NP really make the money to pay back the steep student loans? I got into the UMASS/Boston accelerated bsn, but they start in May which is around the corner. Also, as a second Bachelors degree, I think you're capped at the amount of money you can borrow. I am not sure what to do.