Simmons versus MGH Direct Entry Nursing

NPNICO · Apr 3, 2009

.....But MGH is not just a Graduate Institute, as they have an Accelerated BSN program. I am thinking thi whole thing is a money maker business too. It's a way to force the students to stay in for the who 3-year MSN program and pay up....LOL. As for the Oh well, I guess we'll have to see if it really makes a difference, right? I just wish they would just award a BSN which would make it much easier to land a job in one of the hospitals and get some good clinical experience as we're entering the 2nd year/NP portion.

il0ved0nuts · Apr 3, 2009

Could someone please fill me in on the differences between someone who has a BSN and someone that has an RN? What about someone that has an bachelors in another field (such as biology) and then an RN in addition to that bachelors? Are there pay differences between the degrees?

Thanks for the help!

Tozz · Apr 3, 2009

I didn't say it had to make sense, just that that was their explanation for not offering a BSN halfway through the Direct Entry program. There was some mumbo-jumbo about an accreditation issue. Personally, though, I favor your theory.

During the information session, they said that the accelerated and direct entry programs were pretty much identical during the earlier portion of the tracks. They said that it was possible to switch programs after you had enrolled. So, theoretically, you could enroll in the accelerated program, and then switch to the direct entry program, giving you both degrees.

.....But MGH is not just a Graduate Institute, as they have an Accelerated BSN program. I am thinking thi whole thing is a money maker business too. It's a way to force the students to stay in for the who 3-year MSN program and pay up....

NPNICO · Apr 3, 2009

Mmmmm!!!! But then your status will change from Direct-Entry to BSN-to MSN. First of all in order to be accepted to the Direct-Entry, one must already have at least a Bachelors, some people already have 2 bachelors, others with Masters, etc. So, why can't transfer their credits towards the BSN degree? Who Knows? Right? Tozz, will you be going to the MGH?

NPNICO · Apr 3, 2009

Does anyone know the logic behind the amount of credits each school require for the MSN program? BC requires 70credits, while Simmons and MGH require 90-91. What's up with that? Of course, if you're paying cost/credit, BC ends up being way cheaper than MGH, am not sure what the cost/credit is for Simmons. How interesting, eh? Please share your 2 cents....

juliewoo · Apr 3, 2009

Does anyone know the logic behind the amount of credits each school require for the MSN program? BC requires 70credits, while Simmons and MGH require 90-91. What's up with that? Of course, if you're paying cost/credit, BC ends up being way cheaper than MGH, am not sure what the cost/credit is for Simmons. How interesting, eh? Please share your 2 cents....

I think part of it has to do with the fact that BC's program is only 2 years whereas Simmons and MGH are 3 year programs. Frankly, I would not feel prepared (as someone coming from a non-nursing background) to practice after only 2 years of training. But that's just my :twocents:

NPNICO · Apr 3, 2009

Yes, but when you calculate the credits for the 2 summers and the winter sessions, it comes out to be the same amount of classroom hours and/or clinical hours. but just very densed. Juliewoo, where are you going to school? and why that school?

juliewoo · Apr 3, 2009

Yes, but when you calculate the credits for the 2 summers and the winter sessions, it comes out to be the same amount of classroom hours and/or clinical hours. but just very densed. Juliewoo, where are you going to school? and why that school?

Hm, well then I have no idea why the program has less credits. :confused: I didn't apply to BC so all I know is what I read on their website.

I'm going to MGH in the fall. I like the school for a lot of reasons, primarily the affiliation with one of the best hospitals in the country, and also the location and facilities. I also shadowed an NP who graduated from the program (and now teaches there) and she had nothing but good things to say about it.

NPNICO · Apr 3, 2009

Me too, I am going to MGH too, and currently have colleagues there who think highly of their program. So, I am looking forward to it..

kobrien629 · Apr 4, 2009

julie & npnico -

I am also attending MGH in the Fall! What tracks have you chosen? I'm in peds & and I am thrilled with the faculty and staff at the school. They have been helpful since day 1 and I cannot wait to start there!

On another note.. I seem to be the only one who really likes the summers off. To me, having that break would make it easier for me... having something to work for and knowing that I would have a few months off to myself! Just something to consider for those still on the fence!

NPNICO · Apr 4, 2009

Hi Kobrien,

Me too I like the summer off, definitely. It allows you to work and gain some clinical experience and lessen the stress, definitely. BC's program is summer and winter session, how rigorous, eh? My track is Adult Psychiatric. I am looking forward to start the program. Do you have a healthcare background already? We have to keep the line of communication going.

NPNICO

juliewoo · Apr 4, 2009

julie & npnico -
I am also attending MGH in the Fall! What tracks have you chosen? I'm in peds & and I am thrilled with the faculty and staff at the school. They have been helpful since day 1 and I cannot wait to start there!
On another note.. I seem to be the only one who really likes the summers off. To me, having that break would make it easier for me... having something to work for and knowing that I would have a few months off to myself! Just something to consider for those still on the fence!

I'm in the peds track as well! Even though having the summers off means being busier during the fall and spring, it was on my "pro" list when I was choosing schools. I plan on working as a CNA or Nursing Student Tech during my first summer to hone my skills during the time off :)