SUNY-Downstate summer '09--Introduce yourselves please!

Hello Everyone,

I am interested in applying for the Summer 2010 accelerated BS program wanted to ask current students a few questions.

1) I currently work as a Medical Technologist and wanted to know what are the hours for the courses/clinicals? I want an idea of whether or not I can work nights (which I do currently) or will I have to quit my job and take out a private loan to cover my living expenses.

2) Did anyone take the CLEP exam for Psychology and Sociology? If so, did you have any trouble getting Downstate to accept it and did you find it extremely difficult? I haven't taken neither one of these courses in undergrad and want to save some money by taking the CLEP exams.

3) Has anyone taken A&P I&II and microbiology (both with lab components) through the SUNY learning network? If so, did Downstate accept it? Even though its given online, the school states that it will appear on the transcript as if it was taken in a classroom setting.

Thanks in advance for you help.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

1) I currently work as a Medical Technologist and wanted to know what are the hours for the courses/clinicals? I want an idea of whether or not I can work nights (which I do currently) or will I have to quit my job and take out a private loan to cover my living expenses.

The first summer is the most intense part of the program. I don't know what the schedule will be next year but this summer, the first 6 weeks was 4 days a week, two days from 9-5:30, one day 9-3 and one day 9-1. The second 6 weeks are M 9-7:30, T 9-5:30, W 9-2 and 2 days of clinical, Th-F 8-4. You could theoretically work nights if you don't need much sleep and can find time to study. Better yet, take the first summer off and go back to work in the fall and spring, when the schedule gets lighter.

2) Did anyone take the CLEP exam for Psychology and Sociology? If so, did you have any trouble getting Downstate to accept it and did you find it extremely difficult? I haven't taken neither one of these courses in undergrad and want to save some money by taking the CLEP exams.

I CLEPed Sociology and Anthropology, as well as one English course (Interpreting Lit). I did not have any problems with them accepting the credits.

Thanks ChayaN for your response! Good Luck with the remainder of the program!

By the way,

When are new applications for the program generally made available? I want to make sure that I don't wait until the last minute to take care of my application. Also, does the school notify when the NET exam is scheduled, because as of today, I don't see a date for Downstate?

The net exam is being retired and Suny Downstate is switching to the TEAS. It will be on the website soon.

Can any current students tell me what the schedule is like? Do you have a break between Summer1, Summer 2 and Fall session? How long?

Thank you!!!

-Liza

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Hi Liz!

The summer schedule is crazy and you will be in school full time. There is a short break (5 days) between Summer session I and II (and trust me, you need every minute of it). When Summer II is over there's a 2-week break I think. I think there are also 2 week breaks between Fall and Spring, and Spring and Summer.

I know this is kind of an old thread but just wondering fi there are students currently studying in Downstate accelerated program. Are there current students who can share thoughts about the current program and current faculty? It is hard to find updated information about this school. Even the nursing website on the school's page seems outdated. There is a bulletin that is dated 2008-2009.

Also, in the bulletin, there is something about being part-time. Can you be a part-time accelerated student? Do you have to finish in 15 months or can you spread it out for more time?

I would like to hear from students who are at Downstate now sicne alot of postings are from older graduates.

any advice would be great. I am so excited to get my RN but there aren't many options in the area for accelerated programs and the SUNY tuition would be great.