SUNY Downstate's Accelerated Nursing Program

Shuffler · Feb 16, 2007

Hi. I graduated from SUNY Downstate's accel program in Sept 06. The first half of the program is very intense but the second half is much easier. I was able to work 20 hours per week at a surgery center for the second-half of the program.

jack4408 · Mar 10, 2007

I wouldn't reccomend downstate. Im in the rn-bsn program and i think its terrible. I met a few girls from the accelerated program and they didn't feel must different.

Shuffler · Mar 11, 2007

Couldn't agree more. As an acclerated BSN grad I was terribly disappointed with the program. The staff at downstate is unresponsive and unprofessional.

Curls105 · Mar 11, 2007

Well, it's the only place I got accepted so I guess I'll just have to make the best of it. Oh well.

Shuffler · Mar 12, 2007

Congrats on your acceptance! From what I hear, it's tough to get into. On the positive side, the state tuition is a lot less than other private institutions and the school (I think because of the med school reputation) is well-regarded in the city. I have had no trouble getting job offers in Manhattan.

The program is very disorganized and the clinicals somewhat unsupervised. You will also be responsible for setting up independent study clinicals without any guidance. My advice is to just ask as many questions as possible as soon as you get there. Do not wait for information or guidance --it won't come. So just be pro-active and you will be fine. Good luck!

kgrands · Mar 12, 2007

Curls105,

Although the administration at Downstate is disorganized and usually unhelpful, please don't feel intimidated. This program is doable and if you are proactive (like Shuffler said), you can create a really good experience for yourself.

Our class (graduate in August) has been working to put together an "unofficial orientation" packet to give to the incoming class of '08. It's going to have tips on clinicals and setting up your independent study. Hopefully, it'll help you guys more easily navigate the system.

Good luck - feel free to PM if you have any other questions. I'm sure I'll meet you at your orientation day.

-katie

nycstudent · Mar 13, 2007

I'm a student in the Downstate program right now - finish up in August!
As far as the time committment, all of the other posters are right, it's very intense. The first summer you take 7 classes and are in lecture or lab 4 days a week minimum from 9-5 every day. The fall lightens up a bit but you still are in school 4 days a week. There have been people that worked at night, on days off, etc.
The clinicals so far have only been on weekdays - either a 12hr shift or two shifts (one 8hr, another 4hrs). It's really the first summer sessions that make you feel a bit crazy.
That said, we've had two people have babies and one get pregnant while in the program. They were able to figure it out somehow so it is possible.
Hope this helps - if you have any other questions please PM me. Thanks!
-katie

Katie -

I was so glad to read your post. I am considering applying for next summer. Btw- my name is also Katey. I was wondering how is was to get in. did you have to have a high College GPA or was more emphasis given to the pre-reqs in particular?

Curls105 · Mar 13, 2007

Thanks Katie and Shuffler for the encouragement and advice. It is so much better to know these things going into the program than to be taken by surprise. Thanks again!

mikana · Mar 17, 2007

Im interested in attending SUNY Downstate accelerated nursing program. Do they have a GPA cut off? If so, what is it? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Curls105 · Mar 17, 2007

I just got accepted to Downstate with a 4.0 in my pre-req's from LaGuardia Community College and a 3.6 from my first bachelor's degree (U. of MIchigan). I think a 3.5 or higher gpa would make a really competitive applicant from what I understand. I think it also depends on your references, health care experience (I volunteered for 7 months) and essay. Good luck!

mikana · Mar 17, 2007

Curls105:

Thanks for your response. This will defintely be a helpful...

MY Belle 75 · Mar 27, 2007

Hi All,

Hope you are all having a good day! I came across these postings when trying to find out whether SUNY Downstate or SUNY Stony Brook has the better accelerated nursing program. Does anyone know? I was accepted into both and as of right now unable to make a decision as to which offer to accept! Any help?

Thak you

Michelle