Texas Tech Accelerated 2nd Degree Program 2021

Nursing Students School Programs

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I’m not sure if it’s too early to start this thread, but anyone on here planning on applying to Texas Tech’s Second Degree program in May?

Specializes in Math.

Hey all. I am hoping to apply for Spring 2022 in Dallas. I have been admitted to BU for their ABSN, but am contemplating TTU for the lower tuition. However, I am curious about TTU's application process, competitiveness and acceptance rate, etc. Anyone willing to answer a few questions? Thanks. 

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9 minutes ago, CSesh said:

Hey all. I am hoping to apply for Spring 2022 in Dallas. I have been admitted to BU for their ABSN, but am contemplating TTU for the lower tuition. However, I am curious about TTU's application process, competitiveness and acceptance rate, etc. Anyone willing to answer a few questions? Thanks. 

I am currently in the Austin cohort. I can help answer whatever questions you may have. 

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Specializes in ICU.

@CSesh I'm also in the Austin cohort (HI LUCY!) and happy to help as well. I lived in Dallas before Austin and actually looked at the BU program too. I also started looking at TTUHSC because of the (much) lower tuition!

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3 minutes ago, allipalmer said:

@CSesh I'm also in the Austin cohort (HI LUCY!) and happy to help as well. I lived in Dallas before Austin and actually looked at the BU program too. I also started looking at TTUHSC because of the (much) lower tuition!

@allipalmer Hey Alli! @CSesh same as Alli! our acceptance rate might be a bit different than future cohorts because of the extenuating circumstances but any questions you might have this is a great start!  

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Specializes in Math.

@Future _RN, @allipalmer, @kinsey

Hey all, thanks so much. My concern is how hard it is to be accepted in Dallas. Relocating is not an option for me. I heard acceptance is holistic but am not entirely sure. I have most of the prereqs except for a few courses.

Do they cap enrollments?

What exactly do they want out of applicants?

Is one location harder to get into than another?

Do they provide employment assistance?

I worry because I am already in the BU ABSN that starts in May. I am almost 50 and this is a 2nd career change and don't want to waste any more time, but at the same moment, want to consider finances. Some friends have told me I should do BU regardless because it is a great program especially since I am already accepted. 

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Specializes in ICU.

@CSesh I've got a lot of words coming at you so hold on haha!

I was in the same boat with being unwilling to relocate. I put Austin as my only choice and was accepted, but I do know if you are able to relocate there is a place to put a second choice location.

I would definitely agree that acceptance is holistic. I really felt like everything was taken into account, whereas I know a lot of nursing programs have a really high emphasis on GPA. To be transparent, I had a 3.2 both overall and in my science prereqs. I did get an extra bump because my first degree was from TTU but I believe there are only a handful of others in our cohort who also have TTU degrees, so it's by no means a must. I had all of my courses completed before applying and also finished every single thing listed on the requirements page, even those that weren't technically due until the program started (BLS certification, etc).

They do cap enrollment. There is a ratio limit of 15:1 for students to site coordinators, so it will just depend on how many site coordinators they have at each location. I believe Dallas accepted 40 this year. I don't have any data on how many Dallas-specific applications were received, but I have heard over 1000 applied across all locations, and I know that 168 were ultimately admitted. Again, that's across all six locations, but Dallas and Austin are the largest cohorts at 40 each.

They truly want to see that you're well-rounded, will excel in a fast-paced and mostly online environment, and can learn quickly. I would definitely highlight any experience you have with online coursework, time management skills, etc.

They do not provide employment assistance, unfortunately, at least not for the second-degree track. There is a Veteran-to-BSN track that I believe may have some military benefits if you qualify. Though they don't offer direct financial assistance, they will verify funds needed for living expenses so that your bank will approve your loan (I.e. including costs for housing, childcare, etc. in the total estimate so that if you need to take out loans for those things, the bank should approve them). I'm personally not working, but my husband is and is supporting my education (and loans pick up the rest). I do know there are several in our cohort who are still working and doing okay, but it's not TECHNICALLY recommended.

BU is a great program, but TTUHSC is exceptional. Our first-time NCLEX pass rate is 97% (I think BU actually is very close to that as well) and the hospitals really respect the program so most of our students are able to get the jobs they want after graduating. The biggest advantages for TTUHSC in my mind are the cost and the length of the program. From start to finish, you're looking at 11 months plus a few days! 

I know that was a lot. If you have any follow up questions, feel free to respond!

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@allipalmer that's such helpful information! Can you give some insight into your schedule? Are the classes synchronous or asynchronous? When do you have clinicals, etc?

Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU.

@nevertoolate2021 the classes aren’t technically synchronous or asynchronous simply because there aren’t any lectures. It’s online modules, assigned readings, etc but you do it in your own time so it’s more in the asynchronous style. 
 

So far we’ve had very little time in-person. Most everything is done online on your own time. Here’s a little idea of the “schedule” (though there truly is no schedule).

We started January 5 with our Basic Skills class which is typically 8 days in person at a skills lab where you’re learning all the skills you need to be able to go into clinicals at the hospital. Because of covid, we did 2 days each week via zoom and 2 days in person at the lab (9am-5pm).

After Basic Skills, we started 3 more classes. All exams have been online using a lockdown browser but you do have to log in exactly at the time they say. So if an exam is at 10am, you have to take it at 10am. We have 1-2 exams most weeks because of the fast pace of the courses. 
 

Other than exams, you have modules to work through, weekly quizzes that are due on Thursdays (but can be taken any time Wednesday or Thursday), and reading. I’ve actually been tracking my time and I’m spending an average of 4-6 hours a day Monday-Friday working on school stuff, and I haven’t been doing much on weekends. 
 

We have had a few mandatory things like working at a covid vaccine clinic, simulation labs, and shadowing a wound care nurse that have all been in person but we generally know about them at least a week or two in advance. So including the 4 in-person days for basic skills, we’ve had in-person activities 9 days so far since January 5th.
 

As for clinicals, we find out our assignments this week and will start next week! They follow a coach model in this program so you’re assigned to a coach who is a full time nurse at an area hospital and you work with them the entire year. Each semester has a 225 clinical hour minimum and you’re responsible for scheduling yourself enough hours. You’re required to work one shift a week but you’ll need two shifts some weeks to get enough hours. You work the full 12 hour shift with your coach. You look at their schedule (full time nurses work 3 days a week) and pick which days you want to work with them. 
 

We do have other clinical activists (zoom conferences/seminars, projects, etc) that also count towards clinical hours so you shouldn’t have a problem hitting 225 if you work 1-2 shifts a week with your coach. 
 

For a little context, I’m a mom of three kids ages 4 and under, so I schedule myself around when I have childcare. I plan to work as many weekend clinical shifts as I can bc my husband doesn’t work weekends and it’ll make childcare easier, but it’ll just depend on my coach’s schedule. 

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Specializes in Math.

@allipalmer

That is amazing information. Thanks so much.  A big concern is that I just cannot relocate. I have family and commitments here in Dallas so I have to stick to here. I know Dallas is a coveted place too. Do they insist on 2 separate location choices when one applies? Can I choose Dallas for both? LOL

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Specializes in ICU.

@CSesh you don’t have to put a second location! My family is rooted in Austin so relocating wasn’t an option for us either. I just put Austin as my first choice and left the second choice blank. 

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@allipalmer sounds awesome. One question, it seems with other programs you do different clinicals (for example, maternal health)- how do you do that if you are working with one nurse the whole time? Are you exposed to only the area he/she works?

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25 minutes ago, nevertoolate2021 said:

@allipalmer sounds awesome. One question, it seems with other programs you do different clinicals (for example, maternal health)- how do you do that if you are working with one nurse the whole time? Are you exposed to only the area he/she works?

We have specialty rotations. Since the program is so competitive and changing I would SUPER suggest contacting the admissions advisor and ask questions to show interest and get your name recognized. I fully think that bc I communicated so much with her when my app came by she recognized me and saw my determination and it aided in my getting accepted. 

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