Texas Tech and Texas A&M Accelerated BSN

U.S.A. Texas

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I was wondering if anyone is currently in, or has already completed the accelerated bsn program at either Texas Tech or Texas A&M. I am from Michigan and have been thinking of moving down there and these were two schools I was looking at but I don't know anything about them except what they have on their websites. I guess I'm mostly interested in how well the programs are organized and what you like/don't like about it!

Thanks so much!!

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you should, if possible try attending a prospective nursing students meeting. i went to the one at A&M, but its been awhile and i all i can remember is them saying the accelerated was difficult and you really had to be on top of your game and a job is not recommended, but i figure that, that is with nursing school in general...

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Yeah, I've been to an informational meeting about an accelerated program at a school around here and they said the same thing, I already know about the accelerated part, I'm just more interested in the schools. I'm not sure if I would have a chance to get down there and attend one but maybe this summer I could figure something out. Thanks!

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Hi there - I can tell you what I know. I was accepted into both Texas A&M Eline and Tx Tech 2nd degree BSN and I have chosen to go with Tech. My impression of the Eline program was that it lacked organization, the clinicals were limited and would require travel to Corpus or College Station at times. If you lived in College Station or nearby, it would not be a problem. I was first told it could be completed in 18 months but after I was accepted, I found out the average was 2.5 years due to the clinical situation. A&M has a great reputation and if you lived in Corpus or College Station, I think the clinicals would not be a problem. Its self pased which is a positive also. Its also not as competitive to get into.

Now onto Tech.. I cant say enough positives so far. Its competitive and intense but I feel like its very organized and the instructors and program administrators are awesome. Its a 1 year program, you have to agree not to work or volunteer for that year. You are in clinicals for 24 hours per week and take about 24 course credits per semester for 3 semesters. The program is based in the Austin area as well as El Paso.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

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When I was looking at Tech's website it looked like the classes were all online and then the clinicals could be done in maybe 5 or 6 different cities. Is that what you are doing, in Austin? My preference would definitely be the Austin area.

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Yes, thats correct. The didatic's are online and clinicals are in Austin. The semester starts with a 5 day boot camp in a clinical setting. Its not self paced, there are assignment due dates and assigned practicums in the clinical setting. They encourage comradery and study groups as well as a counselor that is there to help you prepare for the tests and make sure you are not falling behind.

And I need to make a correction - there are other cities that have varying start times throughout the year. El Paso and Austin always start in January.

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I am planning to apply for the Tech 2nd degree program this fall. Can you tell me anything about the acceptance process? It is really the only program that is feasible for me, due to the online classes, and I am so nervous that I won't be accepted. Any advice about the program would be much appreciated!

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If you look at the website, there is an application tab that will tell you all about the process, there is also a tab for pre reqs. You will see that Tech requires you take a CNA class as a pre req - if at all possible I would recommend doing that and getting some experience between now and then. Try to maintain a decent gpa, especially in the Sciences.

After the application, you wait to see if you are invited to interview. My interview was with 4 people and I was a bit intimidated by it. But, I just felt so nervous because I had so much riding on that interview. And it took about a month from my interview to get the news that I got in.

I hope you are able to get in, good luck and let me know if I can answer anything else.

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What kind of questions were you asked in your interview? I have an interview with a different school and was curious as to what kind of questions I may get asked. Thanks in advance for any pointers or help!

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Specializes in Long Term Acute Care.

I am a nursing student in the central texas area. San angelo state University, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech are all new programs. I would assume that instructors are in short supply and organization is chaotic. My question to you is what do you want to do with a BSN? If you want to be a hosptial staff nurse, then a AN ADN will serve you best. If you plan on Administrative nursing, infection control, nurse liaison, then the BSN will open those opportunities to you easier. If you are power hunger and want to control the lives of thers as a Director of Nursing or Chief (King/Queen) Nursing Officer or infection control, then you will need the BSN for the MSN.

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Wow - talk about close ended questions :lol2: - I'm super organized to the point of annoyance and I have very little tolerance for lack of organization. With 3 kids and doing a program like this, its necessary! I can assure you this program is neither chaotic nor disorganized. And remember its a very expensive program so the professors are top notch, they are always available to us. They even give us personal phone numbers and will accept calls at any time. Its pretty amazing.

Now, onto your question - since I have a bachelors degree it was actually faster for me to go this route. Our community college has a screwy time frame for applications, so this program will allow me to have a BSN faster. Plus I I plan on getting my NP license next. This is a second career for me, something I have always wanted to do. Before making any harsh statements, consider the various paths there are to this wonderful career. I would never ask you, why stop at a 2 year degree - why not broaden your horizons? Because, honestly...its not my business. I am doing whats best for me and my family and I'm sure you are doing the same.

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Sorry Greenee313 - I just saw your question - I was pretty nervous in the interview. But I will tell you that I know the standard "why do you want to be a nurse?" and then for this program they asked about computer skills and stress management. But I know they switched up questions for various applicants - the important thing is to be yourself and let them see the genuine desire you have to help others. Good luck!

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