The University of Texas at Austin | Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE-MSN) 2023

[AustinNative]

Starting a thread for those applying to UT's AE-MSN program for 2023.

[maaz]

Hi friends and future AEs! I'm gonna check this thread every now and then to see how y'all are doing. A little about me...

First year AE in LeaDS

Out of state applicant, low undergrad GPA and average GRE, and 4.0 pre-req

UT neuro for undergrad

Previous work history as a medical assistant x 4 years

Though I struggled in undergrad, I'm doing great in this program!

Good luck this app cycle ❤️ 

[AustinNative]

Thank for the information @maaz. Any recommendations for the SOP, CV, interview, or application process in general?

[maaz]

In everything, be yourself and show why you are passionate about nursing. Show your SOP/CV to people you trust and people (friends/fam, mentors, managers, professors) who you know will give you detailed feedback. If you have a career advising office at your previous school, they would be a solid resource in reviewing those documents.

Don't expect others to tell you what they were asked in their interview. Instead, start looking at Youtube videos and jotting down nursing school interview questions. Take time to ponder those questions and formulate responses. As you do more videos/questions, your individuality will shine through and things won't sound so reheorificed.

As for the application process, keep a calendar and be vigilant about incoming emails. 

Last but not least, what's meant for you is already yours! Trust yourself!! I had a solid interview but the waiting game for decisions was so tough. I feared the rejection but I knew deep down that nursing was meant for me ? 

[AustinNative]

Thanks for all the advice.

[kacey222, CNA]

Hey there, I just started the application process on Apply Texas and have a few questions..when they ask for submitting current courses do they mean the current courses we are taking for fall 2022 before the MSN program starts?

[AustinNative]

Yes, I put the classed I am currently registered to take this fall. There's also the prerequisite form on the UT AE MSN website that must be filled out and submitted on the documents page of MyStatus (after you have submitted the GoApplyTexas application).

[shoe22]

I have a question hoping someone isight on. I have an interdisciplinary undergrad in health as I was a student athlete. I want to move to Austin and want to apply to the AE MSN but the "only able to practice as an RN in Texas" worries me. What if I don't want to continue to the NP, are there really no options to be a nurse after year 1. I realize I can find other programs but wondering if there is something I am missing. UT doesn't offer an accelerated BSN and I really think I want to be an NP, I just wonder what happens to people who change their mind and are not from Texas. Can you go back to your state and take the NCLEX there and practice or would you have to start over at another school in an RN program even though you have passed the NCLEX. Thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

[AustinNative]

You have to finish the program (graduate with an MSN) to practice outside of Texas. I know they stressed in the information session that the program isn't designed for exiting after year 1 (when you take your NCLEX). The LeaDS program is a general MSN degree that doesn't lead to an APRN certification. It's also a semester shorter than the NP/CNS programs. If you are just looking for a general nursing degree and aren't sure about being an NP it's a good option. I think a lot of students that do the LeaDS program continue on at UT after finishing their MSN and get their NP certification. If you're really wanting the Austin area for an accelerated BSN program Texas A&M and Tech Texas both have campuses in Round Rock (although they might require you take more prereqs if you don't currently have a degree from a Texas university).  

[shoe22]

Great advice, thank you so much!  I totally understand why the system is set up that way, I was just curious.  Sounds like the LeaDS program is a great option!

 

[rnunez]

As AustinNative mentioned, the program isn't designed to be left unfinished. Although you technically could exit after getting your RN the first year, it would be really hard to get hired anywhere since you wouldn't have an actual nursing degree upon your exit (which most jobs require). If you're unsure about sticking to the NP route you might want to consider one of the accelerated BSN program in RR and then make the NP decision later!

[SarahNylander]

Hi everyone! I JUST applied to the program. I'm applying for the PMHNP track. My background: I was a medic in the Army and planned on applying to the Army PA program; however, I was medically discharged. I've been chasing the medical dream for a long, long time. My husband is in the military, so we move a lot and I haven't had an opportunity to apply to any programs yet. I've decided the "what if's" aren't going to hold me back anymore, so I'm going for it this year. I have a master's in human services and my undergrad from ASU was in liberal studies. I also have an associate's degree in health sciences. I currently have a 4.0 in the prerequisites but have to redo A&PI and II because they turn 6 years old in the Spring. My undergrad GPA was a 3.87 and my grad school GPA was a 4.0. 

I'm incredibly nervous and fear I may not sleep again until I get a yes or no answer; but I am also proud of myself for finally taking a chance on my dream. I wish you all the best of luck!