UCLA MECN Fall 2019

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It's that time of year again! I am planning on applying for the Fall 2019 quarter. The summer 2018 information sessions are now open. Who else is applying ?

I took Physiology through UCLA extension. It's pricey! There is a "lab" component within the class but no actual, physical lab, though this is not specified (on purpose). I think UCLA knows that many schools require a physical lab, so if you take this course it will not count towards the prereqs if the school can see that there is no physical lab. I took it over summer, about 5-6 weeks, and it was INTENSE, but doable (I was working but not taking any other courses besides finishing up online Psych).

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Hi there prospective MECN students! I just finished my first quarter as a MECN at UCLA. I wanted to update you and tell you a few things I wish I knew before I started the program. In general, I am liking the program and excited to start clinical rotations winter quarter. The cohort is very supportive of each other, and we want everyone to succeed. Unfortunately, there are some major downsides to the program related to labs. Every week we have OSATS (Objective, Structured, Assessment Tests) in lab which were implemented this quarter. It is sort of a chaotic lab environment where you get into lab, practice the skill for an hour or so, then are immediately tested on it while a professor goes down a check sheet for the particular skill. While you have around an hour to practice the skill, it is crowded, so time spent actually practicing the skill individually can be as little as 20 minutes. If you forgot any part of the lab skill, or the professor sees something they do not deem appropriate, you fail... and if you fail the skill three times, you do not pass the class and are forced to do a third year in the program. It is EXTREMELY high stakes and anxiety is in the air. It is a possibility that you could fail the course in the first week of the program. On top of that, the tests are not really objective - professors grade differently. For example, one professor was not anal about sterility during the Foley Catheter Insertion lab on the mannequin and many students passed. Another teacher was extremely strict on sterility (as you should be) and many students failed. This leaves students feeling like there is a culture of unfair testing. This would not be as much of an issue if there was more time available in lab. They have open labs where you can go and practice skills for up to two hours a week. This is not enough time again because the labs get extremely crowded and there is not enough equipment to properly practice a skill for an adequate amount of time. Again, I do not mean to be negative on the program. I am just concerned about fellow students not passing who have worked very hard to be here and very hard to practice the skills. Other than the lab, I have had a great time in the program, and I am learning a ton - there are some excellent professors. However, before entering the program, take the lab situation into account and ask a current MECN what it is like. You cannot go wrong by going to University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, I just wish someone had told me that they were implementing this OSAT system this quarter.

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mecnucla, this is EXTREMELY helpful information! I wonder if the program is testing this system out on you- I heard they don't like to fail folks and want the whole class to graduate as a cohort, so if a lot of students are suddenly failing they might change things...? I want to think that. I would LOVE to hear more about your thoughts- I am on campus (I work at UCLA) and wonder if I could talk to you/ any of your classmates? Of course we don't have acceptances yet but this is my first choice program and I am dying to be overprepared :)

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I hope it changes for the next cohort. I would definitely talk to the admissions people about this system. Many of us submitted feedback to a google doc that is reviewed by the staff. Unfortunately, the following is a quote from one of our professors related to the OSATs: "not everyone is supposed to make it through the program." Being tested for OSATs the week after we learn them in lab would be a possible easy solution.

I wish the best of luck to you and everyone applying! You all will do great.

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Specializes in Transplant.
On 7/3/2018 at 8:41 PM, Hopesaxon5 said:

Hi all,

I'm so looking forward to applying to this program and I'm going to an info session on September 11th. I'm trying to narrow down the schools I'm applying to, but I know how competitive it is, so I don't want to limit myself too much! I'm also hoping to become a NP (I want to do primary care) and I'm wondering if any of you who are also interested in the NP route have any recommendations for schools to apply to? I know UCLA's program for MECN has graduates ready to take the NCLEX, but do you all know any other advantages that come with this program and going the NP route? It's a great program, and I'm excited and nervous to apply! Wishing you all good luck!

Hey! Not sure if you went to an info session for Western but their program is not impressive. I would like to go the same NP route eventually and found that the UCLA program will get me there for a better education and price. If you're willing to move out of state, Vanderbilt offers an MSN pre-specialty program as well. This program allows for an MSN in two years then continued education for whatever route you want. In all, getting the MSN in two years for the price UCLA offers is the best route. Plus the resources UCLA offers. Hope this helps!

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On 12/18/2018 at 10:31 AM, mecnucla said:

I hope it changes for the next cohort. I would definitely talk to the admissions people about this system. Many of us submitted feedback to a google doc that is reviewed by the staff. Unfortunately, the following is a quote from one of our professors related to the OSATs: "not everyone is supposed to make it through the program." Being tested for OSATs the week after we learn them in lab would be a possible easy solution.

I wish the best of luck to you and everyone applying! You all will do great.

Hello!

Do you mind sharing your background / stats when you applied to the Mecn program? Any advice you would give when building up our resume? It would be helpful for those who are planning to apply next cycle and want to be competitive enough. Thank you!

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I'm very anxious because USD received over 900 applications this cycle so I wonder if UCLA will have the same numbers or not. I've read from past forums that these programs get 400-500 on average but 900+ is scary.

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Specializes in Transplant.
1 hour ago, _Jay17 said:

I'm very anxious because USD received over 900 applications this cycle so I wonder if UCLA will have the same numbers or not. I've read from past forums that these programs get 400-500 on average but 900+ is scary.

That's crazy! I wonder if they will release that info anytime soon. I've heard the same numbers, 400-500 with 70 admitted to UCLA

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21 hours ago, _Jay17 said:

I'm very anxious because USD received over 900 applications this cycle so I wonder if UCLA will have the same numbers or not. I've read from past forums that these programs get 400-500 on average but 900+ is scary.

I just got my rejection letter from USD. 2019 is off to a great start :)

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1 hour ago, justin123560 said:

I just got my rejection letter from USD. 2019 is off to a great start ?

I also got rejected. That's how I knew there were 900+ applicants because I called the next day to ask. lol

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On 1/23/2019 at 8:49 AM, _Jay17 said:

I'm very anxious because USD received over 900 applications this cycle so I wonder if UCLA will have the same numbers or not. I've read from past forums that these programs get 400-500 on average but 900+ is scary.

Wow that's crazy! Do you know how many were offered an interview for USD/how many are accepted?

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23 hours ago, smarinoff said:

Wow that's crazy! Do you know how many were offered an interview for USD/how many are accepted?

I would assume the numbers for acceptance would be the same as previous years 60-70. Unsure about interviews but if it was 900 people then I assume it wasn't more than 150.

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