UIC Graduate Entry Program

I "liked" the UIC GEP 2014 page that was set up by the UIC CON facebook account, but there are only 5 people who have liked it (maybe it was you guys!), and there hasn't been anything posted on it yet.

GEP 2014,

Congrats to all those that got in! With the removal of the FNP program for you all I am sure it was very competitive to be selected for the cohort. I saw a few threads back that some were wondering about employment upon graduation and the future elimination of the GEP program. As a part of the GEP 2012 class we have just finished the first 16 months and now are waiting to take the NCLEX and are in the process of applying for jobs. Though most of my time has been spent studying for NCLEX, I will comment that it is very difficult to even find a hospital that will accept applications without a BSN, regardless of your flexibility to work nights and willingness to travel. Magnet is a status that most hospitals are attempting to achieve and even the "smaller" suburban hospitals are being absorbed by larger health systems (which means a push for magnet). Perhaps it will be easier than I expect, but for those that also got into Rush, DePaul, or Loyola's program I would encourage them to perhaps consider attending these programs. The programs are more expensive but they are much less limiting and allow you the opportunity to work in hospital systems where you will have better options for networking and skill development as you continue on in your NP degree. In regards to the elimination of the GEP program, we have speculated that they are finding that this program is not a relevant as it was when it began....and from what some speculate it will become like Rush and DePaul's generalist nursing masters and not a direct entry to NP. Perhaps they realize that it just is not working. Many of us have finished this program frustrated with the way in which UIC handled our program and concerns. From people not having clinical placements until after the semester started, to poor clinical instructors, many have spent time wondering if this was the best program we could have invested in. With all that said, it is the quickest way to an NP degree at this point so it may be worth considering...and these comments are just from one person. I am sure there are many that loved the program..

@justrunfast985, I was hoping you could speak a little bit about how the RN portion of the program was for your class. What your average day was like. What kind of resources the program has re: simulators, clinical experiences, etc. Is anything electronically based, like a Blackboard system, and do they use online resources like library access for research and text books. Do people use laptops or pens and paper? Although I've done my research into the program, I was never able to go to an info session, and I was hoping to go if and when I was accepted. I was accepted, but with this being the last GEP class, no more info sessions, and so far none scheduled for the MS program. Anything you could contribute about the structure of the school year itself would be very helpful. Thanks.

Thanks for the information about this program justrunfast985. I actually contacted the school a couple of weeks ago and they said they are completely changing the program and to contact them at the end of August. I am hoping to begin spring 2015 if admitted...I just hope they don't add any additional pre-reqs, lol. Now it all makes sense as to why they are changing it!

The first semester is definitely the most challenging. All classes utilize blackboard and library access is provided and you will meet the librarian who will show you how to search databases at least 3 or 4 times. Almost everyone brings a laptop or at least prints up the ppts ahead of time. textbooks are available either in electronic format or a combination of both hardcover and electronic.

Mon: Clinical Sim lab in the am or afternoon (usually 4 hours) i think like 8-12 and 1-5 ? its been a while..this is where basic nursing skills are taught..injections, IVs, etc.

Tue: Clinical Sim lab in the am or afternoon

Wed: return demonstration usually you are scheduled for a 45 minute time slot

Thursday: Path/Pharm 8-12 and then another class 1-4

Friday: Path/Pharm 8-12 and then another class 1-3

After the first 8 weeks schedule is

Mon: off

Tue: Clinical 6:30-3:00 med surg floor

Wed: clinical 6:30-3:00 med surg floor

thurs: class

friday: class

that was at least the structure we had for the 1st semester...it might have changed.

Wow, thank you, it's very nice to get information like that. How did you enjoy your clinicals, any hospital or rotation in particular that was particularly good? From the example curriculum online, it looks like you do a clinical in med surg, adult health, women's health and mental health...any others? Also do you get to do the clinicals on your own or do they assign you and a few classmates together?

justrunfast985,

Thanks for the helpful information. Would you mind elaborating about the amount of time you spent per week studying outside of school? Further, do you or any of your classmates have kids/jobs/other responsibilities, and did the program seem difficult (too difficult) for some? The reason I ask is b/c I have a child, and I am weighing my options. I am torn between pursuing this program down the road but also want to keep my child as a priority. Any information will be helpful.

I would like to apply for UIC's GEP in midwifery 2015 program which would mean I need to apply my this January (2014). I am trying to figure out my classes and determine my B.S health science graduation and pre-reqs. I took Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 passed with A's and B's but that was over five years ago. I am currently registered to take anatomy this fall 2013. Do I need to have this completed before the January application date or just before the start of the program in January 2015? Also, I am having trouble registering for the last class needed for my B.S in health science degree(I now regret never finishing when I could have) I could register to take the course with another school but they are hesitant to let me do that since I will not be completing the last 30 hrs at my home school. I took some time off from my degree program to become a yoga teacher, studied massage, became a CLEC, labor doula, and work. Does my degree have to be completed by the January application date or can I officially graduate from undergrad in the spring 2014 and still apply for the UIC GEP 2015 start date?[/quote']

Pre-requisites needed to be completed by the start of the program, not the application deadline for this application cycle. Things are changing though and the GEP will no longer be offered in the current format according to the person I interviewed with despite the fact that it is still featured on their website. Instead of choosing a specialty (like midwifery) the program sounds like it will now turn into a generalist masters program like the ones offered at Rush and DePaul. If you read posts from late April and early May in this thread you will see some posts about it. Also, the degree just needs to be completed by the start of the program, not the application deadline. Rush is the only school I know of which actually requires pre-reqs to be completed by the application deadline instead of start date.

This question is for anyone who is enrolled in the GEP at UIC:

What were the prerequisites when you were applying? I would like to get a baseline of the pre-reqs, as the program is undergoing curriculum changes. I would like to apply soon, but I am still working on my undergrad and I want to meet all the prerequisites too.

. Things are changing though and the GEP will no longer be offered in the current format according to the person I interviewed with despite the fact that it is still featured on their website. Instead of choosing a specialty (like midwifery) the program sounds like it will now turn into a generalist masters program like the ones offered at Rush and DePaul. If you read posts from late April and early May in this thread you will see some posts about it. Also, the degree just needs to be completed by the start of the program, not the application deadline. Rush is the only school I know of which actually requires pre-reqs to be completed by the application deadline instead of start date.

Really? Do you know if they are getting rid of their Psychiatry specialty?

Yes, all specialties are eliminated. What might happen is that you will get your MSN and sit for the NCLEX-RN. Hence, why I mentioned it will be a generalist-MSN program. Then you can work or apply to the DNP program and choose an NP specialty. Now, nothing is posted on the UIC website as of yet. The info I have provided is only from information I received in my interview, so don't completely take my word for it. I don't know everything that is going to happen and exactly what changes will be made. UIC could very well be considering other options like a combined BSN/MSN program or something. Bottom line is that you can only be sure of what will happen with the program until UIC posts something on their website. All of the information on this thread came from all of the applicant's interview experiences. I highly suggest reading earlier posts in the thread if you want more info. Everything any of this previous cycle's applicants know about the curriculum change is pretty well spelled out.

As for pre-reqs: I don't remember exactly what was required for UIC. But for most DE-MSN programs it is usually some combination of A&P (2 semesters), Microbiology, Statistics, Human Development, Nutrition, a couple of liberal arts electives (like History or Literature), a college writing class, and sometimes a chemistry class.