UMass Amherst ABSN 2011

monikki28 · May 28, 2011

Thats good, so then we could ask all of our questions then. However, in terms of the living situation I would have to relocate because I live in Boston. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out the specifics :uhoh3:

annturn · Jun 1, 2011

I just got accepted as well! And I'm from Seattle... Anyone know of a good area to live in that is in walking distance from the school, or a bus ride away?

Bear07_RN · Jun 1, 2011

I got in too! But I will be staying in CA going to a program closer to home. That should make someone on the wait list happy :)

edwindelahiggins · Jun 3, 2011

sorta curious to see what the gender/age/previous education discrepancy is. 24 year old male with a BA in history here.

kosmo · Jun 3, 2011

Hi I don't know if you got your lettter or not yet, but I called the school and they said that they mailed some already and they are waiting on the Dean to sign the rest.

I hope this helps!

britbrit · Jun 4, 2011

Hey guys! I've been accepted to the fall '11 program, yay! But now I'm trying to decide between UMass Amherst and Curry College (doesn't start until January 2012 ugghh). Does anyone know if UMass has many clinical rotations in Boston?

j772 · Jun 4, 2011

I graduated from this program & hope I can help answer your questions. The clinical rotations are mostly in Western MA & Worcester, you can ask to come to Boston for your senior clinical placement. Hope this helps you make a decision.

edwindelahiggins · Jun 5, 2011

J227, how many days a week do you spend on the actual amherst campus? I live about 1 hour 20 away in woodstock ct and i'm weighing the benefits of possibly relocating. If i relocate to amherst area will they likely place me in a clinical site nearby? I only live about 35 minutes from worcester where i am now

j772 · Jun 5, 2011

You are on campus all day for about 3 days per week and 1-2 days for your clinicals somewhere in Western MA or Worcester. There are people who commute, but it is much easier if you can find a place to stay close to there, especially with snow. Classes are intense and requires a lot of time to study. There are also days that you need to be there late for Sim labs or other things that seem to come up at the last minute that you must attend. I know a few people from my program rented rooms out there for the week & would come back to Boston on the weekends. You will need all the time you can to study-especially the first semester. I am not sure how the classes are designed now since you are starting in the fall. Good luck!!

edwindelahiggins · Jun 5, 2011

j227, thanks a ton for the quick and thorough response. Is working, even on a per diem basis, completely impossible/inadvisable. Also, did you find it hard to find employment after completing the program? thanks again

j772 · Jun 5, 2011

No worries. I was so stressed when I was accepted that I lived on this site searching for answers. I worked about 1-3 days per week throughout the program because I had to. It was tough the first semester & if you can avoid it I strongly recommend doing so. If not, I understand & just be prepared to have no life & limited sleep. I don't say this to scare you & trust me, it can be done. The first semester is the toughest because you are getting used to being in school again, juggling some tough classes and trying to balance your life with school. I recommend you get a study group going because your nursing friends will be your lifeline throughout this. Please feel free to ask whatever you want, I know how I felt after getting accepted & am willing to answer you honestly.

The job market is tough in Boston, especially for new grads. I was able to get a job but had to move out of state. I hope things will improve by the time you get out and if you can get a CNA or other hospital job, it is a great way in.

edwindelahiggins · Jun 5, 2011

thanks a ton, again. I've been a CNA for the past 15 months. What sort of work did you do? I was thinking of trying to pick up a per diem job or maybe substitute teaching while i'm up there. Will being the CNA previously help me find a nursing job?