UMass Boston Accelerated BSN Nursing Program Question

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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Hi everyone!

I have a few questions about the 14 month program to recieve a bachelors in nursing if you already have a beachelors degree in another field.

I have 2 1/2 more semesters left before I recieve my bachelors degree in exercise science. I have debated between nursing and physical therapy. I decided I wanted to go onto school to become a doctor of physical therapy, which would take me an additional 4 years. Thennn I found out how much they get paid, and its around the same starting out on average as a nurse! So I decided now to do nursing hopefully in an additonal 14 months (instead of 4 years!). I felt like that ammount of schooling was way too much. And I think I will really love nursing also.

I was wondering how difficult getting into the program is? Or those of you who are in the program, what was your gpa, prerequisite gpa, experience etc.

A little about myself:

I'm planning on applying for the program in February 2010 at UMass Boston. I will still have a few months of school left before I recieve my bachelors, but I will have all my prerequisites done by that time.

I had about a 3.36 GPA from a community college where I recieved my associates degree, and about a 3.7

GPA now at my current school. So far I haven't gotten below an A-in my prerequisites for the program, so about a 3.8 in that area (hopefully it won't lower with the 3 I have left to take). I have a good background in Mathematics (which was my intended major upon entering college), including up to Calculus II.

I went to a vocational high school studying health careers in my shop where I recieved certifications in First aid, CPR, Home Health Aid, CNA, and Pharmacy Technician. I worked as a Pharmacy Tech part time for 3 years. I am currently working as a PCA in a group home in my second year there, so I have experience working under nurses.

Let me know if you have any suggestions on things I could do to help my chances in getting into the program (community service, certain extra classes, etc.)

Thank you all in advance =)

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From what I understand they have a 10% acceptance rate.

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They have a good program from what I understand, but I know you are required to attend an information session before applying. The info session was somewhat helpful, but kind of intimidating too.

It seems like you have a lot of great experiences & I'd make sure you know the good & bad side of nursing before applying. Many people go into it without realizing what it is all about & only think of the money or flexible hours. It seems like you know from working under the nurses & your own experiences how draining it can be at times.

There are several programs out there & it is best to apply to as many as possible since it is so competetive. Good luck to you!

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Hi Kerri,

I was wondering if you got into UMB's program? I just sent in my application and would like to discuss the whole process with someone else.

Thanks,

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I was going to apply to UMB but was accepted into UMass Amherst's accelerated program which started in January. The programs are similar, other than location, & I'd be happy to answer whatever questions you may have. Trust me, I understand the anxiety & stress of applying to school and am open to answer anything I can to help.

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Hi J227,

Thank you for your post! How is the program going for you? I did my undergraduate degree at Umass Amherst (beautiful school).

Did you have to interview for the program? If so, do you have any advice? I've interviewed for several finance jobs but never for nursing school!

Did you start your clinicals immedietly in the wintersession?

What did your first semester look like?

I guess any of your story or any other suggestions you'd like to add in would be great!

Thanks again

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UMass Amherst doesn't require interviews, but I think they are usually a good thing since you get a chance to convey who you are to the admissions committee. The best advice I can offer is to be yourself & really think about why you want to do this.

I am enjoying Amherst & am happy with the program. Like anywhere there are some frustrations at times, but the instructors are committed to making sure you learn. We are starting clinicals next week which is both exciting & scary. The intersession was an intense 3 credit course, not terribly difficult but a lot of work. It was a good way to get to know your classmates & get used to being in school again. That has been hard to do after graduating over 10 yrs ago. As for the spring, we have classes 3 -5 days per week (M-F) this depends on whether you meet for clinicals that week or are in sim lab. Depending on your site, clinicals are either Th/Fr or 12 hrs shifts on either Sat. or Sunday. The weeks you have clinicals, we have classes 3 days (m-w) & meet pretty much all day for lecture/lab except on day which is only a half day. That said, there is a TON of reading, homework assignments, quizzes, lab practice techniques, etc to do the rest of the time. I haven't had too much of a social life, but it is possible to have one. Time management is crucial to any accelerated program & not getting far behind is key. It is really overwhelming & I panicked for the first few weeks. I'd be lying if I said I still didn't have periods of anxiety when I look at my upcoming assignments. It is hard to believe so much is expected in such a short period of time. I guess that is why is it "accelerated."

The best advice I can give anyone is to save as much money as possible because figuring out your finances is frustrating & not the quickest process. It is good to have about 1-2 months of living expenses saved since the federal loans take a while & private ones aren't any faster. This was extremely stressful for me & not unique to UMass financial aid. Everyone says it works out & while it does, it isn't very comforting as you watch your bank account quickly deplete not knowing when you will get more money.

Wherever you go, make sure you stay focused & not let anything stop you (even a rejection letter-although I am sure that won't be the case) . If you have any other questions, please ask. I was addicted to this site when I was applying & appreciated all the words of advice/support I received here.

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Hello-

J227 I just read your post on your new life in school. I too have my Bachelors, but its in Psychology. 14 years later I am thinking about getting my BSN degree, but would prefer an accelerated program since I have my Bachelors.

Is anyone going through this process with young children at home? I have 2.5 year old twins, and I know its going to be so much work. I need to speak with more people about the good, bad and ugly of both school and the career in itself. I am a nuturing person who enjoys people and taking care of them and believe I would be a good nurse, but how does one really know until you are in the throws of it. I would like to volunteer to get a better idea, anyone have any suggestions for someone who lives in Boston.

Also, are the accelerated programs only daytime or can you do them in the evenings/weekends too.

Thanks for some tips as I newly start my search....so much information it really is intimidating.

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dhal72,

I'm in a similar boat to you...same degree, same number of years ago. But no kids. I also have a law degree, and hate being a lawyer! I've just started thinking about nursing programs. I still have to do the prereqs, which I probably couldn't start until the summer, and hopefully start a program Sept 2011. I'd love to go to do the UMass Amherst accelerated BSN, but am also thinking about an ADN as a backup plan. Have you started taking, or looking into prereqs? I'm also thinking about cardio echo tech programs, but they are few and far between.

This is all just an idea in my head now and the couple of people I've told seem to think I'm crazy after spending all that money and time on my law degree. But I think after 8 years I pretty much know that I hate being a lawyer and am not very suited for it. I want to be able to use my compassionate side in a job, which I cannot do at all now.

As far as volunteering, most of the hospitals have info on their websites about their volunteer programs. I am also thinking about doing this because I really have no medical experience and need to decide if this profession is for me. There are so many hospitals in Boston and the surrounding towns that it shouldn't be difficult to find a volunteer opportunity -- I would like to find one with a lot of patient contact and exposure to the nurses.

It's nice to come here and read everyone's experiences, and see that there are others just beginning this process. Good luck!

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hi dhal72,

My class is a diverse group with people of varying ages 20's-late 50's. Many people have young children at home & some are single parents so this is realistic. Regis has an accelerated evening program and I am not sure about other's. UMass does not have evening/weekend program for accelerated BSN, although some community colleges have evening/weekend ADN programs. Regardless of the program you choose, you must know that it is like a full time job + part time job with all of the studying involved in nursing & especially accelerated programs. This is not meant to scare you & trust me it is manageable. School is demanding & requires time management, dedication & tons of coffee! I had been thinking about nursing for many years & worked in healthcare so I knew what i was getting into. Volunteering is a great way to learn about nursing & see firsthand what it entails. You can check the hospitals, nursing homes, etc or even the local Red Cross has some kind of local emergency response thing where you can help out at large scale community health clinics, etc. Definitely do your research & make sure this is what you want b/c both school & nursing are not easy, but very much worth it. These blogs are great to learn about what new nurses, students, prospective students & experienced nurses are going through. I hope I was able to answer your questions & wish you the best.

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Just wanted to let you know I have a similar situation. I also have two small children (almost one year old and a 3 year old)...I have a BS in chemistry and have decided to go back to school for a BSN. At first I decided that I was going to do either an acclerated program or a direct entry into a master's program..after weighing all my options, I decided to do just a BSN at Salem State College. I don't want any loans and found this to be the most affordable although it is still competitive to get in. The acclerated programs were astonomically higher and the direct entry for MSN was too time consuming. It will take me three years and I have already done 1.5 years (half way there!!!). I'm not going to lie, it is tough but it is so worth it. I have to sacrifice a lot (things like family get togethers, going to the gym 5-6 days a week, watching TV) are all put on the back burner. However, I am so glad I did it. When I am done, I will have a schedule that will allow me to be with my kids bc I plan on working overnights so that I don't have to leave them with anyone. I am also glad that I won't have any college loans to pay for either..If you have any questions, let me know!

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Thank you Glamourgirl44, J227 & Miss Willow.

I appreciate your feedback and am glad to know this is feasible with a ton of sacrifice. But, well worth it in the end. If I have any more questions, I know where to post!

Thanks again.

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