UMass Boston Accelerated BSN Nursing Program Question

[kerrierou]

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 =)

[BrittanyCooper]

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.

I am looking to aply to the accelerated program for next year. I am debating whether or not to do that or the regular program. I am concerned about working and if it is possible. Also what are some options to do while in the program for work.

Are you working?

[HesterPrynne123]

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!

Hi! I already have a BS in Biology from Salem State, but am looking to go back there for nursing. When you say competitive, how competitive do you mean? I graduated with a 3.59 GPA, and am a Hospice volunteer. I am wondering what else I should do to make myself look good! :)