I've been researching the FNP program at UMass Boston and considering applying there for the Fall 2014 semester.
It seems like the best financial decision, but I have not heard much either way regarding the program. Is it competitive to get into? Is there something I'm missing. I've looked at other schools and some are nearly double the price...
Hoping for some feedback for others that have attended or have thoughts...
I looked into the FNP program at UMass Boston as a post-masters certificate student. Having earned both my MSN (PMHNP) and DNP predominately online, I am pretty familiar with how online programs work. After a few interactions with the program staff/advisors, I quickly lost interest. I found that they weren't quick to respond to e-mails (strange for an online program) and further found that their responses rarely ever answered my questions. I got the feel that there isn't much of an individual approach to student interactions and that they are a bit more commercial/business oriented than they are student centered. This was only my initial experience in exploring the program and I have no experiences with the quality of instruction, etc. I think that it largely depends on what you are looking for from a program, but I would encourage you to reach out to the advisors at any program you are considering and get a feel for the environment, also don't hesitate to reach out to faculty at the program as well - I have found this to be a great barometer of the experience you will have as a student. Best of luck!
I also applied for the Fall 2014 FNP program. I have had one undergrad transcript sent three times and for some reason, they never get it. I finally had it sent again (!) and also to my home and I received it. I have called the graduate admissions office, emailed, and called and e-mailed the woman responsible for my file (as assigned via the first letter of my last name) and NADA. ZILCH. ZERO. Not only can I not get in touch with anyone, but nobody will call me back. I understand that they are busy, but this is insanity.
Tomorrow I am debating whether or not to personally go hand in my transcript. Part of me wants to do it given the price of the program, however, another part of my abhors this "get what you pay for" mentality. Every other school I have applied to (albeit private and much more expensive) has responded in a timely, friendly, accommodating manner to my questions, concerns and requests. I expect this behavior from any school that I'm willing to drop thousands on. UMass just isn't measuring up in this regard.
I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time with the application process there. That is unfortunate to hear. If I was you, I'd personally deliver the transcript myself. The education is of utmost importance, but I don't want to blow all my savings on school either so UMass seemed like the best option.
I also applied for the Fall 2014 FNP program. I have had one undergrad transcript sent three times and for some reason, they never get it. I finally had it sent again (!) and also to my home and I received it. I have called the graduate admissions office, emailed, and called and e-mailed the woman responsible for my file (as assigned via the first letter of my last name) and NADA. ZILCH. ZERO. Not only can I not get in touch with anyone, but nobody will call me back. I understand that they are busy, but this is insanity.
Tomorrow I am debating whether or not to personally go hand in my transcript. Part of me wants to do it given the price of the program, however, another part of my abhors this "get what you pay for" mentality. Every other school I have applied to (albeit private and much more expensive) has responded in a timely, friendly, accommodating manner to my questions, concerns and requests. I expect this behavior from any school that I'm willing to drop thousands on. UMass just isn't measuring up in this regard.
I also applied to the Fall 2014 FNP Program and am having problems with communication as well. When I check online it says that I'm missing a recommendation letter from one person, though she says she sent it in (and I have no reason not to believe her). It does say that they have received 3 recommendations, though one says it's from "Bizbub" and I have no idea what that could mean. I received an email, last week I think, stating it's in review with the committee and they were just waiting on that recommendation. I've emailed a few times (both the general graduate admissions email and the specific person responsible for my application), and also called the person responsible for my application (last name begins with M), and haven't received any contact back. So, I don't know if the mystery recommendation is from the person that it shows up missing from, or what happened. I'm not too impressed with their lack of communication.
To those that have applied to the FNP program at UMass Boston- What is the typical tuition? I understand the per credit cost, but imagine there are many other costs r/t the program...does anyone have an estimate? I've been looking online, but am having a hard time trying to come up with solid numbers.
To those that have applied to the FNP program at UMass Boston- What is the typical tuition? I understand the per credit cost, but imagine there are many other costs r/t the program...does anyone have an estimate? I've been looking online, but am having a hard time trying to come up with solid numbers.
Hi Cindy-20, I applied for Fall also. I found the tuition costs kind of confusing since there are curriculum & service fees each semester.
So, I got accepted. I'm glad to have acceptance somewhere as I'm still awaiting my acceptance (hopefully) from Boston College. My #1 choice is Simmons and the application date is 6/1, so I just need to wrap up that application and send it in. I am also applying to MGH, but decided to apply for the ACNP program at that school versus the FNP that I have applied for at the others. I'm kind of torn between the two - I have vent/trach/02 experience, etc. which technically is critical care, but haven't worked in a facility.
Either way, I feel as if I know entirely too little about this program to make a decision right now. My husband and I decided that I should pay the $250 deposit to keep my spot and wait to hear from Simmons, MGH and BC. I hate throwing money away but this is a big decision and a few hundred wasted bucks in order to buy time and do more research on the programs seems worth it. Especially since this is the cheapest program I applied to, so I don't want to miss the opportunity.
I'm trying to look up info sessions for each program and attend them...any other advice on where to find info for this program?
So, I got accepted. I'm glad to have acceptance somewhere as I'm still awaiting my acceptance (hopefully) from Boston College. My #1 choice is Simmons and the application date is 6/1, so I just need to wrap up that application and send it in. I am also applying to MGH, but decided to apply for the ACNP program at that school versus the FNP that I have applied for at the others. I'm kind of torn between the two - I have vent/trach/02 experience, etc. which technically is critical care, but haven't worked in a facility.
Either way, I feel as if I know entirely too little about this program to make a decision right now. My husband and I decided that I should pay the $250 deposit to keep my spot and wait to hear from Simmons, MGH and BC. I hate throwing money away but this is a big decision and a few hundred wasted bucks in order to buy time and do more research on the programs seems worth it. Especially since this is the cheapest program I applied to, so I don't want to miss the opportunity.
I'm trying to look up info sessions for each program and attend them...any other advice on where to find info for this program?
I also applied to the BC FNP program, I called last week to check on the status of application decisions and they said that they'll be emailing them before the end of this month, so hopefully that's true and we'll be hearing tomorrow. That may make your deposit decision a little bit easier. Good luck!
Holy cow, that's like TODAY. I have a feeling the deposit for BC will be much more than UMB which scares me because I would like to hold my spot until the Simmons and MGH decisions come in. Then I can decide not only where to go, but whether to do ACNP or FNP.
Ha, as long as no big career decisions need to be made! Thanks for giving me a heads up on the BC info!
I ended up getting into Umass Boston despite the issue with my recommendation (see above), I had pretty much given up because they weren't very responsive to my questions about that, but I checked my portal last week and found out. I still haven't gotten the actual letter in the mail.
I'm sure it probably will be more, the Simmons deposit was $750! I'm pretty sure my top choice is BC, as that's where I did my undergrad, but I have a deposit down at Simmons to hold a spot there at least until I find out. I had originally applied to their dual program with Harvard school of public health, so I was able to hear about Simmons in March instead of waiting until after the June 1 deadline.
I ended up getting into Umass Boston despite the issue with my recommendation (see above), I had pretty much given up because they weren't very responsive to my questions about that, but I checked my portal last week and found out. I still haven't gotten the actual letter in the mail.
I'm sure it probably will be more, the Simmons deposit was $750! I'm pretty sure my top choice is BC, as that's where I did my undergrad, but I have a deposit down at Simmons to hold a spot there at least until I find out. I had originally applied to their dual program with Harvard school of public health, so I was able to hear about Simmons in March instead of waiting until after the June 1 deadline.
Maybe they mailed it all out?? I better hop to my Simmons and MGH apps.
Also, have you been successful in finding overall costs for the programs? I have the cost per credit I do, but didn't know if you have received info that may be more comprehensive?
MBrickle
462 Posts
I also applied for the Fall 2014 FNP program. I have had one undergrad transcript sent three times and for some reason, they never get it. I finally had it sent again (!) and also to my home and I received it. I have called the graduate admissions office, emailed, and called and e-mailed the woman responsible for my file (as assigned via the first letter of my last name) and NADA. ZILCH. ZERO. Not only can I not get in touch with anyone, but nobody will call me back. I understand that they are busy, but this is insanity.
Tomorrow I am debating whether or not to personally go hand in my transcript. Part of me wants to do it given the price of the program, however, another part of my abhors this "get what you pay for" mentality. Every other school I have applied to (albeit private and much more expensive) has responded in a timely, friendly, accommodating manner to my questions, concerns and requests. I expect this behavior from any school that I'm willing to drop thousands on. UMass just isn't measuring up in this regard.