UMass Worcester GEP

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Anyone else applying this cycle? I am applying for GEP to DNP (FNP track)

Or, I would love to hear from people in the GEP program/graduated from the GEP program about their experiences!

Ya I'm sure they will. Not sure if you're from around the area but with all of the snow and whatnot that could have caused some delays as well! Not concerned about it :)

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Hey all! I have an interview for FNP next week (it was originally the last week of Jan but had to be pushed back because of the snowstorm). I am on the west coast, so I have no idea what the facilities are like. I am pretty sure this is where I'll go if I get in... but any additional info people have that they could share about the program/facilities/area/cohort etc. would be awesome! :)

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Kerrjc - Yes I actually live in the Worcester area, and the whole snow situation is pretty crazy. I am sure it set them back a few days. Although in all honesty when I interviewed they had the wrong curriculum posted on the website (in fact I think they still do), showing a 5 year program but in reality they shortened it to 4 1/2 years and your not award the NP till completion. I feel like if they are going to redo the whole program they should at least post the correct information...which maybe makes me think they are a little disorganized.

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Hey all- congrats to those of you that have gotten into the program so far! I am a 1st year GEP student in my second semester. If you have questions about the program feel free to PM me.

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I have questions!! haha

What do you like about the program, and what would you change if you could?

How large is the cohort, and how large are each specialties? (interested in FNP, specifically)

What is the Worcester area like?

Is it easy to find housing near campus? What is a typical monthly rent?

What made you choose this program?

How are the professors? Is the teaching interactive, collaborative, engaging?

How do clinical placements work? Are they all local or will we need to plan to travel a little?

I will probably have more later... THANK YOU!

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I have questions!! haha

How large is the cohort, and how large are each specialties? (interested in FNP, specifically)

What is the Worcester area like?

Is it easy to find housing near campus? What is a typical monthly rent?

I will probably have more later... THANK YOU!

Hey Lumen, while I've only interviewed so far, they did tell me I'll know the decision tomorrow. Fortunately, I can also answer a couple of your questions. For cohorts, they admit 32 people each year. 12 FNP, 10 acute, 10 adult-primary. FNP is by far and away the most competitive since it receives the most applicants.

As for Worcester, I grew up in the area and it used to be a dump. Some gentrification has occurred in recent years and it's also gotten rid of some of the worst aspects like the summer nationals. The outlying burbs are somewhat boring, but again it's probably because I grew up in them. There's not as much to do there as there is in Boston, but Boston is just an hour away. Rent will be significantly cheaper in Worcester, but don't expect dirt cheap unless you've got roommates.

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This isn't exactly correct. This year I know we received a lot of Adult and Acute applications which was a pretty big difference from last year when there was a lot of FNP applicants. While I know our program tires to do the 10-10-12 split between the specialties thats not always how it works. There are only 6 acute students in my cohort of 28 not 32. We were told they chose to admit more Family students last year instead of adult and acute because the family students were better applicants. I think this year they've gotten significantly more applicants for acute and adult.

I think the program does a good job looking at the candidates as a whole and deciding who will be a good fit here (which is why its about WHO they admit then getting a perfect 10-10-12 specialty split. The program is wonderful and the faculty are supportive. Its been super fast paced and intense but i've enjoyed every minute of it!

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As for Worcester, its a fine place to be. I'm from the Chicago area so it cant really compare with Worcester. There seems to be things to do when we aren't busy in class or at the hospital :)

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Thanks for the clarification SWA, guess I was dealing with old info! I'm eagerly anticipating the phone call tomorrow. Do you happen to know on average how many people they interview?

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I think last year they pretty much only interviewed enough to make a wait list and a full class, they dont waste their time interviewing tons of people. Good luck! I hope you guys hear good news tomorrow!

PS- dont get discouraged if you dont hear right away- I think last year I didnt get a call until like 6pm. Those meetings can go super long!

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Oooh, one more question! Do you know what the cost of the overall program is now that it's 4.5 years instead of 3? It looks like it was $66k or so for three years so I'm just wondering how much the added year and a half tacks on.

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I don't know that- sorry :-/

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