I am excited to say that I have been admitted to the Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP) at the UMass Worcester Graduate School of Nursing. I am in the Family Nurse Practitioner Track and am scheduled to begin in August of 2016.
I will be moving to Worcester from the Boston area with my girlfriend, and I am curious to connect to others who have been admitted to this cohort.
It would be great to just chat and get to know some people before the program starts, but I'm also trying to do some research on more logistical matters (housing, transportation etc.) and I'm really curious what people's plans are for the coming year.
Drop me a line if this message pertains to you, and maybe we can connect.
There's a fb group named "umass med gep class of 2019" but the description says 2020...if that's not it then I think making a group is a great idea.
Hi! So I'm a GEP 1 this year (Class of 2019), FNP Track. We were originally class of 2020, but they condensed the DNP to four years. We fixed our Facebook group. Sorry for the confusion!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. And of course, CONGRATS on your acceptances. It took a lot of work to get where you are right now. Don't stress too much about this coming August; relax and enjoy your Spring and Summer!
I am on the WAITLIST and freaking out because I have had a fair amount of rejections as well at this point....Anyone who got accepted and has already or is planning to give it up? Of course, congrats to you too!! I would just very much love to attend UMASS.
Hi everyone! I'm a bit late to this thread but I'm in for adult gerontology primary care track! I'm starting to do some research on housing and transportation in the Worcester area. Anyone planning to rely on public transportation? I currently don't own a car and would rather not get one if it's not necessary (at least for the first year). I'd also be interested in living with others who are in the program!
@thebigfreeze, I'm glad you posted on here! I've been wanting to speak to a current GEP student. I heard the first year is the most intense since you take so many classes. During my interview, I was told that we would start clinicals in the first semester, which is great! Are all of the clinicals at the Umass Memorial Center for the first year? Thanks in advance!
I can't say that I have utilized any public transportation this year. I think everyone in my cohort has their own car. It would be possible to carpool if you meet some cool people that don't mind, but clinical can require a decent amount of driving even during the first year. So as you probably know, the first year is dedicated solely to becoming an RN. They through some advanced assessment at you that will prepare you for your NP years, but for the most part, it's just cut and dry, fundamental nursing. The FIRST three-four weeks of class is called BLITZ. This is where you learn all about fundamental skills that you will utilize when you start clinical. You won't use all of these skills at first, but it's a nice introduction. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at first because of the sheer about of information being thrown around, but in reality, everyone makes it through OK!
Clinical starts immediately following blitz! What better way to learn, than trial by fire! My first clinical was in Milford, MA. It was about 30-33 minutes from my apartment (near the school). Many people are commuting (Rutland, Boston, Easthampton, etc.) so the travel time changes. Since my first clinical, I have been at UMass (University), so needless to say the drive is nice. It is a little different for everyone, but this is how my clinical was organized. Keep in mind you do NOT have a choice and they try to give you experiences based on your end track.
Clinical 1- Oncology/Med-surg (Milford) [Others did ortho/neuro/trauma]
Clinical 2- Cardiology (UMass Univ)
Clinical 3- Maternity (UMass Memorial)
Clinical 4- Pediatrics (UMass Univ)
Clinical 5- Rehab (Whitter) [Others did home health (community) or mental health]
Clinical 6- Psych (UMass Univ)
Blitz is nice because all you have to worry about are classes. It gets a little trickier when clinical starts. If you are decent with time management you will be just fine!
Thanks for the helpful information! It's nice to hear more detailed information about what to expect. Do most people live in Worcester or commute from the surrounding area?
Everyone else, I tried to start a FB group but you need to have another person already added in order to start it. If anyone wants to add me, I think it would be nice to have a place to "meet" each other!
Of course! I don't know if they are planning on changing anything, but it shouldn't deviate from that layout too much. Most people live nearby, but there are several commuters from surrounding areas. Most weeks you need to be on or around campus 5 days/week. The GEP-2 year incorporates time to work as an RN to meet your 1000 hours, so there are only ~2 days of class in your second year (so I hear). The second year will be much easier for commuters since they can work wherever they find a job (maybe close to home?)
My names Adam Bliss and I will be attending UMass Worcester in the fall for the Adult Primary Care, GEP program. I'm really excited to start the program, but nervous too. Currently I am a senior at UMass Amherst, studying Psychology. I have to figure out my living situation still, as home is about an hour away from campus. I was torn between programs originally, but once talking to current students and having my interview, UMass definitely won for me. From the program being great to the price being low, it eded up being an easy choice. Plus, from my UMass Amherst experience, I've learned what the UMass schools truly have to offer (and it's a lot!) I agree that we should utilize each other for support, studying and whatever else comes along! It'd be great to get to know some of you before the semester begins.
Becky you can add me or I will add you to get the group started! I'm Stephanie DiTommaso ( Stephanie Mia DiTommaso | Facebook ) facebook will be easier than keeping up with this thread.
Max does anyone work in your class at all? I know they say not to and I probably wouldn't M-F maybe just 1 shift a week on the weekend.
Congrats to all the people who posted their acceptance!! Great work you all!
Stephanie, I was wondering about working too. I was hoping I could switch to per diem or something and I am wondering if people in the class ahead of us work as well? Thanks a lot for your information, thebigfreeze!
Hey everybody, I found out that I got into Yale, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to go there, even though its more expensive. Max, I saw you posted on a 2015 Gepn board, what do you think about Yale's GEPN program vs The Umass GEP?
thebigfreeze
7 Posts
Hi! So I'm a GEP 1 this year (Class of 2019), FNP Track. We were originally class of 2020, but they condensed the DNP to four years. We fixed our Facebook group. Sorry for the confusion!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. And of course, CONGRATS on your acceptances. It took a lot of work to get where you are right now. Don't stress too much about this coming August; relax and enjoy your Spring and Summer!
Max