Univ of Penn Accelerated program and Master's, family/program info

[nvsmom]

I'm trying to understand more about this program. I've been to the school's website and read some threads on here about the program...there are 2 different dates to start the program. One in Summer (1.5 years) and Fall (2 years). Does this include earning a Master's degree by the time you are finished with the program?

I've read some posts where people are stating they have chosen their area of specialty to become a nurse practitioner...is the program 18 mos or 2 years for that, too? (does it include that)

With financial aid, I was reading they are a no-loan policy school. So they will take your income and expenses into consideration when enrolling in the program...which means a FREE education?

I also have a family...how are those with families holding up? I'm also a single mother, and my kids will be 4 and 6 by the time I will be able to apply for the next cohorts (summer or fall). How are clinicals? I know I would have to make arrangements for before and after school care and maybe a babysitter on the weekends if I have clinicals.

If you are in the program or have gone through the application process or graduated...please give me some information! I thank you in advance.

[amojo99]

i applied to the program.

the start dates for the program depend on how many prereqs you have completed before you enroll. those that start in the summer have taken more prereqs, and complete their BSN in 18 months. the fall start is more like a regular 2 year program in a sense, and is not accelerated.

with the program, you can apply to just do the BSN, or apply to the BSN/MSN. so in those threads where people were declaring their specialty, they have applied to the BSN/MSN programs, where after you complete the BSN, you continue on to a master's program. the benefit is that here you apply and are accepted with one application, and can continue straight through your BSN with an MSN (actually, penn gives you five years to finish the MSN). these programs can take i think anywhere from 16 mos to 2 year to complete, depending on your specialty. additionally, some specialties require work experience between the BSN and MSN so that extends the time before you become an advanced practice nurse.

penn does have a no loan policy for the undergrad portion, and the financial aid package has been very generous. i don't have kids, but i have been making under $20K since i went back to school. my package didnt consist of no loans exactly, but all but my efc was basically a grant. the room and board situations was loans though, but i'm not complaining.

PM me for more info.