University at Buffalo ABSN 2021

Nursing Students School Programs

Published

Hi everyone! I am taking the prerequisites I need to apply to the University at Buffalo ABSN program, to hopefully start in May 2021. I was wondering if anyone has any idea which types of applicants tend to get in (what kind of experience they have, etc.), and how much they value healthcare experience. Any input at all about the program is greatly appreciated!

1 hour ago, noramaye said:

Morning! I got waitlisted as well - if you go through some of the previous posts in this thread  you’ll see details for taking pharm through Cayuga CC and Portage Learning

What was your pre-req GPA? I know 3 other people who got waitlisted as well. Second time applicants too. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
2 minutes ago, futurern319 said:

What was your pre-req GPA? I know 3 other people who got waitlisted as well. Second time applicants too. 

It's a 4.0 ? I've also published a Chemistry paper, but lack clinical experience.  Oh well, will apply to more programs next year if I don't get in this year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 minute ago, noramaye said:

It's a 4.0 ? I've also published a Chemistry paper, but lack clinical experience.  Oh well, will apply to more programs next year if I don't get in this year.

No way! That's crazy. I thought they were accepting people based off high GPAs but I guess not. I don't even know anymore LOL  

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Health & Human Services/Pre-Nursing.
2 minutes ago, noramaye said:

It's a 4.0 ? I've also published a Chemistry paper, but lack clinical experience.  Oh well, will apply to more programs next year if I don't get in this year.

Yeah from what I’ve heard from going to the info sessions and talking to people in the program, UB really looks at clinical experience. The admissions committee is mostly made up of nurses so they look for that kind of stuff. And I applied to a lot of other programs too and talked to some of my friends who are in or have graduated from ABSN programs and apparently a lot of schools are finding that sometimes students with little to no exposure to the clinical setting don’t know what to expect and end up dropping out because they realize a little too late that nursing isn’t for them. So UB is one of those schools that’s giving a lot of importance to that aspect of students. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just now, butfirstcoffee12 said:

Yeah from what I’ve heard from going to the info sessions and talking to people in the program, UB really looks at clinical experience. The admissions committee is mostly made up of nurses so they look for that kind of stuff. And I applied to a lot of other programs too and talked to some of my friends who are in or have graduated from ABSN programs and apparently a lot of schools are finding that sometimes students with little to no exposure to the clinical setting don’t know what to expect and end up dropping out because they realize a little too late that nursing isn’t for them. So UB is one of those schools that’s giving a lot of importance to that aspect of students. 

That makes sense!  Thanks for the input.  Trying to figure out avenues for clinical experience to take without leaving my full-time job - if anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Health & Human Services/Pre-Nursing.
9 minutes ago, noramaye said:

That makes sense!  Thanks for the input.  Trying to figure out avenues for clinical experience to take without leaving my full-time job - if anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. 

This is how I was able to get my clinical experience: I did some research online and found that certain positions don’t require much previous experience, like pct, nursing assistant, scribe, medical assistant, telemetry tech, etc. After I figured out what job openings to look for, I kept a close eye on the job postings for my local hospitals that I was interested in working in. I applied to any and all positions that were per diem since I was only going to be working during breaks while I was home and finally got an interview in the ICU. I aced my interview and got hired right after by my nursing manager as a pct. Once I got my foot in the door, a few months later I asked to be trained as a telemetry tech so I alternated between the floors and telemetry whenever I needed a little break. 
 

Once the pandemic is relatively under control (hopefully this Summer) or if you’re comfortable working now, I’d recommend you apply and see what happens! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for the input - I wasn't aware that some of the jobs don't require experience.  I will definitely start applying now as soon as I see something with weekend availability.  Thanks again!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Health & Human Services/Pre-Nursing.
5 minutes ago, noramaye said:

Thank you so much for the input - I wasn't aware that some of the jobs don't require experience.  I will definitely start applying now as soon as I see something with weekend availability.  Thanks again!!

Yeah of course! And look to see if there are any BLS (Basic Life Support) Training Sites near you and try to get that done too because you’ll need that for most of the jobs and if you’re already certified that’ll help your application! Normally colleges, fire departments, or even hospitals have it available to the general public. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 minute ago, butfirstcoffee12 said:

Yeah of course! And look to see if there are any BLS (Basic Life Support) Training Sites near you and try to get that done too because you’ll need that for most of the jobs and if you’re already certified that’ll help your application! Normally colleges, fire departments, or even hospitals have it available to the general public. 

Really cannot thank you enough for the feedback - just found a BLS class on 12/29!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Health & Human Services/Pre-Nursing.
7 minutes ago, noramaye said:

Really cannot thank you enough for the feedback - just found a BLS class on 12/29!

Anytime! Lmk if you have any other questions! Also just keep in mind that you’ll have orientation at the beginning (in class and on the floor you’ll be working in) so make sure you have some free time to make room for that. I’m not sure how the hospitals near you manage everything but most techs are students anyway so they probably have a system set in place. And once you start on your own, it’ll definitely be nerve-wrecking but the nurses are always helpful so make sure you ask for help whenever you need it! 
 

And I recommend taking the time to talk to people in other professions too, like the PAs or doctors if they’re not too busy.  Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up liking one of those paths more! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 hour ago, RN2B29 said:

Random questions:

1. Has anyone’s plan for completing remaining prerequisites changed since the time of your application? For example, you put down in your game plan to complete a course at school X but after reconsideration you are completing the prereq at school Y? From your experience is the program amenable to those changes?

2. Did anyone complete the optional scholarship piece?

Thanks @butfirstcoffee12 ? I'm never afraid to ask questions.  @RN2B29 sorry to bury your questions, I didn't have a response to either of them but for anyone else who might be able to provide feedback, I quoted them here.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just now, noramaye said:

Thanks @butfirstcoffee12 ? I'm never afraid to ask questions.  @RN2B29 sorry to bury your questions, I didn't have a response to either of them but for anyone else who might be able to provide feedback, I quoted them here.

I completed the optional scholarship pieces, but I didn’t hear anything about that in my decision letter

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment