University of Massachusetts Lowell

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 21, 2006

Hello My, I attended one semester at Umass Lowell. It is the MOST disorganized, frustrating, not to meniton expensive schools!!! The financial aid people told me the wrong amount of money to take out for loans, I had to pay about 3,000 out of pocket because of it and it took about a yaer to do that! Not to mention you go to one department so they can tell you you need to go to another department, so they can tell you you need to go to another department... and so on. If you do not want a big headache do not go to UMASS Lowell!!! Who knows maybe things have changed an they have started to train their employees...

Rivier has one of the lowest NCLEX pass rates in teh state, check out NH board of nursing web site. and I am not sure about Fitchburgh State.

Sorry to be so negative, but I am just giving my oppinion.

Swtooth

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 21, 2006

IMO I think most people would say just about any nursing school is disorganized. I went to Umass Amherst and it was just as disorganized as Lowell. I don't know too much about UML, but I have heard that their nursing program is pretty good. Sorry I don't have much info. Good luck!

ladybugsea · Jan 2, 2007

I went to UML for grad school, in another field. I hated the department (mathematics), but it seemed like an okay school and was so much cheaper than a private college. I'm currently in an ADN program at NECC. My first choice was UML, but after I learned how difficult it was to get in, and that they wouldn't transfer my prereqs (A&P etc) that I was taking at a community college (their accreditation won't let them accept CC credits from someone who already has a BS), I decided on the CC route. UML has a long wait list, and you basically have to wait for a spot. It could take years and years... Good luck!

wackyj2000 · Jan 4, 2007

MY3KIDS.... You should try applying to Lawrence Memorial/Regis College of Nursing. They have one of the best ASN programs around. The clinicals are in medford MA, also. I applied and am waiting to hear back for next year. They have a 95% pass rate for the NCLEX which is fascinating. Very small school and the clinicals with groups of people are very small also.. Best of luck!

my3kids · Jan 6, 2007

Thanks for all the responses!! I, too, have had a tough time deciphering UMass' program - lots of different responses, but hope to sort it out soon. Hopefully, more people will respond to this link with any info on UMass/Lowell or any other schools in Mass....

DDRN4me · Jan 12, 2007

my 3 kids... i have not had good experiences with the nsg program at uml...i am taking my last class at rivier now for my bsn...although they are a tad expensive they do have good financial aid and payment plans AND more importantly a wonderful, caring faculty!! i have nothing but good things to say about all of the instructors. as for the nclex scores, they are aware of that and the program has a new director and they are actively working to improve that.

Regis also has a good reputation. Fitchburg is a great program and not as hard to negotiate as lowell.. good luck!!!!

kitten0509 · Jan 23, 2007

Hi There,

I am currently in the nursing program at UMass Lowell and so far I love it. I have a BS in psych from Syracuse and believe me, they sent me running from dept to dept there too... I think you will find that at any university. In addition, I'm not sure why the above posted that her credits were not accepted from CC, and my A&P 1 and 2 were both accepted from Middlesex CC and I also have a prior BS. In fact, I am managing to complete my 2nd BS in 2 years as they accepted most of my undergrad liberal arts credits. If you would like to know some more specific info about UML, I'd be happy to give it to you. Just a warning, I barely got into the program with a 3.5. It is extremely difficult and they're more than selective. Good luck!

Anne

JeJeBee · Jan 28, 2007

Hey there! I also attended a semester at UML and was more than frustrated at how disorganized and difficult it was to get into the nursing program. Once I found out that there was a looong wait-list for the program, I applied to Rivier and Regis/Lawrence-Memorial (both are ADN programs). I was impressed by both; but ended up at Lawrence-Memorial and absolutely loved the program...although it's a bit more expensive than a state or community school. Good luck!

NurseNighting · Dec 15, 2009

I am currently attending UMass-Lowell (UML). I notice that the posts here are from a few years ago and pertained to the undergrad program. My experience has been very different from those portrayed here. I actually am out of state at UML because during the application process, they were VERY organized and there were no time delays when I was waiting, waiting, waiting for the next step as happened with other schools I applied to.

I was eventually accepted to all the schools I applied to and chose a school different from UML. The school I chose was extremely disorganized and I had delay after delay during the acceptance -> registration process. When I got an email from them that indicated classes would not run if they did not have enough students enrolled, I jumped ship. Luckily the UML boat had not already sailed and I was able to switch.

I have not regretted that decision once! :redpinkhe Everything at UML so far has been smooth sailing and I feel like I am getting a good solid education.

I guess everyone's experience is different - maybe it is a good idea to apply to lots of different schools so you have a basis of comparison when deciding where to go.

SammyRN2012 · Mar 19, 2010

I'm not sure where you got your stats from, but Rivier certainly doesn't have the lowest passing rate. They actually are doing great.

Check out the link below:

http://www.nh.gov/nursing/education/documents/January2010RollingQuarterRNPassRates.pdf