University of Toledo UT Direct Entry Master's MSN DEMS Gemini

[777RN]

Hello everyone!

I live in Southeastern Michigan and I'm considering the direct-entry MSN program at the University of Toledo. (My bachelor's degree is in accounting.)

I am currently working on a broad range of prerequisites, which I expect to complete in December 2009, to qualify for most of the RN programs in the area. I expect to achieve a 4.0 in prereqs and a 3.9 overall. I have recently completed a nursing assistant course, am working part-time in a long-term care facility as a nursing assistant, and have some recent hospital volunteer experience.

Can anyone advise as to the competitiveness of this program? What's the financial aid like? What is the interview like? What kind of weight is given to the recommendations? What's the program like? Is it possible, realistically, to work while in the program? For graduates of the program, if given the choice, would you do it all over again? Did having a master's afford better job opportunities as a new grad? And does anyone know if the program is full for Fall 2010 entry?

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

Best,

Wendy

[meghan_1215]

I still haven't received anything...anyone else get acceptance or denial letters in the mail?

[rrkeni]

I called the school and was told that now till the 15th of may is when they send out letters eithr by e-mail of by post. So if you've not received anything yet, it doesn't mean you didnot get in. We have to wait till the 15th.

[LBIHN]

My reply was due by May 10, so I would say that whoever declines their spot opens up a seat for the next on the list which is why May 15 would make sense.

I am unable to attend now so there is at least one spot that will open up for someone.

[creativetype2007]

I am sorry to hear you cannot go. Is all okay?

[LBIHN]

Yes, its just that I have been out of work for nearly a year. I got in the accel. BSN at U-Akron. It is 15 months and starts this Monday. I could not justify another $15K tuition (=more student loans to take out) and probably roughly $30K I would lose not working the extra 9 months that the program runs past the U-Akron one (total = $45K ). I think it would take me another 8-10 years to make that money up and break even, that is IF I got a leadership position after 5-10 years as an RN. Plus I think I want to be an NP or an NA, and I don't think much of the Master's coursework of the CNL would carry over. The sooner I am an RN and get some time in, the sooner I can apply and get in to a program. I would have to essentially do another Master's for either one. Believe me, it was VERY tough to come to this decision, but this recession has really kicked my butt financially and I need to get in and out fast to keep my house. Sorry gang . I do hope you all get in one way or another though.

[creativetype2007]

I was talking to U of T the other day and I thought the woman told me it was an 18 month program. Was that not accurate? Also, it sounds like not many people even use the CNL part and just use the RN and then go onto NP. The CLN is optional out in the real world if you ever want to use it. It's a seperate cert that you have the option to take.

How much is UT in state?

It's great you have choices either way!

[LBIHN]

Did anyone hear back yet?

[rrkeni]

I'm on the wait list. Anyone on wait list two? I f you didn't get areply in the mail it's best to call the school chances are that you're on the wait list. If you were denied, you would have gotten letter stating that. Anyways, what good is the wait list? I knew I shouldhave submitted my application package sooner than feb the first. It took them until march to process mine. Does anyone knows if being on the waitlist at UT is positive?

[creativetype2007]

Of course it is positive, there are probably MANY who didn't get on it at all. Not everyone excepts their invite so stay positive and follow up with them without annoying them. Can I ask how your GRE scores were? I am thinking about applying their for next year. Thank you and my fingers will be crossed for you to get in!!!

[rrkeni]

I have a master's degree in public health so I doubt if my GRE were considered. I didnot dothat well on the. Writing 4, mathl I think 489,verbal 480 or somthing like that. I don't quite remember. I had a 3.5 on my pre-requisites and I had taken courses like microbiology, organic chemeistry I&II, physics, statistics etc. The wait list is good if one actually gets called in but if no one gives up their spot then it's aggravating to know you have what it takes to get in and you didn't and the following year you have to reapply.I don't like the fact that there are no guarantees at all. I have till August the 18th to know if I'll be in or not. So how do I prepare? Am I in or not. Plus, I thing there are other people ahead of me on the list so nothing is certain. School starts on the 24th of august.

[creativetype2007]

I am going to be in the same position next year. We both have degrees in other fields and I have come to accept that going into the nursing field today is VERY competitive and I wish i could have realized this was something I wanted to do even 5 years ago, there was no compitition. For me, even though I prefer to get the BSN or MSN in nursing, I am purposely taking probably 4 extra classes to qualify for my local Associates program just in case which I know I'd get into. And you MUST apply to as many schools as you can so you have options and don't pin all your hopes on one school. Not sure if you did that but that is also key in my humble opinion. Lastly, GPA's have gone way way up. At my local community college, the cut off to get in was a 3.77. That to me is just crazy but that is what we are dealing with now with this crappy economy and everyone wanting to go back to school to be an RN.

[rrkeni]

Is anyone here on the wait list or was on the waitlist but was recently admitted? Please let me know.

Thanks