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

[nes01]

I am a graduate of the UT (GEMINI) now CNL program. I graduated in 2007, before it changed to the CNL program, but I believe the curriculum is generally the same (from what I see on their website). Let me know if anyone has any questions

[creativetype2007]

I guess the obvious question is, how did you like the program? Glad you went and recommend it? I am thinking about doing a masters program or maybe just doing PA. I'd like to end up as a PA or NP. I know they a few bachelors in another field through NP programs now, like at Yale and univ of IL Chicago. Decisions decisions. : ) Thanks for your future comments. I look forward to your feedback.

[nes01]

Overall, I enjoyed the program very much. The faculty is amazing and always willing to help out. I was a biology major in college, so I did not find the program to be hard, but it was A LOT of work. I do not recommend trying to work and do this program at the same time. I have never had trouble finding a job and many of my classmates are enrolled in NP/CRNA programs. I would recommend this program to anyone who has a degree and is looking to do work in nursing.