I was surprised there wasn't already a thread for those applying to UPenn's direct entry program since the threads from previous years were so active, so I thought I would start one where this year's applicants could gather. :)
I'm just hoping to get to know some other applicants so we can support each other through this nerve wracking process! My name is Michelle and I am applying for the Nurse Anesthesia specialty, I'm in the process of working on my personal statement. Any others out there?
Hi saracee! Thanks so much for your response. I got in to the Pediatric Acute Care NP program and I was wondering what the work requirement is after completing the bsn? I know that for the acute care speciality, we're required to work before starting the MSN, but for how long?
Thank you so much for all that information, sarahcee! I'm curious to know what portion of students switch to different specialties from the ones they start off with, and how easy it is to make the switch while you're completing the BSN portion.
Hi saracee! Thanks so much for your response. I got in to the Pediatric Acute Care NP program and I was wondering what the work requirement is after completing the bsn? I know that for the acute care speciality, we're required to work before starting the MSN, but for how long?
Hi newmy123! Congrats on getting into Peds Acute Care! You have to work as a RN in an acute care setting for at least 12 months prior to starting the NP clinicals. That being said, I believe the clinical work doesn't start until the second semester of the masters program so you can start the coursework part-time while you work as a RN. If you work at one of the Penn associated hospitals, there is some kind of tuition benefit program which I think is the equivalent of one course per semester that they reimburse. CHOP is not a Penn hospital, but they do have a similar tuition benefit program that you can use for your MSN coursework at Penn. So in sum, you would finish your BSN December 2016, could start working as a RN by January or February (depending on when you take your NCLEX), and then potentially start the MSN part-time in September 2017.
Thank you so much for all that information, sarahcee! I'm curious to know what portion of students switch to different specialties from the ones they start off with, and how easy it is to make the switch while you're completing the BSN portion.
I can't give you real numbers on how many people switch, but maybe 20-25%? Many of my classmates are just ABSN students and are sub-matriculating into MSN specialties, and so those individuals clearly weren't as sure what they wanted to do. I know at least a handful of people who came into the program sub-matriculated into one specialty and have already decided to switch. As for myself, I knew I wanted to do Peds but was on the fence about acute care vs. primary care. After my Peds rotation, I was able to decide that I definitely wanted to stay in primary care. Anyhow, it is relatively easy to switch from one to another. That's one of the big pros about Penn I think. Most other similar programs lock you in to your specialty in the original application process, or make it very hard to switch. I know many people feel pretty strongly about their chosen specialty, but honestly it's hard to really know for sure until you've gotten some real experience and exposure in your clinical rotations. If you have more specific questions about what you're debating, I'm happy to try to help you answer those. Hope that helps!
Hi saracee! Thanks so much for your response! Is the Peds Acute NP program the only specialty that requires a year of work before the MSN? I sort of wish I could continue with my cohort (everyone who's starting this summer 2014)! Also, you mentioned that I would finish the BSN December 2016, but did you mean December 2015? This upcoming december is december 2014, then wouldn't I finish the following december, 2015? Then are you saying I could start working as a RN January 2016 and when could I start MSN classes part time?
Thanks Sarahcee for all your help! I'm wondering what my financial aid will be. I'm under 30, but married and considered in independent federally. I hope I get some grants and I'm wishing the same for everyone else! I think that is one of the biggest factors in my decision of where to go. I guess we'll find out next friday!
Hey guys I have been a big time lurker for the longest time. I got accepted to the AGNP program. And it's nice not to hide anymore from all of you! I'm deciding between this program at Columbia's ETP program.
Anyway, I have a question: What did you put as your grade status on FAFSA? Is it "5th year undergraduate" or "graduate" or something else? Please help me out. Thanks.
Hey guys I have been a big time lurker for the longest time. I got accepted to the AGNP program. And it's nice not to hide anymore from all of you! I'm deciding between this program at Columbia's ETP program.
Anyway, I have a question: What did you put as your grade status on FAFSA? Is it "5th year undergraduate" or "graduate" or something else? Please help me out. Thanks.
Your status should be 5th year undergraduate as we will be working toward our BSN!
Hi saracee! Thanks so much for your response! Is the Peds Acute NP program the only specialty that requires a year of work before the MSN? I sort of wish I could continue with my cohort (everyone who's starting this summer 2014)! Also, you mentioned that I would finish the BSN December 2016, but did you mean December 2015? This upcoming december is december 2014, then wouldn't I finish the following december, 2015? Then are you saying I could start working as a RN January 2016 and when could I start MSN classes part time?
Hi newmy. Actually, all of the acute care specialties require a minimum of 12 months of RN experience in an acute care setting. The only except is nurse anesthesia, which I believe requires 24 months. Everyone stays together for the BSN portion, but after that it's much more broken up I think. As you probably all know, Penn gives you 5 years to complete the MSN after graduating from the BSN program. It's an awesome benefit because it gives you a lot of flexibility, however that means that people do their own things and you don't stay together as a cohesive cohort. Some people will choose to work full time as an RN for a few years before returning for the MSN program. Others will work part-time and go to school part-time, and still others may decide they really love working as an RN and choose not get get their MSN. The age that most people are when they enter these sorts of programs (20s, early 30s) means that often their lives are in transition and they may have other family and personal considerations that factor into when and at what pace they work on their graduate degree. Also, unless you fast-track (which is only an option for PNP primary care and FNP specialties), nobody moves straight into the MSN after the BSN. All programs will either start the following summer or the following fall so there's a built in 5-9 month break for the vast majority of the cohort. I happen to be one of the few in my cohort that is fast-tracking, but there are only 8 of us in total out of 88. And of course once we are only doing MSN coursework we will only be in classes with others in our specialty. So long story short is that sadly people will go different ways after the BSN regardless, but the likelihood is that there will be at least some people on the same track as you.
As for your other comment, yes you are totally right! You'll have to forgive my error. You will finish the BSN December 2015 so you could start working as an RN as early as January 2016, and taking your PNP classes September 2016.
Thanks Sarahcee for all your help! I'm wondering what my financial aid will be. I'm under 30, but married and considered in independent federally. I hope I get some grants and I'm wishing the same for everyone else! I think that is one of the biggest factors in my decision of where to go. I guess we'll find out next friday!
My pleasure cchun! Unfortunately I really can't tell you what your financial aid might be -- you'll have to contact the two individuals in the financial aid office for that information. I can't post their names on this site, but here's a link with their contact information: Contact Us. The phone number for financial aid is 215-898-8191. Keep in mind though that we've been having some pretty serious storms on the East Coast, so it might take longer than usual for you to get a reply back. We had a snow day today!
Just as an FYI, the federal age to be considered financially independent (and not have to submit your parents' information) is 24. However, due to limited funding for accelerated students at the SON, Penn has upped that age to 30 years old. The only way to be considered financially independent in the ABSN if you are under 30 is if you are married, like you are cchun. So if your spouse is broke you should be good! haha. Once you are in the graduate program (MSN), you are automatically considered financially independent regardless of age. You also have access to the university endowment funds (not just SON funds) in the MSN, so there is a lot more grant and scholarship money available. In terms of federal loans, you are also eligible to take out a grad PLUS loan in the MSN, which covers WAYYYYYYY more than the federal undergraduate loan so you shouldn't have to take out any private loans at all for that part.
Financing the ABSN is tough, but PENN really does try their best to get you as much money as possible!
Wow, thanks Sarahcee for all the financial aid info! It's very helpful! I am hoping I get a lot because, yes, my husband is dirt poor, haha. That is because he's a medical student, i hope that doesn't somehow make us "less" poor because he's going to be a doctor. As of now, we are in debt due to his medical school loans, so I'm hoping they look at our finances and such, and not my parents (even though I had to send their info because I was under 30). I wish they could have changed their policy to say, "if you're over 30 OR married," you are not required to turn in your parent's info. Nonetheless, hoping they'll offer more like you suggested, due to us being married! Thanks again for your help and I'll try to contact the office when the weather gets a little better.
newmy123
43 Posts
Hi saracee! Thanks so much for your response. I got in to the Pediatric Acute Care NP program and I was wondering what the work requirement is after completing the bsn? I know that for the acute care speciality, we're required to work before starting the MSN, but for how long?