2009 UT AE MSN Students?

jensons1s · May 3, 2009

I am gonna graduate in Dec from nutrition at UT so I am gonna apply for 2010 in the cns track. But right now I am worried about my prereqs. did any of you who got in took distance learning courses from ACC? I am gonna take genetics at ACC but all they have is distance learning. Did anyone of you did that and still got in? Thanks.

futurelonghorncns · May 5, 2009

I graduated in Dec '09 from UT with a degree in Nutrition :) I also took several of my prerequisite classes at ACC. About 3 or 4 of them were distance learning. I do not think that this has any impact on your chances of getting in. Good luck :)

jensons1s · May 5, 2009

thanks futurelonghorncns, that makes me feel better.

and besides, do you guys volunteer in clinics and stuff like that? and for how long? there is no official requirement for this but i think they look at it, right?

MCNS2B · May 5, 2009

Hi Jensons1s!

I didn't do any of the classes online, but like futurelonghorncns said, I don't think it matters, especially since they give a list of distance learning classes that they suggest for people to take. I would think what matters the most is the grades you receive in the class - not where you took it.

I know they do look at volunteering... I asked on my phone interview... I volunteered at a local hospital, first on the maternity ward (doing more clerical work) then on the pediatrics floor as a child life services volunteer (basically playing with kids and ensuring mental comfort to both patients and family members)... I think the idea is to show you've been around a hospital and have a grasp of what actual nursing is, you know? I think if you started now, you'd be fine time wise.

Just so you know, getting into hospitals can be tricky and take a while. You usually have orientation, then an interview then can start, but the whole process can take a few weeks.

Hope this helps!!

~ Molly

jensons1s · May 6, 2009

May I ask what you guys wanna do when you get out of this program?

futurelonghorncns · May 6, 2009

I am not sure exactly what I want to do yet, maybe something in critical care or cardiology.

MCNS2B · May 7, 2009

I'm not really sure either... Once we get through the first year, I think I'll have a better idea of where I want to focus.

For you all that are going this year, did you get your fingerprinting back? I think you are both in Texas so you may have done the electronic kind but I'm not sure. I sent mine in on April 3 and they cashed my check on the 7th... then the BON said they LOST my fingerprints 3 weeks later. I had to call and have them search and they JUST put it in processing on the 26th. I called to check on it yesterday and they said it will take another 2-3 weeks to finish because DPS is behind... UGH!

Also, you see the schedule and text book list? Crazy!! I talked to someone in the program who said that they definitely recommend the Pathophysiology book by McCance. Said it was definitely helpful, even though its under the recommended list.

futurelonghorncns · May 19, 2009

I got my fingerprinting stuff back pretty quick, maybe 2 weeks or so?

Auughh! That textbook list is scary!! I don't even know where to start! Do you think we need all of them by the first day? I am hoping to try and find some of them online to save some money. Also, I found a few that are an edition older than what is on the list. I wonder if that is a big deal? Are you guys getting nervous? Only a couple weeks to go!!

MCNS2B · May 19, 2009

My fingerprints JUST got finalized on May 13th... pretty ridiculous if you ask me but whatever, its done.

The text book list is kind of ridiculous. I got them all on Amazon and Half.com... My boyfriend said that by NO MEANS should we go to the co-op and that their prices are just ridiculous... It was still expensive on the 2 websites but much less than it would have been otherwise.

I'm not sure if it would matter about older editions - it may since drugs and possibly procedures change with nursing each year... who knows though?

I'm getting a bit nervous, but that's probably b/c I'm moving out of my apartment tomorrow (yikes!) and starting my drive to Texas... I should finally be there by Saturday which will give me about 10 days to settle in.

Are you guys nervous?

futurelonghorncns · May 20, 2009

Definitely stay away from the Co-op, I would highly recommend buying the books online if at all possible. I am really starting to get nervous! I think it hit me today when I realized that we have orientation 2 weeks from now!! Did you find an apartment near campus?

MCNS2B · May 20, 2009

yeah, Tulane's bookstore was ridiculous so I assumed most other school's were as well. My boyfriend, who is at UT for his MBA, confirmed that for me by taking me on a tour of the co-op. Amazon and Half.com were pretty reasonable (in regards to textbooks and the fact that there were 12, not including the recommended ones).

I can't believe orientation is so soon too! I don't think it will actually set in until we show up on the 2nd. I'm totally nervous, but trying to distract myself with moving. Our schedule looks intense... but doable (hopefully).

I'm living in Hyde Park with my boyfriend. Its not super near campus but its across the street from. the RR bus stop, plus we have a huge backyard for our new puppy (I think I'm more excited about the new puppy than school right now haha)

Are you living near school?

futurelonghorncns · May 20, 2009

I love Hyde Park! Such a great neighborhood! That is awesome that you'll be right by the RR bus stop. I live near 38th and Lamar (by Seton hospital) so I am thinking I'll be biking most days as there isn't a great bus option. Congrats on the puppy! I really want one, but my boyfriend and I live in an apartment right now so I think that will have to wait until we get a house Have you started your reading assignment yet?! Haha! I couldn't believe that when we got that email!