UT Houston - Spring 2015 Accelerated

If those are your only two choices, I strongly encourage you to go with the BSN program. Entry-level MSN (ELM) grads are not doing well in the Houston job market. They are competing with a plethora of BSN grads. In our profession, graduate education is the level at which advanced education for clinical or functional (informatics, education, administration, etc) specialization occurs but this is not the case with ELMs so it does not add any value for employers. Hiring managers in my organization are just not interested in ELMs.

ELMs may also find themselves in a pickle if they try to become licensed in another state, because many NPAs require an undergrad nursing degree (Diploma, ADN, or BSN) to qualify for licensure.

Thank you.. I have heard something along those lines from a few different people so I think the BSN may be the way to go. It also looks much more affordable. I'm not necessarily planning on getting a nursing job in Houston, we'd like to stay here in Austin... But I do want to attend a good program.

I was also considering doing an ELM (UT Austin) but then heard about the MSN not being accepted toward becoming an NP. So, I decided on the BSN and then applying to a BSN to DNP program. I am also applying to UT Houston BSN (accelerated) for both spring and summer 2015. They are accepting applications for spring, summer, and fall 2015. I've completed all pre-reqs but may have to take one of two more classes ( TX government and medical terminology. ) before the program starts if I am accepted. I also have to retake my HESI. Good luck to you and we can communicate about this journey along the way!

MissKAL, when you say "MSN not being accepted" toward becoming an NP, what do you mean? Do you just mean that the MSN at UT doesn't have a pathway for NP or that other universities are not accepting it?

UT Houston school of nursing is now accepting summer, fall and spring for the pacesetter program ONLY. No more accelerated. This means, you have 4 semesters and the last semester is only clinicals (the life of a nurse). This is for a BSN. You must have the appropriate pre reqs and Hesi A2. Medical term. is not a pre req

Thanks for the clarification on the accelerated program - this is not clear from their website. I like the pacesetter format so I am fine with losing the option of the accelerated program. Hoping to apply for summer of 2015. Struggling to get the pre-reqs done with a full time job and travel. I should just get brave and quit my job but I have expensive habits (food, shelter, etc).