I recently had a former classmate ask me about NYU College of Nursing – Accelerated 15 Month Program. I felt that she had some good questions and thought that others may benefit from this information. Feel free to contact me directly at jesschang07@gmail.com for any other questions or comments. At the time of writing this information, I have completed my 3rd out of 4th semester through the program.
Where did you take your prerequisites?
I took my prerequisites at my first college. However, you can take nutrition and lifespan development online and other courses at any accredited community college or university.
Is the program really intense or is doable?
The program is intense, but it is also very doable. You will learn how to balance your school-home-social life.
How much of the 15 month program is actual lecture and how much is clinical? What is the schedule for classes?
It is about half and half. Two days are clinical days and two days are lecture days. For example, Monday and Wednesday are lecture days. Each class is about 3 hours long, except for Integrative Seminar, which is a class developed for students and the professor to give feedback to each other and gain a greater understanding of nursing . Then Tuesdays and Thursdays are clinical/simulation days. Each class has a slightly different clinical schedule.
How much is the program? How much is tuition? Are there scholarships?
As of December 2011, tuition is about $19,000 per semester. The program is 4 semesters. Scholarships are available, especially through HSRA. However, I know that most students take out a student loan.
Where do you do clinicals?
I have done my clinical at New York Presbyterian – Cornell (GI), Bellevue (oncology), NYU Langone Medical Center (telemetry), Hebrew Home (rehab and dementia), a local housing site (psych), Mount Sinai (Maternity), and Maimonides (pediatrics). In the spring, I will be at Lenox Hill Hospital and a community health center in Chinatown. You will be able to pick where you want to do your clinical. It is also recommended to go to different hospitals (private and public) to get a feel for the differences in the hospitals.
What is the schedule like for simulation days?
During the 1st semester, the simulation day is from 7:30am – 2:30pm including a 1 hour lunch break. It is crucial to review the skills by reading the book and watching the videos so that you are prepared to do those skills during class.
During the rest of the time at NYU, the simulations are 3 hours long. There is a scenario posted on Blackboard and pre-simulation questions that must be completed and submitted 48 hours before simulation.
Is 15 months = 4 semesters?
Yes.
Do they expect you to remember a lot from the prerequisites?
It is strongly recommended that you understand anatomy and physiology for a first semester class called pathophysiology. If you do not remember, then you will have to play catch up during the semester.
Nutrition will be helpful as well. Understand the basics of microbiology and lifespan development. Chemistry – you should understand osmosis. Statistics will play a bigger role in Introduction to Research (taken 2nd semester), but a quick refresher is provided at the beginning of the semester.
How are the professors? The exams? The grading? The amount of homework/studying?
I believe all professors are doctorate prepared. Majority of them are great – they care deeply about their subject. The exams and grading are fair. During non-exam weeks, I study and do homework for about 10-15 hours per week. I begin to prepare for exams one week in advance and study for 30-40 hours that week. Most classes also have podcasts available. Some podcasts are directly from the lecture and other podcasts, the professor expects you to listen to them before the exam (they aren’t discussed in class).
Do you recommend the school and program?
Yes. Make sure your finances are okay first though because it is a big investment.
(Edit 2/7/15) I made a video and wrote a post on how to figure out if you can afford going to NYU. I did this because I’ve had many emails asking the same thing. I hope this helps!
How does specialization work with nurses anyway?
Once you graduate, you will become a BSN, RN. You can choose any field that interests you. If at any point you want to change, you can change fields without consequences. Dr. Ea wrote a book called 201 Careers in Nursing, which goes to show you the width and depth of nursing. Johnson & Johnson has also created a fantastic website on exploring nursing specialties, detailing the setting, education you’d need, the typical salary, job characteristics, and some nurses’ stories about the field. To specialize as a RN, you will do certificates. To further specialize, you can return to school for Masters, DNP, and PhD.
What is the dual degree program? When do you apply for it?
NYU College of Nursing allows students to apply for the dual degree program in their 2nd and 3rd semester. It allows students to work for a year after graduation, and return to NYU for their Masters of their choice.
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For current new graduates and NYU Nursing students, I wrote a brief outline of what you can do for you to get a job shortly after graduation. Good luck!