Chat Session Transcript
Accelerated BSN Program Information & Questions
April 17, 2007

Question: Hello. I was wondering what separates UNC's nursing program from other top nursing school programs.
Answer: We are part of a major research one university situated in a unique area with access to Research Triangle Park, three major hospitals (Duke, Wake Med, UNC-H) for clinicals, proximity to schools of medicine, pharmacy, public health, dentistry, etc. We also have nationally known faculty to teach, excellent skills labs for training and a reputation for graduating highly skilled nurses.

Question: Hi, I have a question about the US cultural diversity requirement for second degree students. I am not sure whether any of the classes I took for my BA at UNC (1996 graduate) can be used to fulfill this prerequisite. Is there a place on line where I can see which classes are applicable?
Answer: Since you already have an undergraduate degree from UNC-CH, it is assumed you have met all graduation requirements so you do not have to provide specific course information about that. I am sure you took an acceptable course.

Posted Message: If you are uncertain about whether or not you have taken acceptable courses already, you can send me copies of all your transcripts with the transfer evaluation request form (available at our website) attached and I will let you know where you stand on prerequisites.

Question: What percentage of your Accelerated BSN admitted students attended UNC for their first degree?
Answer: We do not really have any figures on that. We have applicants each cycle who have graduated from UNC but they do not receive any preference in the review process.

Question: Are there only nursing faculty in the admissions committee or are there staff/students/other administration as well?
Answer: Our faculty serve on the admissions committees

Question: Could you provide an estimate of how many hours per week are spent in classroom instruction and clinicals during the 14 month program?
Answer: We tell prospective accelerated students to be able to set aside on a daily basis 7 am - 11 pm for some sort of participation in the option. Clinicals can be 2-4 days per week and classes are usually 2+ days per week. Also you will have skills lab sessions in addition to reading, research and studying. It is comparable to at least a full time job plus class preparation.

Question: Approximately how many students are in an average BSN classroom course and do you have teaching assistants that teach courses as well as the faculty?
Answer: Some of our classes will be comprised of the entire entering cohort of 110 since accelerated and 24-month students take some classes together. These are mainly lectures. Some classes may only have the 30 accelerated students. Classes are held for the most part only once each week for a 3 hour session but offer smaller break-out sessions or study/review sessions at other times. Some classes are in an on-line format though not a substantial number. Teaching assistants offer review sessions or tutoring sessions and assist with skills lab teaching. Lectures and taught by faculty and guest speakers.

Question: In one of the presentations available for viewing online, it was suggested that N253 and N261 could be taken before beginning the program in order to lighten the first semester load. Are there local institutions offering equivalent courses for transfer credit?
Answer: You should be able to find acceptable classes that would exempt you from those classes in the curriculum. Upon admission, you should present the syllabi from any Nursing courses already completed and our faculty will review them for possible credit towards the courses in the curriculum. If they are accepted, you will receive placement credit for our required course. I will be glad to help you select appropriate classes. Final acceptance is dependent on faculty review but some classes have been consistently accepted in the past.

Question: Are the online courses a required part of the 14 month program curriculum?
Answer: Yes. Mostly the format is on-line with class meetings scheduled as needed. It is the only way to cover all the material in the time allowed.

Question: When are the applications available for the 2008-2009 program options?
Answer: The application for January 2008 admission will be due August 10, 2007 and should be available in June 2007. The application for May 2008 admission will be due January 10, 2008 and should be available in Oct. 2007. As far as I know the January 2009 and May 2009 applications will follow the same schedule.

Question: Thank you for making this chat available.
Answer: You are very welcome. If you have additional questions you can contact me directly at sonugadmissions@unc.edu or visit the next session.

If you have any specific questions not answered in the transcripts, please contact sonugadmissions@unc.edu.

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