Is Nursing for Me? FAQs

1) How can I learn more about nursing?

The first step in determining if Nursing is for you is to educate yourself about Nursing job tasks and responsibilities. We recommend that you review these web sites to learn more about the Nursing profession:

http://www.nursema.org/index.html At The Massachusetts Center for Nursing (MCN) you will find advice on nursing opportunities in Massachusetts, on how to becoming a nurse or nursing faculty, information for nurses educated outside of the U.S., and much more.
http://www.discovernursing.com/nursing-the-basics2 At Discover Nursing you will find everything you need to start or continue your nursing career, including information on nursing programs, scholarships, and schools.
http://www.nsna.orb/about-us.asp At the National Student Nurses Association site you will find information for students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses along with many other resources, including foundations, scholarships, and career opportunities.

A starting source to learn about Nursing careers, future growth trends and pay scales for different types of Nurses, review the Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing also has valuable information and links to resources you can explore. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ See their link on the Nursing Shortage.

2) What are the different Nursing specialties?

Visit these web sites to learn about the diverse specialties and opportunities in Nursing. Remember, you don’t have to choose a specialty - general trained Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are in high demand. http://www.nursingspectrum.com/ and http://www.nurseweek.com/career/

3) I think I want to become a Nurse – how can I get started at UMass Boston?

If you decide that Nursing is for you and want to determine if UMass Boston can help you reach your educational goals – come and visit us! We suggest that you attend an Information session or Open House to learn more about our programs. You will also have a chance to talk with people who can answer your questions.

Undergraduate Information Sessions areheld on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Call 617-287-6000 to find out the dates and to reserve a space.
Graduate Information sessions are hosted by CNHS on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Call 617-287-7500 for details & to reserve a spot. If you cannot attend on a Wednesday, email the Masters Program Director or PhD Program Director to discuss your situation.

4) What programs does UMass Boston CNHS offer?

Undergraduate:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Masters:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner
Acute Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

Post Masters Certificate programs:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner
Acute Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

PhD:
Health Policy