Ask Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the University provide accommodations for students with disabilities?
2. How safe is the East Baltimore campus and is it safe to walk/drive to campus?
3. What is the typical weekly schedule for a Traditional first-year nursing student?
4. Where does JHUSON stand in developing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)?
5. What kind of international experiences are available to baccalaureate students at JHU SON?
6. If I am interested in pursuing a master's degree, and have been accepted to the BSN program, but I have not taken the GRE yet. When would you recommend taking the GRE and applying for the MSN programs at JHU, and do I need to re-write application essays and get new recommendations?
7. What is the class size, instructor to student ratio?
8. How can I communicate with other prospective or incoming students?
9. What are the pros and cons for choosing the accelerated program versus traditional?
10. Where are the majority of clinical placements for JHU SON students? Are they accessible if I don't have a car?
1. Does the University provide accommodations for students with disabilities??
Yes. Once a student is admitted and prior to their enrollment at the School of Nursing, they should submit a comprehensive evaluation indicating the diagnosed disability as well as the recommendation for reasonable accommodations.
This document should be submitted to Dean Sandra Angell, Associate Dean for Student Affairs.More information may be found at www.nursing.jhu.edu/academics/apply/disability/.
2. How safe is the East Baltimore campus and is it safe to walk/drive to campus?
The JHU School of Nursing is located just east of downtown Baltimore and is surrounded by several neighborhoods with a diverse history and culture, including Fell's Point, Butcher's Hill, and Middle East.
One of the most notable features of the area surrounding the hospital and schools is the large number of abandoned row homes. This is a reflection of both the poverty of East Baltimore, as well as new development and construction.
As in any large city, you have to make smart choices regarding your own safety. Hopkins security officials recommend not leaving any valuables in your car, and parking on the street in the surrounding neighborhoods is discouraged. Also, an escort service is provided for students and staff in the evenings to move around the campus. If you choose to live close to campus and walk to school, try to walk in groups with other students. Also, instead of driving to campus, take advantage of the free shuttle services that Johns Hopkins offers.
For more information on security issues and shuttle services: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/security/index.htm.
3. What is the typical weekly schedule for a Traditional first-year nursing student?
The schedule for a first year student may vary slightly according to how many credits (electives) you need, and your clinical assignment. The first semester, most students are in class three days a week, and have clinical assignment on the fourth day. Second semester, classes are two full days a week, and two full days of clinical. Most classes are held between 8:30 and 6:30, but some electives are offered in the evenings.
4. Where does JHUSON stand in developing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)?
Dean Martha N. Hill has named a task force of SON faculty and students, as well as a representative of the Johns Hopkins Hospital nursing department, to examine issues related to the DNP and to make recommendations to the School of Nursing deans. Co-chairing the group are Anne E. Belcher, senior associate dean for academic affairs, and Phyllis W. Sharps, associate professor.
The group is examining DNP programs at other nursing schools and is expected to advise on whether Hopkins should develop a DNP program at this time and, if so, recommend models for a Hopkins DNP. To learn more about the DNP at Hopkins click here
5. What kind of international experiences are available to baccalaureate students at JHU SON?
Student Leadership Rotations: Each year, a handful of students travel abroad to complete the final 200-hour clinical rotation required to receive their degree.
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT): Top-notch students from populations that experience health disparities, economic disadvantage, or under representation in health research career fields may travel abroad for research training. Students work with faculty members to gain experience in literature review, data collection, research methodologies, writing results, and presenting at research conferences.
6. If I am interested in pursuing a master's degree, and have been accepted to the BSN program, but I have not taken the GRE yet. When would you recommend taking the GRE and applying for the MSN programs at JHU, and do I need to re-write application essays and get new recommendations?
The wonderful aspect of the BS to MSN option, besides its flexibility, is that it allows you to apply to both degrees at one time using the same application, letters of recommendations and essay! If you apply for the BS to MSN but have not yet taken GRE's, the Admissions Committee will make a decision and notify you regarding the baccalaureate portion of your application. That way the class will not fill up prior to us receiving your GRE's!
When we do receive your GRE's, the Admissions Committee will make a decision and notify you when a decision is reached. Very often we do not receive the GRE's until a student matriculates and enrolls in the School of Nursing. If a student completes the BS in Nursing and then decides to pursue the master's degree program, a new application including new essays and recommendation letters are required.
7. What is the class size and instructor to student ratio?
Incoming classes are divided into two sections of approximately 75 students for lecture classes. The ratio for clinical is one instructor to six or seven students, and for labs, slightly smaller.
8. How can I communicate with other prospective or incoming students?
A special discussion forum has been set up for recently accepted students. On the right side of the JHUSON homepage, click on "I am an accepted student." Then click on "Discussion Forum" in the blue links on the left. Or simply bookmark this page: http://www.nursing.jhu.edu/board/display_forum.asp?fg=176&fid=232
9. What are the pros and cons for choosing the accelerated program versus traditional?
The greatest difference between the accelerated and traditional programs is the length of the program. The content, classes, and clinical requirements are exactly the same, just the schedule of classes change. Accelerated students have shorter winter break, and no summer.
The benefit of the accelerated program is that you can graduate with a BS in Nursing in only 13.5 months if you have a previous degree. This may be particularly appealing if you are considering moving directly into a master's program immediately following graduation.
The benefit of the Traditional program is that students have more vacation time, and most importantly the opportunity to work full time during the summer as a student nurse clinician in area hospitals, or your home town. Most students appreciate the chance to work with a nurse preceptor, refine their skills, and become more prepared for their senior year and graduation.
10. Where are the majority of clinical placements for JHU SON students? Are they accessible if I don't have a car?
Most clinical sites are in the Baltimore and surrounding areas. Current clinical sites include: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins at Bayview, Mercy Medical Center, Sinai Hospital, Maryland General, Union Memorial, Holy Cross in Bethesda, MD, among many others. Students are responsible for getting to their clinical sites. Very often students will car pool with one another.
