Frequently Asked Questions
1. Eligibility, Admission & Enrolment.
Q: What makes a strong or qualified candidate?
A: Strong candidates demonstrate academic readiness, clear communication skills, professionalism, reliability in their current role, and a strong understanding of the program’s expectations and long-term commitment.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate interest in becoming a Registered Nurse, meet physical and behavioural requirements of the profession, and be employed with Unity Health Care for at least one year in good standing.
Applicants without prior collage experience or a high school diploma remain eligible but must demonstrate proficiency through CASAS assessments administered by Trinity Washington University, with minimum required scores of CASAS GOALS Reading 224 and CASAS GOALS Math 208.
Q: What academic skills are required before starting?
A: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient Math and English proficiency.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit a personal statement (500-word handwritten essay or 5-minute video responding to “Why Unity Health Care should choose me for the MA to BSN Pathway Program”), one personal and one professional letter of recommendation, a high school diploma or GED, record of high school science coursework, and any college transcripts. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness, and selected applicants may be invited to interview with the selection committee. All materials must be emailed to MAtoBSNprogram@unityhealthcare.org.
Q: When are intakes offered?
A: Program intakes occur annually in the Fall.
Q: Who approves my course enrolment?
A: Your Enrolment Advisor at Trinity Washington University supports course planning and registration.
Q: Who helps me plan my courses and degree pathway?
A: Your Trinity Enrolment Advisor is the primary contact for academic planning, course sequencing, and registration questions.
2. Financial Aid, Tuition & Book Support
Q: Is tuition covered?
A: Yes. Tuition and eligible academic fees are supported through program funding provided by the Bedford Falls Foundation, in accordance with Trinity Washington University’s financial aid processes.
Q: Are educational hours paid?
A: Yes. Participants are paid for 40 hours per week, which includes 20 hours of on-site work, and 20 paid hours dedicated to approved educational and continuing education (CEU) activities, supported by Bedford Falls Foundation funding.
Q: Will I receive a book voucher even if my account shows an outstanding balance?
A: Yes. Book vouchers are released once financial aid has been verified, even if it is still pending. They are not dependent on your account balance being cleared.
Q: When do book vouchers usually appear?
A: Book vouchers typically appear about 1–2 weeks before the semester begins, once financial aid verification is complete, and the voucher window opens.
Q: What if I don’t see my book voucher yet?
A: This usually means financial aid is still being finalized or the voucher period has not opened. If your aid is complete, the voucher should appear soon.
Q: Do lab fees or required online subscriptions get covered by financial aid?
A: Required lab fees are billed to your student account and covered when financial aid disburses.
3. Work Schedule & Employment Expectations
Q: How many hours do I work during the semester?
A: During academic semesters, Pathfinders work an adjusted schedule averaging 20 hours per week on site with a possibility of being assigned to float pool, while remaining full-time employees.
Q: Do I keep my benefits?
A: Yes. Pathfinders maintain full-time employment status, salary, and benefits throughout program participation.
Q: Can I work overtime?
A: Overtime may be requested but must be approved in advance by your supervisor.
Q: When do I return to full-time work?
A: Once the semester officially ends, you automatically return to working full-time.
Q: What happens if I leave Unity Health Care?
A: Voluntary resignation or termination from Unity Health Care results in removal from the program and loss of placement.
Q: Can I attend meetings or workshops during work hours?
A: No. All school-related meetings and workshops must be scheduled outside of your work hours during the semester, must be scheduled within CEU hours.
Q: What if I’m covering a shift due to an emergency?
A: Notify the Program Coordinator or Support Specialist in advance so alternative meeting arrangements can be explored.
Q: Can meetings be rescheduled?
A: Yes. Flexibility is possible when communicated early and coordinated with supervisors and the program team.
4. Breaks, Holidays, Summer & Winter Terms
Q: What happens during Spring Break?
A: During Spring Break, Pathfinders continue working their standard 20 on-site hours and receive paid CEU hours as usual.
Q: Can I take classes in the Summer or Winter?
A: Summer and Winter terms fall outside the program’s standard academic calendar. Pathfinders are encouraged to consider Summer or Winter enrolment only with prior approval. You must consult the Program Coordinator or Enrolment Advisor before enrolling.
Q: Why is approval required for Summer or Winter courses?
A: These terms can affect work hours and program coordination, especially if there is demand on site and so advance planning is required to avoid conflicts.
5. Support Services & Pathfinding Model
Q: What support services are available?
A: Each Pathfinder is assigned a Compass Pathfinder Support Specialist (PSS) who provides individualized academic, personal, financial, and professional support.
Q: What types of support are included?
A: Support includes academic planning, progress monitoring, financial aid guidance and navigation of community resources.
Q: Are there food or living supports?
A: Yes. Pathfinders receive monthly grocery stipends, as well as internet and transportation allowances, funded through the program.
6. Performance, Evaluation & Communication
Q: How is my progress evaluated?
A: Progress is evaluated through academic performance, clinical evaluations, competency assessments, and regular feedback from instructors and preceptors.
Q: What if I struggle academically or at work?
A: Early communication is critical. The Program Coordinator and PSS work with Pathfinders to address challenges and, if needed, implement improvement plans.
Q: What should I do if I’m unsure about something?
A: Ask early. Reaching out to your Program Coordinator, Enrolment Advisor, or Support Specialist helps prevent misunderstandings and supports long-term success.
