Have you ever shopped for an apartment or house? It can be an overwhelming process, attending open houses, setting a budget, applying for a mortgage.

Finding a graduate program can be a similar process since there are a lot of great programs out there. Here are 8 steps to get you started:

• Take notes after each phone call or campus visit to keep your mind fresh. What did you like, what didn’t you like about each school or program?

• Make a chart or excel spreadsheet with the information about each school, this can help you compare programs that have different requirements.

LPNs, if you missed our webinar, no worries. We've got you covered! Here's the video of the recorded webinar and a list of all the questions asked. And if you still have questions, just click on the "Speak to an advisor" button at the end of this post and get all of your questions answered.

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's nursing programs? As part of the GCE Blog's "Our Students" series, we introduce Christine Foote-Lucero.  If you're interested in our M.S. in Nursing (Forensic) program sign up for our September 25 webinar to learn more. 

2019 graduate student leadership award recipient and spring 2019 graduate Christine Foote-Lucero has been a licensed registered nurse for 17 years and a Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) for the past decade at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) in Aurora, Colorado. Her work puts her in direct contact with patients who have endured great trauma in the form of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking.

Are you a registered nurse who wants to deal with the prevention, scientific investigation, and treatment of victims of trauma and/or death?

You're already an outstanding LPN in your field, but are you ready for more?

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's nursing programs? As part of the GCE Blog's "Our Faculty" series, we introduce Nicole Lajoie, BS, RN-BC, Nursing Coordinator.

Are you a new or veteran music educator? Are you looking for a place to receive practical professional development that you can use right away in your classroom and as part of your music curriculum?  Are you looking for a place to share your ideas and hear other ideas you can implement in your music program? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, then this new course offered through Graduate and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State is designed for you!

Are you interested in Fitchburg State's education programs? As part of the GCE Blog's "Our Students" series, we introduce Carolyn Buckley and thank her for sharing this post about her experience in the M.Ed. in Education, 5-12 (initial licensure) degree program. If you're interested in our education programs, please come to our upcoming information session on August 6.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Carolyn Buckley and I just finished my first year with cohort two in the M.Ed. in Education, 5-12 program.  I live in Greenfield, MA with my fiancé, Marcus, and two stepchildren, Trevor and Jacqueline, ages 15 and 13.  I love to read, play Tetris, and travel.  I am a sixth and seventh grade math teacher at Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School.  Between working full-time and tutoring part-time, my family’s activities keep me busy.  Trevor plays football and runs both winter and spring track and Jackie plays soccer and is on the cheer squad.   My family is my biggest cheerleader; their support keeps me grounded and drives me to succeed. 

When advising students we often hear “If you don’t mind my asking”. Typically accompanying that statement are questions that students feel are embarrassing to ask and don’t want to bring up. As advisors we’re here to answer any and all questions you have, so of course we don’t mind your asking, we encourage you to ask as many questions as you want. The following are the top 5 questions you’re afraid to ask, but should be asking first!