[rigbyk]

Does anyone have any feedback on the qualitative differences between Yale's, Columbia's, U-Michigan's, UCSF's, Penn's, and Georgetown's CNM programs? I am interested in all of them but am wondering how to distinguish between them. I suppose if I got in with more financial aid at one or something; or if I like/dislike the towns/cities they are located in...but other than that, what are the real academica/program differences? Is anyone an alum that can give me benefits of one over the other? Anybody recently applied to these schools or visited?

[Selke]

..........

[rigbyk]

I'm looking only at midwifery programs so this is all good to know too.

Frontier -- I have heard of them. Is it really an MSN-granting program though, not a CPM program? I want the CNM just because I'll be able to work with a broader base of clients, plus it's illegal to be an RN & a CPM in MA where I live and am from.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by rigbyk

Frontier -- I have heard of them. Is it really an MSN-granting program though, not a CPM program? I want the CNM just because I'll be able to work with a broader base of clients, plus it's illegal to be an RN & a CPM in MA where I live and am from.

Frontier offers MSNs and post-Master's certificates, and they have always had an excellent reputation. I don't have any personal experience with them, but the few Frontier students/graduates I have known (quite a few years ago, now) were v. happy with their experience there.

I am a Yale grad (not from the midwifery specialization, though), and second what Anon Nurse said about the school in general. New Haven is a lousy (and expensive) place to live. The school is obscenely expensive, and they are v. stingy with the financial aid. Although I continue to feel that I got an excellent education in my specialization, better than I would have gotten anywhere else, there have been many changes since I was there >10 years ago (including discontinuing my program!). I have heard from current students the same statements Anon Nurse made about not going there if you're already an RN, because of the way the non-GEPN students are treated. Although it saddens me greatly to have to say it, I would not recommend them to anyone today. If I were "doing it over again" today, I would not consider Yale myself. There are many other schools you can go to which will offer you a good education for a lot less money, and treat you much better while you're there.

[CEG]

I go to University of Illinois Chicago if you're interested in info about it. It's ranked #2 by US News and World report for what it's worth.

[rigbyk]

I definitely am interested in info about UIC--I just emailed you :-)

[rigbyk]

Also, do you know if they ever make exceptions to the 1-year L&D work requirement? I'm kind of hoping to go to grad school right away, though it wouldn't be a problem to wait either.

[Selke]

...........

[CEG]

Originally Posted by rigbyk

Also, do you know if they ever make exceptions to the 1-year L&D work requirement? I'm kind of hoping to go to grad school right away, though it wouldn't be a problem to wait either.

I replied to your e-mail also, but I had another thought. If cost is an issue for you, from what I hear it is not difficult for new grads to get jobs in L & D in Chicago. If they are sticklers you could consider moving here, getting a job in L & D, then applying. After a year you can get in state tuition. HTH!
Courtney

[epiphany]

Slightly off topic, but how about this as a practical and cost saving measure?

Take core courses from a cheap city/state university and then transfer them to a university that offers the NP program you want. I am at an expensive private university and wondering why I am paying top dollar for mediocre core classes when I can get it for almost free at the local city university. They don't offer the CNM or FNP which I want, but they do offer advanced patho, advanced pharm, etc. Anyone ever transferred in the midst of an NP program?