Johns Hopkins vs. Columbia

[CaliforniaHopeful]

So I was accepted to Hopkin's BSN/MSN and Columbia's ETP program. I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. I would love to live in NY, but the reviews I've been reading about Columbia's ETP is worrying me. Also, I would love to go to Hopkins, but I just came back from visiting Baltimore and wasn't very impressed. (Sorry, Baltimore folks!) Still, I feel that Hopkins is a more solid program, but it also is about 6 mos longer than Columbia's program. What would you do in my situation? I would love to hear feedback from alumni of either program. Thanks!!

[Ollie2011]

I'm sorry, I don't think I understand why Columbia is a clear choice over Hopkins? Do you mind elaborating? Also, since it looks like you are already in the profession, what makes attending the best school you can get into worth the cost over an in-state school? Do you see hiring and promotion decisions in favor of nurses who have graduated from these top-tier schools over nurses who have not?

Thank you!!

[PhineasTalisker]

Hi linearthinker, I know this is a VERY old thread at this point but I'm hoping that you might still take a look:). I would also love to know some more about your thoughts above regarding Columbia being an easy choice over Hopkins. As Ollie2011 said, it would be very interesting to have your thoughts since you are already in the profession. I'm faced with this exact decision right now. Thank you!

[CaliforniaHopeful]

Hi, I thought I would update everyone on this thread since I started it years ago. I only recently logged in again since my finace is now going into nursing. =D

In the end, I choose Columbia and I have absolutely no regrets on my decision. Finding an NP job was very easy. Both Columbia and Hopkins are very good schools and well-regarded throughout the country. Neither school is a bad decision.

My advice is to go where it will be cheapest for you and where you will be happy living for the next 3 years. I work with many other NPs who went to brand name schools and local state schools. We all make about the same amt of money. Admittedly, the Columbia name allowed me to take on more leadership roles within my company but as for salary, I don't make much more than my colleagues who went to local state schools.

Still, Columbia and living in NYC were amazing, unforgettable experiences. Today I'm an NP in CA. PM if you have any questions.

[Pocahonta]

Hi, I thought I would update everyone on this thread since I started it years ago. I only recently logged in again since my finace is now going into nursing. =D

In the end, I choose Columbia and I have absolutely no regrets on my decision. Finding an NP job was very easy. Both Columbia and Hopkins are very good schools and well-regarded throughout the country. Neither school is a bad decision.

My advice is to go where it will be cheapest for you and where you will be happy living for the next 3 years. I work with many other NPs who went to brand name schools and local state schools. We all make about the same amt of money. Admittedly, the Columbia name allowed me to take on more leadership roles within my company but as for salary, I don't make much more than my colleagues who went to local state schools.

Still, Columbia and living in NYC were amazing, unforgettable experiences. Today I'm an NP in CA. PM if you have any questions.

After we graduate from either Columbia or John Hopkins with MSN degree, can we work as NP? Or do we have to take DNP in order to be an NP?

[NPBecca]

I would like to revive this thread! I am currently in this boat as well, deciding between Columbia's MDE program and Hopkin's Entry-into Nursing MSN program. If there are any others who made this decision who haven't shared their experiences after the fact, please do! I'm looking for some insight on what to look for and how to decide.

If it helps at all, I went to UMD for undergrad so I know Maryland decently well, yet almost all of my siblings live in NYC. Columbia starts in the Summer and ends sooner than Hopkins, which is great, but because of COVID-19, that Summer session is now online -- so it has led to some reevaluation. Hopkins is ranked #1, yet it is more expensive and in an area I don't really want to live.

Thank you for your advice and I hope I can make the best decision for me!

[Subee2, BSN, MSN, CRNA]

I don't know how it is for undergrads but the CRNA program has really slipped, IMHO. I have worked with their students and they are not receiving the old standard of a Columbia education, nor the respect. Go where you will have the least debt.