Columbia BSN/MSN ETP 2014

Nursing Students School Programs

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I was surprised that there didn't seem to be a thread for this year's applicants to Columbia's ETP program. So I thought I would start one. The information session was today, but I wasn't able to go. :( I was hoping someone else went and would be able to post any admission statistics or tips for the personal statement they gave.

You are not bound to stay, but the program tries to convince you really hard.

One way is by distributing the cost more on the BSN. Once you finish that, you might as well pay the extra and continue.

If you really only want your BSN (not getting the BSN taking a year off to work and going back) then I would go to a cheaper one year program not affiliated with a masters elsewhere. The articulation is part of what makes CUSON special -- the BSN isn't inherently better. It is also the MSN programs that are so highly ranked.

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I am just wondering... is there ever an allowance to do the program only through the first phase to the NCLEX/RN?? I am thinking this is a no but am trying to figure everything out financially and logistically (as I think we all are) and just to be aware of any options that I may not be considering.

You are not bound to stay, but the program tries to convince you really hard.

One way is by distributing the cost more on the BSN. Once you finish that, you might as well pay the extra and continue.

If you really only want your BSN (not getting the BSN taking a year off to work and going back) then I would go to a cheaper one year program not affiliated with a masters elsewhere. The articulation is part of what makes CUSON special -- the BSN isn't inherently better. It is also the MSN programs that are so highly ranke

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Hi Guys! I know this is the Columbia thread, but I also know there are people on here who are still deciding between Columbia and other institutions. For those of you looking at MGH Institute, I spent Monday on the nursing campus learning about the program, and here is some helpful information I got (I will post this on the MGH thread as well):

The entering class will consist of ~110 people (over 500 applied). During the fall and spring semester of year 1, you have lecture-style courses that split our cohort into two groups—about 50 to 60 students each. For clinical days, you are in smaller groups (around 6 people each). Clinicals are typically done at Brigham and Women’s or Mass General Hospital. Some classes are strictly in the classroom, some are hybrid classroom/online classes, and some are purely online—you get to choose which style you want. For people who want to change their specialty, you will have the chance to request a change in February of year 1, however there’s a chance your request will be denied (it depends on the availability of space in a particular specialty). There are two optional classes the summer after year 1—you can take them to lighten your workload for the fall of year 2 if you want. Some people choose to work full time for the summer instead, or work part time and do the classes. In year 2, you begin the advanced practice portion of the program. There is also a scholarly research project in the spring semester, where you work with a faculty member, complete a written project, and present it at the end of the semester. Some people work part-time while completing the advanced practice portion. You are awarded a bachelor’s degree at the end of the entire program, at the same time you receive your master’s. This is because certain hospitals refuse to hire people without a bachelor’s degree, even if they are a nurse practitioner…so you avoid this problem. In rare cases, people take a year off to work as a registered nurse before finishing the advanced practice portion of the program, but the majority of people continue straight through. A few people also go straight from the DEP program into the DNP program to obtain their doctorate (this is two more years), but most get a job as a nurse practitioner following the three-year DEP program. There is an alumni development office that is very good for helping people find jobs. There is no on-campus housing—people commute in a variety of ways: driving, biking, walking, the T, buses…If you take the green or orange line to North Station, there is a free shuttle that comes every 15 minutes and drops you at the front door. The accepted students day is Saturday, April 26th. Shortly after that, we will have access to Orientation 101, a web based platform people can use to find roommates, etc. The real, in-person orientation starts in the fall, right before the program begins. The campus is adorable—it’s right in the Charlestown Navy Yard, looking out over the harbor and the USS Constitution. Stone and red brick buildings everywhere, a short walk to the Bunker Hill monument, and right across the river from Boston’s North End neighborhood. The classrooms and facilities are modern and nice, and most importantly, all of the people (students, faculty, administrators) I met there were extremely welcoming and down-to-earth! Don’t hesitate to call them with questions—they are very receptive.

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From what I can tell, most of the people admitted to Columbia have jumped ship from this site and joined the Facebook group. I am generally not a fan of Facebook, but I reluctantly joined the Columbia group yesterday... and I have to say the Columbia ETP FB group is really active, the people are nice, and there are former students in the group to answer questions. I don't think you have to be admitted to join the FB group, waitlisters are welcome, so come on over!

Also, there is a lot of discussion about JHU applications on FB, but no one seems to be talking much about MGH. Students are also talking about BC. Since the MGH accepted students day is happening on April 26th (which is just 4 weeks before Classes begin at Columbia, on May 28th) I think many people have already committed (at least mentally) to one option or the other.

Admittedly, I was intrigued reading the info you posted about MGH. The hybrid option sounds really cool. Good luck at whatever school you choose! :)

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Specializes in Pediatric CICU.

Just wanted to let those on the waitlist know that I've decided to attend nursing school at UPenn, so I hope this opens up a spot for you!

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Good luck at UPenn Mewei! It's been awesome chatting with you. I'm sure you had your reasons for turning CU down... I'm still hoping for a spot in peds. Fingers crossed!

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.

Well, that sucks, I guess it's become kind of a ghost town. The Facebook page is really alive. I can't keep up with them.

Congratulations mewei! It sounds like UPenn is a great program! I mentioned it to my wife and she said "GOOD for her!"(even though we both don't know you. :yes:) sweet03nesy, I hope that it works out for you!

Financial aid packages are in, and I think most will commit, but some will understandably not be able to commit. Also, like mewei, better offers are waiting. I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys!

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would you guys mind if i pick your brains for some advice? i was wondering if any of you would have any opinions/thoughts/insights between NYU's ABSN program and USD's MEPN program?

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You can try posting your questions here (but this might not be the best place given that you have no questions about Columbia and this is the Columbia thread...?)

You might have better luck on UCD's thread because the people on there will know more about that school. And besides, this thread is pretty dead now (so not many people are going to see your questions). Also, a good source of support would be the respective "accepted students Facebook group" for NYU or UCD. The Columbia accepted student Facebook group has been a great source of support/information for those planning to attend Columbia! I've already connected with a few students in California who are also moving across the country in May.

I did not apply to any bachelors programs at all, nor did I apply to UCD (because they have no Direct entry NP options).

Having said all that... if you still want our opinions and you think this is the best place to post your questions, then go for it! Maybe someone will have good advice, it's a smart bunch of people! :specs:

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So... How was visiting day? :)

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Anyone on the psych waiting list is in luck! This has been a great thread. Good luck everyone!!!!!!!!

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FYI: CSON received about 700 applications and they accepted 218 students... and I think there are 160 real spots? also: for visiting day info and everything that has to do with Columbia ETP 2014 JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP.

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