Columbia ETP 2016

rj_gunner · May 7, 2015

I'm going to the one on the 15th! I'll post anything I learn that may be useful :)

SBCvixen · May 11, 2015

Awesome! Thanks :)

minttea90 · May 19, 2015

Hi,

I heard that ETP program was being converted to a MS/DNP format. Basically how it was explained was that the MS in nursing would be a 15 month RN program, and then you could go on for the DNP, which is an additional 3 years. I'm not sure how true this is, as the website still reflects the BS/MS information from previous years. If you could confirm this, and tell us any details about the open house, that would be great! I really hope it stays the same because the length (2.5 years) was an attractive option, and of course the tuition would be less than that of a DNP program.

rj_gunner · May 19, 2015

Hey folks! So first off if you can make an info session I highly suggest you go to one, or just stop by the campus. Literally the friendliest and most knowledgable admissions team I have ever seen!

To confirm, ETP is actually going to be referred to a master's direct entry program (MDE) as of the next application cycle. They are foregoing the bachelors portion due to the DNP being the golden standard for entering NP's. You will still be completely ready for the NCLEX by graduation seeing as you'll take all the BSN coursework but with added master level courses. You take kaplan courses throughout the 15 months so your prepared. You'll graduate with a general MSN.

This switch is also great due to the fact that a lot of people max out undergraduate federal loans so now, you can get a bigger federal loan package since it's graduate funds.

Your degree is centered around care coordination. If you want specialization then there's the 2.5 years (roughly) doctoral portion of the program. You can do either a PhD or a DNP. DNP fields include family, pediatrics, mental health/psychiatry, adult-gerontology acute care and primary care Concentrations are in women's and oncology. Subspecialties are in HIV/AIDS, women's health, oncology and palliative/end of life care. The DNP or PhD portions can be applied for either with the masters entry program or after the first 15 months. In addition, your last year is a paid residency and during the time you work on your thesis.

If your doing anesthesiology or midwifery, there is no doctoral option at columbia yet. It's a masters program after your MDE, and anesthesiology requires one to work in acute care for at least a year before starting the masters program.

The financial aid piece discussed how federal loans are easier to pay off and find grants to cover, when compared to private ones! One example is becoming a professor at a nursing school and working for 4 years to get up to 85% of the graduate federal loans forgiven (nurse faculty loan forgiveness program).

ALSO, this is huge, but Columbia is very easy going in terms of pre-reqs. There's no real time limit on when course need to be taken. Even if you took micro in 2009, they'll accept it. They take the best grade off your uploaded unofficial transcripts. Which reminds me, they don't accept anything on paper till you are admitted. Everything should be uploaded onto your application. The deadline for the entry portion of the program ONLY is in mid November BUT the ETP (now MDE) /DNP or PhD is earlier, mid October.

I'm probably forgetting a ton of things but if you have any questions, just ask :)

SBCvixen · May 19, 2015

Very interesting, thank you for sharing!

Did they indicate when they would be updating the website with this information?

And, just to make sure I've captured it all- the program is moving from a 2.5 years BS/MS program to a approx. 4 year MS/DNP program, right?

rj_gunner · May 19, 2015

Not a problem, I'm glad I could help.

They said by August he site will be updated, just when they plan to release the application.

Correct approximately 4 years., more like 3.5 since your in classes every summer. The last year including a paid residency.

SBCvixen · May 20, 2015

SO helpful! Thank you :)

minttea90 · May 23, 2015

Thanks for all of the helpful information! I think its pretty cool they're including a 1 year residency, wish more programs would follow suit.

In regards to the DNP portion of the program, you stated applicants can either apply when they initially start their applications, or when they complete the master's portion; for the students who wish to apply to the DNP after the master's, did they discuss the application process at all? Do you need a certain GPA, rec letters, etc., or anything of the sort, or is it a seamless transition?

Thanks again!

rj_gunner · May 25, 2015

Hey minttea90, they didn't explain the process. They only stated that often people are accepted for the MSN and may not be accepted for the DNP when they first apply to the programs at the same time, they then said that its not held against you if you didn't get in the first time. It does seem that completing the program gives you a better chance of being accepted for the DNP/PhD portion, but it simply depends on the number of spots available.

Wish I had more info on that, sorry I'll review my notes later today and see if i have a better answer.

minttea90 · May 28, 2015

Ok, so I was actually able to call them this week, and the person stated that this is a new format so they're still kind of experimenting with how it's all going to work, but basically, for now they're going to process all of the MDE applicants first. Then, after they have that acceptance/waiting list pool compiled for the MDE, they're going to sort out the applicants for the DNP/PHD. You could be accepted for the MDE, but not the DNP, however they said you can always apply again after you establish your nursing GPA.

chris927 · May 28, 2015

I'm also interesting in this program as I have a bachelor's in another field and am currently in progress of completing my ADN at BMCC. It seems the info sessions fill up pretty quickly. I couldn't find anything until Jan 2016

Any relevant info is greatly appreciated. The program is not part-time correct? It would be hard to work and go to school since it seems classes are during the day at least for the first year of the program right?