Columbia ETP Program 2012 entry

Nursing Students Post Graduate

Published

Hi,

I plan on applying for the anesthesia program at Columbia and I wanted to know how the background of those that have been accepted look like to see if I'm even competitive enough apply.

Thanks!

Hi Everyone,

I thought it was about time that I finally join this forum and get to "know" all of my soon-to-be classmates! I was accepted into the Acute Care speciality back in December. I have so many questions, but I thought I'd better just start with a "hello".

So, Hi!

I've been reading this post and noticed that several of you are in your early 20's. Any "older" folk out there? I'm in my mid-thirties and feeling like an old fart now!

Also, anyone know where we can get a look at these uniforms that we need to be ordering by March 15? I've looked everywhere online and can't find anything about them other than the order form.

Finally, I'm in CA so this will be a bit of an adjustment. I'm looking forward to it though!

Anyway, that's all for now.

Cheers!

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Congrats on your great problem, melismor!

I think the thing that's tough about it is that almost no one is in a position to fairly compare to programs (having only gone through one, if they're a current student or grad) - and even if they could, what is important to one person in a program may not be important to you.

I haven't looked into ACNP specifically, but obviously Columbia and Penn are both good schools. I've heard that they're also both pretty bureaucratic in terms of their administration - nothing much to do about that. :) Is one place going to give you a better financial deal than the other? Would you rather living in NYC or Philly? Does one have a population that you'd really to work with, or better clinical placements for your specialty? If all things are otherwise equal, perhaps the abroad program is significant enough to tip you towards Penn (although I believe Columbia has some opportunities internationally depending on your program http://nursing.columbia.edu/globalHealth/students.html)?

Good luck in your choice! Hard to go wrong here.

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@dedicatedone

@BigMoses. I too am looking at a variety of programs. I think what I am most drawn to about this program is that it does in fact offer both a BSN and MSN upon completion. Most programs do not offer this. Now, I am not sure how much of an impact this as on our ability to be accepted into new grad programs to follow, but I believe it will help us in the end.

I have not committed to Columbia as of yet, but hoping to make a decision within the next 2 weeks.

What other schools did you get into? And what aspects of each program are you looking at to help you make your final decision as to where to go?

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Recently those of us accepted to UPenn got a HUGE shock when we received our financial aid packages...it's very, very, very unlikely I'll be able to go, as I would have to take out gigantic loans for the BSN portion alone. Any idea what to expect from Columbia? Crossing my fingers that it will be slightly more manageable, or else I'm going to have to give up on my dream after getting so close :(

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AniLMT - of course you should see what they have to say about this at the visiting day, and you should wait for your award package...but sadly, I think that's probably what you should expect from Columbia as well. I think it's pretty typical that people are taking out big-time loans for these accelerated programs.

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@BigMoses

What other schools did you get into? And what aspects of each program are you looking at to help you make your final decision as to where to go?

I have also received acceptance to Vanderbilt and am waiting on several programs to notify me but it really comes down to making a decision between Columbia and Vanderbilt. Again, I really like the BSN/MSN option as Columbia. That is a huge factor for me as Vanderbilt does not offer the two degrees. One of the other items I am looking as is how much support will we be getting from the faculty and do they really foster an environment that allows us to grow into the field of nursing or will it be like my undergrad experience and be a tiny dot at the bottom of the lecture hall who I will never see until next lecture. I am not the type of student who can listen to lecture and get the material quickly, I have to put a lot of time into studying and I know some faculty and staff are more supportive in some programs than others. That is why I am heading out to Visiting Day to make sure I feel a sense of support at Columbia. If I feel uneasy or not sold on the school, then I will turn around and fly out to Tennessee the following weekend.

That brings up another point, location. One factor I have to think about is not just the cost of the program but also the cost of living. Cost of living in NYC is a LOT higher than Nashville, TN. I just need to make sure my finances are in order to handle living in either city.

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@BigMoses

I have also received acceptance to Vanderbilt and am waiting on several programs to notify me but it really comes down to making a decision between Columbia and Vanderbilt. Again, I really like the BSN/MSN option as Columbia. That is a huge factor for me as Vanderbilt does not offer the two degrees. One of the other items I am looking as is how much support will we be getting from the faculty and do they really foster an environment that allows us to grow into the field of nursing or will it be like my undergrad experience and be a tiny dot at the bottom of the lecture hall who I will never see until next lecture. I am not the type of student who can listen to lecture and get the material quickly, I have to put a lot of time into studying and I know some faculty and staff are more supportive in some programs than others. That is why I am heading out to Visiting Day to make sure I feel a sense of support at Columbia. If I feel uneasy or not sold on the school, then I will turn around and fly out to Tennessee the following weekend.

That brings up another point, location. One factor I have to think about is not just the cost of the program but also the cost of living. Cost of living in NYC is a LOT higher than Nashville, TN. I just need to make sure my finances are in order to handle living in either city.

As of right now i'm leaning more towards Columbia, but like you, if i dont 'feel the love' at the open house then I too will be on a flight to the following week.When it comes to cost of living, getting a roommate will be your lifeline in nyc.

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As of right now i'm leaning more towards Columbia, but like you, if i dont 'feel the love' at the open house then I too will be on a flight to Vandy the following week.When it comes to cost of living, getting a roommate will be your lifeline in nyc.

Definitely trying to figure out housing for sure. Hopefully I can meet enough people this weekend to see the possibility of sharing the hunt for an apartment.

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@eyeb4e I too am an old fart! 30 years old, male. When I look at the Facebook page I see alot of people seemingly straight out of undergrad and I worry a little that I'd be sort of a "black sheep" - not only due to age but due to gender. But I'm sure that everyone will bond and form close relationships (regardless of age/sex) after a few really intense semesters.

Jose sent a clarification about the uniform order forms but it seems like they have a preferred supplier and we are locked into buying from them...unless any one has heard differently..

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just spoke to admissions...we do have to wear scrubs!

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just spoke to admissions...we do have to wear scrubs!

In clinicals, of course - but in lectures also?!

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i believe so....but think of it this way, you can spend more money on your going out clothes haha

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