Columbia University ETP 2008

Dear dg05

Thank you so much for you input. I guess it's not true that there isn't any CNM job in CA. I have been volunteered in a CA hospital on the L&D floor for more than a year as a translator for the patients while they were having the babies. Most babies were actually delivered by midwifes. I saw doctor only once and it's because other midwifes were busy with other deliveries and they had to get the on-call doctor.

You are absolutely right, there are still many more things I need to/want to learn about this profession and I hope columbia is the right place for that.

Can I ask one more question? What does she (Laura) mean "to be politically active"?

Hi dg05, Thanks for your insight. I'm deciding between Columbia and UPenn for BSN and FNP and this information is very helpful.

If you have any other thoughts for a future ETP'er, I'd love to hear them.

planet612 - for example the midwifery students take a field trip to Albany to speak with legislators there about midwifery practice in the state, etc.

Doggie Dad - if you're going to Columbia this is the advice I would give you:
(1) have an attitude of zen when dealing with administration. They will treat you like you're 12. They belittle and talk down to students as a matter of course it seems. Stay on top of your stuff. That said, always wait a day to do anything because there were a number of times I did things right away and they changed the rules so I had done needless work.
(2) Some Columbia students go into the hospitals as if they're God's gift to the nurses. DO NOT DO THIS. I don't care if you are only going to nursing school to become an NP. Nursing is a HARD job and the nurses on the floor deserve your respect. HELP THEM. They will teach you and appreciate you and your life will be easier. Do not sit around the nursing desk twiddling your thumbs. Even if you don't know the first thing about nursing you can do small things for the nurse -- get water for her patient if she asks you to, etc.
(3) If you can, work while you're doing your NP. I think it will help you be a better NP !
(4) Enjoy ! I really loved nursing school (and Columbia) despite all of my grumpiness.

"To cut this story short if I could do it all over again, I still don't know what I would do, I am allready torn between staying here in NH and applying to programs in this area (because I really know I will not enjoy the anesthesia program) or just go back to NYC to get this education thing over with. "

Dear ICU08,

I have been scouring these message boards to find information to the Columbia ETP program for Nurse Anesthesia. I find your post particularly helpful. I was trying to PM you, but I guess I am not entitled that priviledge until I make some posts.

Anyhow, I was just curious.. did you end up staying in NH or did you go back to Columbia? As I am originally from California, ideally, I would love to go to the Kaiser Permanente CRNA program in California (excellent program and only 22K!), but I think my future is in NYC for at least 3 more years, and I figured I would try to progress in my career here in NY as fast as possible. I am terrified of the 150K in debt that I would be stuck with if I went to Columbia, but would be willing to pay the price for an excellent education. However, you seem to be really really really dissatisfied with your choice-- do you still feel this way? If you decided to go back for the anesthesia portion, how would you say the masters weighs in in comparison to the ETP portion? Is it better/worse/same? Why did you say you'd think you not enjoy it?

I'm also concerned about not finding a job after the first year, as I have always had a bit of difficulty in any interview -- I'm a bit soft spoken and on the shy side. Did ANYONE find a job in NY after the ETP portion?

Thanks in advance, and of course, I'd love to hear from anyone who has an opinion about the Columbia ETP Nurse Anesthesia program!

Hello there,
I am not allowed to PM either I found so here I go.
I did go back to Columbia, I started the Masters portion in Anesthesia this fall. And just like I said I knew I was not going to be impressed with the teaching of this portion either. I came back because I didn't want to risk giving up my spot and potentially not get into another program.

Lets just make sure we clear something up for everyone applying for Columbia, You are not getting a great education for the $150K price tag, you are getting a Name and a quick route to your desired job. I went to undergrad at a state university and I had a much better educational experience there.

Finding a job was hard, one person found a job at a good hospital, but she had family that worked there. The other two who stayed in the city worked at a small downtown hospital and the bronx. There was a lot of lying involved in getting that ICU job, they don't want to hear you are only going to be there for 1 year and then plan on returning to school. They have to put in a significant amount of training into you and they want a return. So it was a secret for the whole interview process, and every interview asked me where I saw myself in 2 years etc. Columbia Does NOT help you find a job! You are on your own to do the leg work, get the interviews and hopefully find a job that has a great orientation program since you will most likely feel incompetent after the ETP portion.
About the anesthesia portion....I have some good teachers and some not so good. I find myself teaching myself alot of the time. This is difficult and many of us are frustrated. But I knew this was going to be the case when I came back so I was prepared. However it doesn't make learning the material any easier. I will leave it at that and hopefully you will be able to PM soon and I would be willing to talk to you over the phone so I could be more specific.

ICU08,

Yikes! That sounds kind of awful and scary. I am trying to figure out my other options, but am applying to Columbia in the meantime. I am going to post the required 15 posts so I can PM you and would definitely be interested in communicating more in detail! Thank you for offering.