Columbia BSN/MSN ETP 2014

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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.

thanks for posting a message for us hopefuls on the waiting list. That's really sweet that you went out of your way to give us positivity, opening up a spot. Good luck on your future plans @hilarySF!

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hilarySF, i hope you go on to better options in the future, but i sincerely thank you for giving us a spot!

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Yes, thanks for letting them know so hopefully a spot opens up for one of us! Although, I wonder if a lot of people need to decline before they start taking people from the wait list? They must admit many more people than they anticipate will accept, right?

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yea i feel like many more ppl need to drop out from the accepted pool before they start accepting ppl from the waitlist

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You didn't misread eb86! I'm 25 so I know it says we don't HAVE to put our parents' info but since there was a line on FAFSA saying "you might want to anyways if you're applying to nursing school" or something like that I thought I'd ask... And lol right? My parents JUST bought their first home and are barely getting by every month... If anything I've been helping THEM >.

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I just want to insert a small glimmer of reality and hope on the financial front.

One of the NP's I work with went to Columbia (RN to MSN, not ETP). She took out $150K in loans to become and NP. She is gainfully employed, lives in a nice part of San Francisco and is able to afford the loan payment. She said it's $400/month. Which seems low, but will literally take 40 years to pay off at that rate. $150K/20 years, at 6% interest = $1100/month loan payment. This is a more realistic estimate of what we can expect to owe/pay per month after graduation.

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.

These are only thoughts, but interest paid on loans is tax deductible. Depending on the loan, the first 6 months to 1 year is deferred. In NYC, starting gross starting salary will be roughly 86000.(during year off, 80000 for nurses and they typically clear $100k/year) You can throw in a per diem NP gig and earn a little extra money.(roughly $500/day) Have you all considered loan repayment programs? There are NP jobs that pay $30000 or $50000 towards your loans for 2 years of service in an underserved community... and repayment is renewable. My understanding is that the salary in these underserved places is also competitive. If your loan payment on a 150k is 1100/month, you can get by.(I'm not a fan of just "getting by", even though I am very familiar with the situation!) Also, places like Tx, CT, NJ, etc. offer comparable salaries, but far cheaper real estate/cost of living. There are many(creative) angles to take. Remember, your loan amount will not increase, however, you salaries will certainly increase. Eventually, you will make at least $150k/year...

I will be the first to say that it's a lot of money and this is just me brainstorming. However, you have to see what you are getting. By 2020, there will be a dire need for primary care practitioners, so I would imagine salaries creeping up with the demand. Good luck with deciding. I already paid my deposit.

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Thanks droux and divobari for weighing in...i appreciate the positive, realistic and creative insight. Thee is a lot to consider...I have been thinking about taking the longer "less expensive" route; honestly, it doesn't seem that realistic for me. After considering how hard I would have to work (school and work) for 5-6 years, plus all the loans for cost of living I would have to take out, even if I stayed here in NM, it is comparable. The tuition may be a lot less, and I may end up with less debt, but I would be close to 40yrs old (at best) before I got to where I wanted. I will be at visiting day to catch the vibe and make sure it feels right. Looking forward to meeting all of you there!!

I also want to plant a seed --I grew up in NY and moved to NM 12 yrs ago--NM is VERY under served. There are great loan repayment programs in this state, and the scope of practice for a NP here in NM can not be beat...

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Yes thank you! Haha "small glimmer of reality" is perfect for what you described. And I forgot about interest from student loans being tax deductible.. that is really helpful. They do give you a decent chunk back each year, which I know about from undergrad.

Remember thousands of people have done this before us and I highly doubt they are sitting around regretting their decisions. I was googling a lot the other day (cause you know, I'm obsessed) and I happened upon a list of midwives at the hospital in my area that delivers the most babies, and almost half of them went to Columbia. And Boston is NOT cheap. Midwifery Practice | Staff Biographies | Brigham and Women's Hospital I'm sure this googling exercise could be done for any of our specialties. Cheers, guys! We're going to be nurses!

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Only $2,500 is tax deductible per year. And thats a deduction not a credit so it simply lowers taxable income by $2500

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I believe $3,000 of govt loans will be forgiven if you work as a nurse.

Every little bit helps.

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.
Only $2,500 is tax deductible per year. And thats a deduction not a credit so it simply lowers taxable income by $2500

I think I used "deductible". I certainly never implied that you get a tax credit. If I did, sorry.

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