Columbia ETP 2015

KubelkoBondy · Feb 27, 2015

I was accepted to the ETP program, but not midwifery. I had originally planned to just spend another year volunteering and re-apply next year, but am now considering choosing a new specialty.

I've been doing some research, but wondered if anyone could offer their reasoning for choosing FNP or AGNP over the other. I don't feel confident that I am understanding the distinctions between the two.

PublicHealthNurse1 · Feb 27, 2015

I was accepted to the ETP program, but not midwifery. I had originally planned to just spend another year volunteering and re-apply next year, but am now considering choosing a new specialty.
I've been doing some research, but wondered if anyone could offer their reasoning for choosing FNP or AGNP over the other. I don't feel confident that I am understanding the distinctions between the two.

Hi! I chose FNP because of the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients rather than focusing on a specific age group. I am also interested in oncology which makes FNP a more favorable option for me as opposed to psych.

PublicHealthNurse1 · Feb 27, 2015

I did not get into Yale so now I'm really doubling down on my pro/con list between Columbia and MGH. I'm dying for the financial aid info so I can assess it better.
Anyone else still unsure of Columbia?

Columbia is my first choice and my only concern was financial assistance. I've applied to Johns Hopkins' direct entry program not realizing that it's not an NP program although still a very good opportunity. I haven't received a decision from JHU.

Why are you unsure of Columbia?

NURSINGFANATIC · Feb 27, 2015

Yeah I chose FNP because you can work in a variety of places and have a variety of patients. You can also open your private practice like a primary care physician in some states. I also plan on doing oncology as a sub specialty cuz I've worked at Moffitt Cancer Center and I just love their hospitals. I may also do Nurse corps to pay of a chunk of my loan.

MissesOh · Feb 27, 2015

I did not get into Yale so now I'm really doubling down on my pro/con list between Columbia and MGH. I'm dying for the financial aid info so I can assess it better.
Anyone else still unsure of Columbia?

I am still unsure too. I am also dying for the financial aid package. Even though it seems Columbia gives out more money compared to MGH, Columbia still comes out more expensive before you end up looking for extra grants/loans. I really hate that the financial aid package comes out second week of March, which is when MGH deposit is due. I definitely didn't get MGH's "Merit Scholarship", and I don't even think they'll bother doing financial packages for people until after you pay them $500, which I also don't like.

I think it comes down to being a personal decision for YOU. What is best for you after you've made your comparison list? I'm at a draw a little bit.

Ccp123 · Feb 27, 2015

I just read through this entire blogpost from a previous ETP anesthesia student. She is from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to New York for the program.

I'll see you in the ICU!: December 2013

She posted almost weekly starting from May 2006. Her ups and downs through the BSN clinicals, her relationship with her perceptors, etc. etc. I read it all the way up to her most recent blog post in Dec 2013. And to be honest, I'm scared. Obviously there are also positive blogposts about Columbia out there, but this is the only one so far with all the details from beginning to end. I'm coming from out of state as well and to move to New York is a big change. And yes, change was the part of the reason why I applied out of state, but now with the decision deadline looming so close, I'm worried and excited at the same time.

snoozyd, NP · Feb 27, 2015

I do like Columbia's program - more psychopharm, more counseling coursework. But as someone who isn't planning on staying in NYC, and who would ultimately like to get a doctorate, I'm unsure of Columbia's value. $$$ for the BSN, MSN, and then $$$ again for the PhD or DNP? I'm probably better off going slightly less expensive for a school somewhere I already have connections in my specialty, working up my experience, then figuring out the PhD or DNP maybe at a state school. NYC also isn't my kinda town, so I'm struggling to work up much enthusiasm beyond "It's an Ivy...and they have one or two more classes than this other program."

In the long run I know I could pay it off. I've researched the different programs, but now am just trying to get in touch with grads to truly see how they felt about the value of their education. @Ccp123 - thank you for that blog post. There's not enough pragmatic advice out there when picking schools without it straight-up bashing a given program.

lexi1822 · Feb 27, 2015

Hey snoozyd -

I spoke with someone who just graduated from MGH's program with the psych specialty. She really liked the program but did say that the program doesn't focus as much on psych as it did the other specialties. However, she said she was able get hired as a PMHNP in Boston right out of graduation from one of her preceptor sites, and said she had multiple offers. Pretty awesome!

Being from California myself, I know that a lot of people out here don't know of or quickly recognize the MGH name, so I'm more drawn to Columbia for that reason (amongst many others - I love NYC, it seems like the psych specialty is really strong there with plenty of counseling experience as well, and plenty of options to choose from for preceptor sites). That's important to me. But yes, the $$$/potential debt is daunting. :/

lexi1822 · Feb 27, 2015

I just read through this entire blogpost from a previous ETP anesthesia student. She is from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to New York for the program.
I'll see you in the ICU!: December 2013
She posted almost weekly starting from May 2006. Her ups and downs through the BSN clinicals, her relationship with her perceptors, etc. etc. I read it all the way up to her most recent blog post in Dec 2013. And to be honest, I'm scared. Obviously there are also positive blogposts about Columbia out there, but this is the only one so far with all the details from beginning to end. I'm coming from out of state as well and to move to New York is a big change. And yes, change was the part of the reason why I applied out of state, but now with the decision deadline looming so close, I'm worried and excited at the same time.

Just skimmed through that blog post. Yikes. I have to say, it seems very pessimistic. In my opinion, it's about perspective and what you want to get out of the program. Plus, I have faith that the program has improved drastically since 2006. Let's hope, at least. :)

Ccp123 · Feb 27, 2015

yea I've read some other positive blogposts by some students and they are pretty uplifiting, but it was a bit shocking and depressing to read about someone else's opinions. The biggest draw to Columbia for me is definitely its name as well and strength in public health, which I aim to pursue while I'm getting the master's if doable. I'll definitely be thinking more about it.

mivsy · Feb 27, 2015

Sorry to get negative, but has anyone heard stories of Columbia over accepting and weeding people out throughout the first part of the program? Probably rumors, but would love to hear other input!

Also, anyone else accepted to OHSU for midwifery? I got in and would love to chat with others, the forum is pretty silent.

snoozyd, NP · Feb 27, 2015

Sorry to get negative, but has anyone heard stories of Columbia over accepting and weeding people out throughout the first part of the program? Probably rumors, but would love to hear other input!
Also, anyone else accepted to OHSU for midwifery? I got in and would love to chat with others, the forum is pretty silent.

I wondered that, too! I don't know if it was here or some other board where someone said they started with 160 other people for ETP and then when they graduated from their specialty (psych) there were only 9 people??? Does that mean they bailed, or is it a small specialty, or are they broken up into groups?

I've reached out to Columbia twice now asking if a current student would be willing to answer some of my questions. I haven't heard back yet. :unsure: