Columbia ETP 2016

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Hello!

I know this is a bit early, but I'm planning to apply to the apply to the Columbia Entry to Practice Program (among a few others) this fall. I've seen similar forums for past application periods, and thought it might be nice to get one started so we can start to bounce ideas and questions off each other.

Has anyone been to an open house? Any information worth sharing?

Hey chris927, I don't think your eligible for the MDE program because your currently going for your associates right? This program is specifically for those with no nursing experience, you probably want more info on the general MS portion of the program, which would allow you to specialize immediately. That one you are definitely eligible for. In the MDE program, you will get a general MSN versus a more specialized one in family, peds, etc

Here's the link to more info on the MS programs

MS Programs | School of Nursing

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Thanks for all of the information! Even with this change, are many of you still considering the program?

I'm nervous, but excited to apply.

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I will still be applying! The change is more reflexive of what is required of nurses moving forward. Even with tons of options in Boston (where I'm from) Columbia is the only school that offers a MSN and a PhD or DNP degree in a total span of 3 years. It just makes more sense and their program sets you up to accomplish all your nursing goals

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Hi rj_gunner,

When I spoke to the admissions office, I was told the accelerated RN portion was 15 months, and that DNP portion was 3 years + 2-3 months of residency, therefore the program in total would be a minimum of 4 years. I was also told the DNP portion is not able to be accelerated and that the directed entry students had to complete the 3 year curriculum, plus the residency, in its entirety.

I know now you stated you had attended an info session and heard differently, so I am kind of confused. I will also be attending an information session sometime in August, so hopefully I can update and clarify.

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Hi rj_gunner,

When I spoke to the admissions office, I was told the accelerated RN portion was 15 months, and that DNP portion was 3 years + 2-3 months of residency, therefore the program in total would be a minimum of 4 years. I was also told the DNP portion is not able to be accelerated and that the directed entry students had to complete the 3 year curriculum, plus the residency, in its entirety.

I know now you stated you had attended an info session and heard differently, so I am kind of confused. I will also be attending an information session sometime in August, so hopefully I can update and clarify.

Hey Minttea90 :)

So your right! I didn't total the overall time but it will take 3.5-4 years. The RN portion takes 12 months for the in class/ clinical rotations (roughly June to June), before you'd be able to take the NCLEX.

I'll have to review the notes I took from the info session but I heard that DNP/PhD it was 2.5 years (roughly) of course work and a year of residency during which you will work on your thesis. Your residency will also be paid. So yes in the grand scheme of things you wouldn't be be graduating until after residency, but you'll be working and doing NP, or other advance practice work a year before graduation.

The one thing I've noticed is Columbia is the only school so far to give you a masters direct entry and DNP/PhD in a accelerated format. While the DNP portion is not accelerated, your courses throughout the entire program are complied in a way that courses that would normally be separated are linked. You'll actually be doing 1 or 2 DNP/PhD courses at the end of your RN portion of the program, putting you in advanced standing for your DNP/PhD.

That's all the info I got from the session, but I will follow up with my notes and correct any thing I may have misstated.

Also keep in mind I went to the first info session where they announced the change. So they may have finalized some parts and changed things they have said thus far. Definitely update the forum when you go, I'm sure they'll switch something up

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I've been doing some research and a lot of schools are changing up some of their programs. Some schools even have options where you can apply for their dnp programs if you have a BSN. It would just take a little longer. I was considering this route if Columbia doesn't work out.

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I'm also a little confused because online, it says that post-masters, the DNP program takes 2 years, while the post-bachelors one takes 3-4 years. (The residency included in both)

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I'm also a little confused because online, it says that post-masters, the DNP program takes 2 years, while the post-bachelors one takes 3-4 years. (The residency included in both)

Hey Flbravo,

I think this answers your question but again This is just what I gathered after reviewing the program's info online, so correct me if I'm wrong.

Post masters, a DNP would take less time, in my understanding just because you have an advance degree (any degree beyond BSN).

Columbia's BSN- DNP Option is mainly structured so people with bachelors and no advanced degree, can enter and work on their DNP's. They don't have the same educational background as masters prepared nurses. There's probably over lap between what is masters course work and doctoral course work in their DNP program. People also tend to get DNP's in the same specialty of their MSN.

That being said, it would probably still be the same amount of time, if not longer to go get a masters then a DNP, than to enter with a BSN and go from there. Either way though they are both possible paths to advanced practice.

Also, DNP and MSN programs require some amount of practice in the field (depending on which specially). This is probably the biggest reasons why DNP after earning a BSN can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years even with the residency included. You have to practice at the floor RN level in a certain setting before doing specialties like acute care, for example.

Hope this helps :)

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I will still be applying. This change is great for me because I capped out most of my federal loans during undergraduate, and there is no way I want to take out private loans to pay for this. Plus, it will be great to have the Dr. title and the autonomy this degree will bring with it. New York State changed the way NPs can practice last year, for they now provide much more independence. My end goal is to have my own practice, and this will allow it. I was at their open house last year, and I'm going again this year, and I remember the dean saying that with a Doctorate level NP license you can bill as an MD in family practice, which is what I am leaning towards. I really hope I get in next year, as I am only applying to this school and maybe Yale. Also, let's keep this thread alive so that we can update each other on our status when the time comes.

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Hello I am new to the post, I have been lurking for a while. If you all don't mind please share your stats. Mines are less than stellar, GPA 3.01 and have not taken my GRE as of yet. What do you all think my chances are we A GPA that low?

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Hello I am new to the post, I have been lurking for a while. If you all don't mind please share your stats. Mines are less than stellar, GPA 3.01 and have not taken my GRE as of yet. What do you all think my chances are we A GPA that low?

Hey hopetobeafnp

Honestly I think your chances are pretty good. At the info session they stressed that they reviewed applicants holistically, and that they're cohorts reflect a spectrum of people with really high grades, average grades, and different experiences. My GPA is lower than yours, but my prerequisite GPA is higher, at around 3.37. It really depends on your overall application, and they have one of the biggest classes for a MDE program.

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Looks like they've updated the information online. I'm headed to the info session on August 14th- anyone else going?

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