Columbia ETP 2016

ignisviridae · Feb 11, 2016

@ignisviridae Oh wow, I'm actually torn between Columbia and MGH as well! Decided to eliminate Emory because of the tuition fees and the fact that I'd rather be in Boston or New York than Atlanta.. Are you doing the direct-entry MSN for MGH as well? The surprising thing is that with my scholarship, the cost of attending MGH for three years is cheaper than 15-months of MDE at Columbia.. Would I be crazy to go through with Columbia even though the entire MDE/DNP program will cost me twice as much?!

I eliminated Emory for the same reasons too! I'm doing the ABSN for MGH. I feel you, I'm trying to decide of Columbia is worth copious amounts of debt over MGH! I really have no idea what to tell you! Do you think it makes a difference having a MSN vs BSN for entry level nursing jobs?

AspiringFNP30 · Feb 11, 2016

@ignisviridae How funny! I'm considering MGH's direct-entry FNP program but I wish it was possible for us to meet up over a cup of tea and discuss all of this.. haha!! I would say that if you're looking for an entry-level bedside nursing job, it won't really matter whether you have an MSN or a BSN as long as you have an RN license! So Columbia's MDE program and MGH's ABSN program should theoretically allow you to apply to the same jobs upon graduation.

Oaklandpoppy · Feb 11, 2016

Just want to add something to the conversation. First off, we have not received financial aid packages yet, so you likely will not be spending the full amount at Columbia. Nevertheless, Columbia will still likely be more expensive. However, I would like to add that while taking out, say, 200,000 in loans seems insane, once you have finished school, and have a amazing job with a great salary (DNPs do make a bit more money than NPs), the monthly payments you are making on those loans will not be that bad. Also , there are loan forgiveness programs for nurses working in certain hospitals/community clinics/areas. So there are always options. In the long run, the hefty price tag may not be that big of a deal for a superior education and receiving the "gold standard" degree.

ignisviridae · Feb 11, 2016

@Oaklandpoppy, I definitely agree, that's why it's so hard to decide now! MGH is due by tomorrow. The thing is, I have a friend who went through the ABSN/MSN Columbia program (she's just finishing it now) and she said they give a max of 25k for need based financial aid. I don't know how likely I am to get merit financial aid, so 78 - 103 k is around what we can expect. At the least, that's a cool 50k more than what I'd pay at MGH. So I'm stuck wondering, is Columbia worth that extra 50ish k in debt especially since I'm only going in for the MDE part? I'm honestly on the fence.

Oaklandpoppy · Feb 12, 2016

If you are only planning to be a RN then it probably is not worth it. I would say it's more worth it for those who plan to go into advanced practice. If you want to be a DNP it's probably the best option out there.

emara9 · Feb 12, 2016

I agree with Oaklandpoppy on that one as well- just going into the MDE portion may not be worth the extra cash over MGH. Another thing to think about is career years- if you're young than MAYBE it's worth the extra cost, but it kind of sounds like your decision might be made on that one :)

I got into MGH as well, but really don't know much about the program. I spent most of my time researching UCSF and Columbia and kinda added some others in later on if they granted me an NP certificate :sarcastic: . I'll probably only consider it if I don't get into UCSF (correct me if I'm wrong on this and should potentially consider!). The more I look into this the more I'm getting convinced on the MSN vs. DNP issue. I'm only 24, I have a long career ahead of me, so maybe it is more worth it to get the DNP... Or if I decide later the PhD instead of DNP. I love how many options Columbia gives me, and I'm basically set for life after getting a degree from there, but my heart has been set on UCSF (which I haven't heard from) so it's freaking me out to consider NYC now!

fatimaurquilla1 · Feb 12, 2016

I agree with the above posts, if you want to be a bedside RN, then maybe the hefty price of the MDE is not ideal.

I'm waitlisted to Columbia, but I would go there in a heartbeat despite the cost because 1. Shortest MSN program out there so I can get into the workforce faster. 2. My ultimate goal is to become a DNP (I applied to the MDE only track) so I feel that a masters level education from an R1 institution will give me a competitive edge when I do apply for dnp programs. 3. They have an internal application cycle for the DNP if I do want to continue on immediately after MSN.

I have been accepted to a ABSN with half the cost, but I still think the MSN is my way to go. Again, that is my own experience and based on my long term goals AND based on the schools I applied to. A lot of you guys have been accepted already to an NP program, so that is a tough choice. (NP is my goal D: )

Sewells09 · Feb 12, 2016

Hi all. I was waitlisted for the MDE program. I also plan to go for my DNP. Fingers crossed that space opens up!

hummingbirdheartbeat · Feb 12, 2016

Does anyone know if not having the BSN degree will hurt us in the future?

Letstalknursing · Feb 12, 2016

Fatimaurquilla and all other people wailisted. I saw that you asked somewhere about waiting. I too am waitlisted. I guess it's better than a denial right. But I called admissions to ask what's going to happen with the people on wailisted. He said they are trying really hard t work with us too and do something. So let's be hopefully In sha Allah

So he also said after March he would let us to know.

amk1990 · Feb 12, 2016

Just put down my deposit / accepted my spot. Hoping they come out with financial aid packages soon though!

AspiringFNP30 · Feb 12, 2016

Does anyone know if not having the BSN degree will hurt us in the future?

I think that if you want to be a NP and not just an RN, the lack of a BSN degree will not hurt your future prospects in any way. Especially because you will be doing (I'm assuming) the DNP or another accelerated MSN program, you will have all the qualifications necessary to be an advanced practice nurse.