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?

Thanks for that information. I am from New York City, so I am used to the commuting. I have a question regarding the job market for Columbia grads. Since you recently graduated from the program, how difficult was it for you and other classmates to find a job in New York City? Did it take you long, or were you able to secure a position rather quickly..

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.
Thanks for that information. I am from New York City, so I am used to the commuting. I have a question regarding the job market for Columbia grads. Since you recently graduated from the program, how difficult was it for you and other classmates to find a job in New York City? Did it take you long, or were you able to secure a position rather quickly..

I hate talking about the job situation. As a new grad RN, it is hard to find a job, because of the "new-grad" issue. There is an abundance of new grads in NYC. Plus, people from all over the country and world work here, too. However, if you want a job, it is certainly possible. Some of my colleagues got jobs almost immediately(likely through connections) after passing the NCLEX, others were hired throughout the summer and fall. One ER called the school looking for a student that did a rotation there and wanted to hire him! Columbia grads have a great reputation. Some of my colleagues simply left NYC for work in other states. In the NP portion, you can either work as an RN for the experience or go straight through - without ever working as an RN. Either way, you will be able to find a job. The only specialty that I hear may be hard to find a job without experience is the Acute Care NP. The thing is to not expect your ideal job the first time around.

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Yeah, the whole "new-grad" issue is terrible for RN's. I hope that changes in the near future, as the baby boom generation starts to retire. I will make sure to keep an open mind when I am looking for my first RN position. Thanks again for your honest responses.

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Hi Divobari,

Would you mind providing some of your stats in terms of GPA/experience? This program is kind of a reach for me and I'm trying to figure out what my chances are.

Thanks and congrats!!!

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I have yet to receive an email about my application passing initial review. I'm so anxious!

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.
Hi Divobari,

Would you mind providing some of your stats in terms of GPA/experience? This program is kind of a reach for me and I'm trying to figure out what my chances are.

Thanks and congrats!!!

I will not give up personal information, BUT I can tell you that we have students who were musicians, dancers, biologists, emt, pre-med, pharm techs, vet techs, CNA, English majors, writers, speed racer, etc. They really do mean it, when they say that they look at the individual. Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much about a GPA - provided it meets the required minimum. :-) I remember GRE scores were a big concern for some. I think that they are looking for 50th percentile or above in both parts. If you score lower than 50%, it will not rule you out as a candidate. I hope that this helps. :-)

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.
Yeah, the whole "new-grad" issue is terrible for RN's. I hope that changes in the near future, as the baby boom generation starts to retire. I will make sure to keep an open mind when I am looking for my first RN position. Thanks again for your honest responses.

Yeah, it is just getting past that first year, then you will have an easier time finding a job.

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Hey, thanks for offering to talk to us! Can you tell me about a typical day in the program? I heard that it's around 8 hours straight of classes during some days. What are the classes like? What are the clinical days like? Thanks!

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Hey there,

My online application says that "application complete" with the date I submitted it, Nov 16th. I haven't received an email saying have passed initial review. I know that some of my documents arrived after that date. And I guess the admissions office reviews as completed applications come in.

Waiting waiting waiting.

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP.
Hey, thanks for offering to talk to us! Can you tell me about a typical day in the program? I heard that it's around 8 hours straight of classes during some days. What are the classes like? What are the clinical days like? Thanks!

Sorry, I'm on vacation, so I'm avoiding my computer. You are on campus from roughly 9-5 and on fridays from 9-1. Clinical is on weds and thurs, from 7-3ish. The program is a little modified, so I'm not sure how schedule differs from my experience. You will likely have weekends free - and you will need that. Overall, you will be busy and feel like you are always behind, but that is the nature of any accelerated program. Classes are a mix of lecture hall-style and smaller classes. Clinical groups are small. I hope that this answers your questions. Happy New Year!

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Any one hear back yet? ....

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No, all I got was an email saying how to fill out FAFSA for this program. This email was sent out as a general email. However, it did say they have not made any decisions as of yet, and that decisions will be made out by Feb. 15th.

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