Columbia MDE Nursing

Rrschanger · Jul 17, 2015

I'm looking into this program also! I have not applied because it says the application will open up in August. It seems like a full-time program (so you may not be able to work or only work per diem), however, I am talking to an admissions officer on Monday and will let you know what they say. My main concern is will it prepare me for the NCLEX. And 2: would other DNP programs (outside of Columbia) accept this masters since it isn't an MSN technically. It might be better to do an ABSN in that case.

My story, in case you're interested: I will be taking A&PI at BMCC to start my pre-reqs this fall. Next semester, I will do A&P II and micro. I'm trying to see if I can do nutrition in the winter as an intensive. Oh, and this is while I am finishing up my MBA and working full time! (Wish me luck!) Yeah, bad timing to decide my career path but after getting more entrenched into business and the MBA, I find it not very fulfilling. Who knows what it could be useful for later on =\

toriamist · Jul 22, 2015

THank you for your reply~!! MBA will really come useful as a NP in the future for management jobs~ (I believe so) in the hospitals~ and I am also currently trying to take my pre-reqs right now as well--- while I am finishing up my Masters too~ :) My biggest worry is that I need to work as part of finishing and getting a license from my program but the fact that I wont be able to even work part-time~ is getting to me~ Have you heard anything from the admission office about being able to work part time?

And also I think that this masters (is tech like BSN) and does prepare us for the NCLEX to be RN's--- and then DNP (as NP) I heard since now they are trying to make a shift with degrees in accepting NP with DNP~ and not MA -NP-- not sure of the full details in how this will lead out--- but let me know if u have any updates and what specialty are you looking to go into?

Rrschanger · Jul 23, 2015

Goodluck to you too! I did speak to an admissions person there. Feel free to call them as they do make appointments during the week. Here's some of what I found out:

- They do not recommend working during the program. He said you could do part time (although it is not advised), but he suggests even less (per diem) if you absolutely need to work.

- The tuition, not including fees and books, is around 95,000! Financial Aid on a need basis is available upto 25,000. About 70% of students get the full 25,000. The rest get some amount up to that 25,000 but you'll need to fill out the fafsa.

- This program will prepare you for the NCLEX exam. The DNP program they have you go into is also full time though (it's 3-4 days/week)

- You'll get an MSN at the end of the program, but you can't specialize. It's a general MSN in care coordination which is basically like management (which for me is a turnoff)

- The classes can be taken online, however, personally I wouldn't do that since many other ABSN programs require in-person lectures and you may want to keep you options open.

My end goal is to be be an FNP and start my own practice. I guess the MBA will come in handy since I'll have a bit more business skills. I don't really want to work under anyone as my end goal ... I'm also looking into Pace's ABSN for Spring 2017. It's about $34,000 cheaper, 3 months less, and I can always get my DNP part time a little later on once I gain some experience. Let me know if you have any other questions!

toriamist · Jul 23, 2015

Thank you so much for your reply. I already signed up for info session, is that what you mean by taking appointments or is that something eles, like a more detailed version of info session?

And also when you say general care coordination do you mean like regular Bsn programs, arent all nursing programs for getting license RN a care coordination program? Like absn or asn or bsn? Or are there different types, whatndo you mean specialty? Arent specialty in NP programs, so in this case the DPN specialty in psychiatry or etc?

Also what do you think about this program going straight to.DPN, in terms of experience.and how others view our skills?

Thank you again~ in advance â™¡

Rrschanger · Jul 24, 2015

I actually called them and spoke to an admissions person over the phone for half an hour. You can also go in directly if you have the time. I believe they're available Monday-Wednesday by appointment and Thursday and Friday by walk-in. I spoke to someone name Naveed. He was really knowledgeable about the program. I suggest you go to their contact page and give them a call and ask to speak to him or some other admissions person.

As for the MSN in general care coordination, it's basically an MSN with no specialization. Many MSN programs let you do nurse anesthesia, MSN-FNP, or some other specialization but I guess since this is direct entry, they won't let you specialize.

In my own opinion, I'm not sure going from MSN straight to DNP would be wise for people like us who don't have experience. We can have all the degrees in the world, but if there's no experience after the BSN or MSN, I'm not sure how helpful a DNP would be unless you plan on opening up your own practice.

lindsayfs · Dec 11, 2015

I applied to the MDE program and just got the email that my application has made it through round 1 and is complete!

jmathieu1105 · Feb 17, 2016

Did anyone get accepted to the MDE program at Columbia University?

Bchaney · Mar 16, 2016

Hey y'all,

I was accepted off the waitlist just this morning, and this puts me in a difficult place. I'm very grateful and excited for the opportunity and it is an exceptional program, but I have my reservations. I am OK with an MSN without any specialization, it is actually what I would prefer so I can get a few years of experience under my belt before I decide on NP, management, or otherwise. BUT, the length of the program does scare me a bit. 15 months vs a 27 month program for Pacific Lutheran University, which ultimately gives you another year on top of your core NCLEX prep classes. These are my two choices.

I'm mostly worried about clinical hours and not getting enough experience; but, then again, a degree from Columbia and having an NY State license (especially the liscence) could be hugely beneficial. Having a MSN specialty in Care and Outcomes manager is very focused on management, and I am more looking for hands-on, at least in the first decade of my career as a nurse.

I'm being told by an NP and PA I work with that an Ivy league degree will make no difference at this point. Maybe down the line for NP or certification, but not for an MSN without specialization.

For me, it all comes down to the intensity and thoroughness of the programs. I want to be a dynamic nurse with many opportunities, and I don't want to run myself into too much debt in the process, though it is inevitable. 27 months at PLU would be about 80,000 total while it looks like 15 months in NY with tuition would be more around 110,000.

I am on the fence, because I feel like Tacoma would be a great environment for learning while NYC would be distracting and intense (especially for an accelerated 15 month program). I think I need to know more about how much is loaded onto for the MDE program. I'll be contacting the liaison at CU for that.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? I need to make this decision in the next couple weeks. I'm thinking of flying out to NY next week for their MDE visit day to ask more of these questions, but only if I'm on the fence. Right now I'm 70 PLU 30 CU. I don't want to make the wrong decison! I have relatives in NYC and no one in Tacoma.

myginou · Apr 8, 2016

Oh Wow Congrats!!! your fears are quite valid. I too was worrying about the same thing as far as the workload goes. did anyone else here got accepted off the wait list? I was placed on the waist list but never got a call, guess it didn't work out.

sara21 · May 27, 2016

May I ask what was your overall GPA? I'm thinking about applying but I'm worried that my GPA is not up to par. Does anyone know what is the cutoff GPA? I know they look at everything but I would like a better idea of what my GPA should be.

jskeds · Sep 20, 2016

I hope you didn't pick columbia. it is the worst mistake I (and everyone else in my cohort) ever made. Unfortunately, people don't speak out about the absolute wretchedness of the program because we all fear retribution from the school.