Columbia School of Nursing MDE 2018

The_Salty_Cat · Feb 18, 2018

Okay everyone, here we go. I wanted to share a post about my reasoning to why I am committing to Columbia, so that everyone here can weigh their options and assess their situations with some more perspective and clarity. I am very happy that I was accepted here, and that will skew my bias a little, so keep that in mind. This post will probably also be a little longer than most, so whip out your reading glasses.
1.) Prestige. Columbia is an ivy-league institution. Coming from a state school, I could not be more thrilled to be attending such a prestigious school. While many prior posts noted that employers only care about the RN status when job hunting, having Columbia on your resume is an attention-grabber and I do believe it will help you stand out, if push comes to shove. Columbia's reputation will also help you move up the job ladder if that is something that you are interested in doing.
2.) Location. Columbia is one of the only ivy-league schools that exists in a diverse, urban environment, which I thought was amazingly important. I do believe medical professionals need to be trained in culturally-competent care, and Columbia exists in a space where you can train with diverse communities. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for all nursing schools. I do believe that being trained in a diverse environment will make you a stronger and more well-rounded clinician. I also do believe that studying in a big city can offer students more resources and opportunities, not necessarily from the school, but from the city itself. I also love the idea of living in NYC, and that you can manage a strong social life outside of school. It's the city that never sleeps!
3.) Degrees Conferred. This was a big plus for me. In my case, Columbia was one of the only schools that offered an MSN+DNP collectively. I did not want to go back to school later in my life, so it made a lot of sense to earn a terminal degree and be done within 4 years. This would also be in my benefit in the future, as NPs are being pushed to earn their doctorates. This would ensure that I would be as equally-qualified as many of my future colleagues in the workforce, when MSN-prepared NPs begin to diminish.
4.) Coming Out Of Columbia. This was the final hurrah for me. I really thought about who I would be, coming out of Columbia four years later, in comparison to someone who would be coming out of another nursing program. I'll be using Yale's GEPN program as my comparison point (no shade to Yale students, they are all very smart/talented). Graduates at Yale walk out with their MSN and I believe a semester of NP experience from a residency alongside any clubs/organizations they took part in. From what I understood, they are not really encouraged to work, as their degree is not conferred until the end of the program (again, no shade to Yale, let me know if I am wrong in this). At the end of my time at Columbia, I would have an MSN and a DNP, I would have 1 year of NP experience (through the residency) and I would have atleast 1 year of RN experience (after your MDE year, Columbia encourages you to work, which I plan to do). This would also be supported by any clubs/organizations I took part in. So ON PAPER, if a Yale student and a Columbia student applied to the same position, chances are that the Columbia student would be the stronger candidate, as I would have more experience (both as an RN and NP) and academically (MSN+DNP vs MSN). I can't reiterate that I am not throwing shade to Yale. This comparison draws similar results to mostly all other programs, so I knew walking away, Columbia would set me up for success at the front of the pack. This would also allow for me to actually apply to jobs that require a year of NP experience, which would open up a lot more doors for me as a job candidate, which means that I would essentially be able to apply to jobs that I actually wanted, in comparison to jobs that I would only take to build experience.
So those are my little points. Just like many of you, I am very weary of the cost of the program, and while I refuse to dismiss the gravity of taking out loans, I understand that this is an investment in my future. When you complete the program, you will earn enough money to pay these loans off, and then continue to a very comfortable lifestyle. The only advice that I would tell people about loans is to not worry too much about them, do not let them influence your studies and experiences at Columbia. They will get paid off when you start working, do not worry about that. Focus more on your studies and your life in NYC as a Columbia student! I am totally willing to have a civilized discussion about any of my points, or if anyone has any questions/clarifications. Congrats to all of you MDE and MDE/DNP students, and I hope to see you all soon!

I completely agree! Thank you for this!

fnptobe123 · Feb 18, 2018

Does anyone know if merit scholarships offered for MDE portion are also continued to those in the MDE/DNP? I couldn't find any info on it in the financial aid award letter, but I really wouldn't see why it wouldn't apply to the DNP years also and if it applied annually. Any clarification would help! Thanks!!

Lolly415NP · Feb 18, 2018

Okay everyone, here we go. I wanted to share a post about my reasoning to why I am committing to Columbia, so that everyone here can weigh their options and assess their situations with some more perspective and clarity. I am very happy that I was accepted here, and that will skew my bias a little, so keep that in mind. This post will probably also be a little longer than most, so whip out your reading glasses.
1.) Prestige. Columbia is an ivy-league institution. Coming from a state school, I could not be more thrilled to be attending such a prestigious school. While many prior posts noted that employers only care about the RN status when job hunting, having Columbia on your resume is an attention-grabber and I do believe it will help you stand out, if push comes to shove. Columbia's reputation will also help you move up the job ladder if that is something that you are interested in doing.
2.) Location. Columbia is one of the only ivy-league schools that exists in a diverse, urban environment, which I thought was amazingly important. I do believe medical professionals need to be trained in culturally-competent care, and Columbia exists in a space where you can train with diverse communities. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for all nursing schools. I do believe that being trained in a diverse environment will make you a stronger and more well-rounded clinician. I also do believe that studying in a big city can offer students more resources and opportunities, not necessarily from the school, but from the city itself. I also love the idea of living in NYC, and that you can manage a strong social life outside of school. It's the city that never sleeps!
3.) Degrees Conferred. This was a big plus for me. In my case, Columbia was one of the only schools that offered an MSN+DNP collectively. I did not want to go back to school later in my life, so it made a lot of sense to earn a terminal degree and be done within 4 years. This would also be in my benefit in the future, as NPs are being pushed to earn their doctorates. This would ensure that I would be as equally-qualified as many of my future colleagues in the workforce, when MSN-prepared NPs begin to diminish.
4.) Coming Out Of Columbia. This was the final hurrah for me. I really thought about who I would be, coming out of Columbia four years later, in comparison to someone who would be coming out of another nursing program. I'll be using Yale's GEPN program as my comparison point (no shade to Yale students, they are all very smart/talented). Graduates at Yale walk out with their MSN and I believe a semester of NP experience from a residency alongside any clubs/organizations they took part in. From what I understood, they are not really encouraged to work, as their degree is not conferred until the end of the program (again, no shade to Yale, let me know if I am wrong in this). At the end of my time at Columbia, I would have an MSN and a DNP, I would have 1 year of NP experience (through the residency) and I would have atleast 1 year of RN experience (after your MDE year, Columbia encourages you to work, which I plan to do). This would also be supported by any clubs/organizations I took part in. So ON PAPER, if a Yale student and a Columbia student applied to the same position, chances are that the Columbia student would be the stronger candidate, as I would have more experience (both as an RN and NP) and academically (MSN+DNP vs MSN). I can't reiterate enough that I am not throwing shade at Yale. This comparison draws similar results to mostly all other programs, so I knew walking away, Columbia would set me up for success at the front of the pack. This would also allow for me to actually apply to jobs that require a year of NP experience, which would open up a lot more doors for me as a job candidate, which means that I would essentially be able to apply to jobs that I actually wanted, in comparison to jobs that I would only take to build experience.
So those are my little points. Just like many of you, I am very weary of the cost of the program, and while I refuse to dismiss the gravity of taking out loans, I understand that this is an investment in my future. When you complete the program, you will earn enough money to pay these loans off, and then continue to a very comfortable lifestyle. The only advice that I would tell people about loans is to not worry too much about them, do not let them influence your studies and experiences at Columbia. They will get paid off when you start working, do not worry about that. Focus more on your studies and your life in NYC as a Columbia student! I am totally willing to have a civilized discussion about any of my points, or if anyone has any questions/clarifications. Congrats to all of you MDE and MDE/DNP students, and I hope to see you all soon!

Yes to all of this. I look forward to meeting you too!

TeachEm, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2018

Does anyone know if merit scholarships offered for MDE portion are also continued to those in the MDE/DNP? I couldn't find any info on it in the financial aid award letter, but I really wouldn't see why it wouldn't apply to the DNP years also and if it applied annually. Any clarification would help! Thanks!!

From my understanding, the merit scholarship only accounts for this academic year (summer/fall/spring). You would have to reapply for financial aid in 2019 for the last portion of the MDE as well as the DNP portions.

qbcd08 · Feb 18, 2018

Okay everyone, here we go. I wanted to share a post about my reasoning to why I am committing to Columbia, so that everyone here can weigh their options and assess their situations with some more perspective and clarity. I am very happy that I was accepted here, and that will skew my bias a little, so keep that in mind. This post will probably also be a little longer than most, so whip out your reading glasses.
1.) Prestige. Columbia is an ivy-league institution. Coming from a state school, I could not be more thrilled to be attending such a prestigious school. While many prior posts noted that employers only care about the RN status when job hunting, having Columbia on your resume is an attention-grabber and I do believe it will help you stand out, if push comes to shove. Columbia's reputation will also help you move up the job ladder if that is something that you are interested in doing.
2.) Location. Columbia is one of the only ivy-league schools that exists in a diverse, urban environment, which I thought was amazingly important. I do believe medical professionals need to be trained in culturally-competent care, and Columbia exists in a space where you can train with diverse communities. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for all nursing schools. I do believe that being trained in a diverse environment will make you a stronger and more well-rounded clinician. I also do believe that studying in a big city can offer students more resources and opportunities, not necessarily from the school, but from the city itself. I also love the idea of living in NYC, and that you can manage a strong social life outside of school. It's the city that never sleeps!
3.) Degrees Conferred. This was a big plus for me. In my case, Columbia was one of the only schools that offered an MSN+DNP collectively. I did not want to go back to school later in my life, so it made a lot of sense to earn a terminal degree and be done within 4 years. This would also be in my benefit in the future, as NPs are being pushed to earn their doctorates. This would ensure that I would be as equally-qualified as many of my future colleagues in the workforce, when MSN-prepared NPs begin to diminish.
4.) Coming Out Of Columbia. This was the final hurrah for me. I really thought about who I would be, coming out of Columbia four years later, in comparison to someone who would be coming out of another nursing program. I'll be using Yale's GEPN program as my comparison point (no shade to Yale students, they are all very smart/talented). Graduates at Yale walk out with their MSN and I believe a semester of NP experience from a residency alongside any clubs/organizations they took part in. From what I understood, they are not really encouraged to work, as their degree is not conferred until the end of the program (again, no shade to Yale, let me know if I am wrong in this). At the end of my time at Columbia, I would have an MSN and a DNP, I would have 1 year of NP experience (through the residency) and I would have atleast 1 year of RN experience (after your MDE year, Columbia encourages you to work, which I plan to do). This would also be supported by any clubs/organizations I took part in. So ON PAPER, if a Yale student and a Columbia student applied to the same position, chances are that the Columbia student would be the stronger candidate, as I would have more experience (both as an RN and NP) and academically (MSN+DNP vs MSN). I can't reiterate enough that I am not throwing shade at Yale. This comparison draws similar results to mostly all other programs, so I knew walking away, Columbia would set me up for success at the front of the pack. This would also allow for me to actually apply to jobs that require a year of NP experience, which would open up a lot more doors for me as a job candidate, which means that I would essentially be able to apply to jobs that I actually wanted, in comparison to jobs that I would only take to build experience.
So those are my little points. Just like many of you, I am very weary of the cost of the program, and while I refuse to dismiss the gravity of taking out loans, I understand that this is an investment in my future. When you complete the program, you will earn enough money to pay these loans off, and then continue to a very comfortable lifestyle. The only advice that I would tell people about loans is to not worry too much about them, do not let them influence your studies and experiences at Columbia. They will get paid off when you start working, do not worry about that. Focus more on your studies and your life in NYC as a Columbia student! I am totally willing to have a civilized discussion about any of my points, or if anyone has any questions/clarifications. Congrats to all of you MDE and MDE/DNP students, and I hope to see you all soon!

I was considering these same points as well. I believe Columbia has very good clinical sites as well. If price wasn't a factor, I'd definitely still stick with Columbia, but I'm not so sure now. With the scholarship I received from MGH, the cost of Columbia is 177k more (215k in tuition w/ MDE+DNP scholarships subtracted vs 38k in tuition with scholarship subtracted). They're both good programs, but I'm seriously torn and not sure which one to lean towards!

TeachEm, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2018

I was considering these same points as well. I believe Columbia has very good clinical sites as well. If price wasn't a factor, I'd definitely still stick with Columbia, but I'm not so sure now. With the scholarship I received from MGH, the cost of Columbia is 177k more (215k in tuition w/ MDE+DNP scholarships subtracted vs 38k in tuition with scholarship subtracted). They're both good programs, but I'm seriously torn and not sure which one to lean towards!

Tuition is a big factor, given that MGH's tuition is around 5 times less than Columbia's! I can't really tell you which one is right/better, but just keep in mind that each of these factors carry different weights for different people. You may care a lot more about your financial debt than prestige and such, and that is totally fair! Just make a decision that you won't regret, and be fully committed to your decision. Best of luck, and congratulations on the scholarship!

Jsbinnyc · Feb 18, 2018

Good morning future RNs & NPs!

For those of you who are still on the fence about Columbia, I wanted to provide some insight as to why I made my decision to continue my education at Columbia.

I am currently finishing my second degree at Columbia this semester, and I have never been as "in love" with a school the way I am with Columbia. I have attended state schools and private colleges of all sizes with little to no or stellar reputations, but Columbia stands above them all and that has to do with the community of the school.

In my academic history, I can't ever remember (before Columbia) feeling so supported and challenged by the same institution. Columbia offers the student so many ways to engage not only with their respective area of study, but also each other. Never once at Columbia have I ever felt like a number, but instead I have always been made to feel welcome and valued, and that my voice in the classroom or on a panel made a difference in those around me.

So why do I want to be a FNP? To

Make a difference in the lives of those around me in my community. Why do I want to learn this at Columbia? Because Columbia takes a holistic view of the people in their community. Columbia embraces diversity, applauds different ideas and never makes anyone feel that they are "lucky" to be here, rather that they consider themselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to add your voice to their academic conversations.

Ultimately, I am staying at Columbia because I'm not done with my time at Columbia. The cost is higher than other schools, but Columbia is not just another school. I understand we all need to weigh the pros and cons of each offer, but for me Columbia offers so much more than a $25,000 savings or a faster turn around. In graduate school you can either learn from the people who teach the books, or learn from the people who write them. Columbia's professors are leaders that are nationally and internationally renown in our respective fields.

Loan repayments are an inevitability for us all and as such, we want to be competitive as job candidates when we graduate. With the MSN DNP from an Ivy-League institution like Columbia, you'll have that edge. The clinical and paid-residency provides you ample experience to leave school with real working experience as well as connections for your next step. Many students at Columbia are offered position during their residency because what is a residency if not a year-long job interview, where you are exposed to many potential employers.

There are many excellent school out there and each with its own personality, gifts and offerings. I in no way have written this to cast aspersions on those schools but only to illuminate why I think Columbia is so special in its own right. I wish you continued success wherever you decide to attend, and thank you for hearing my thoughts.

Best, JSB

healthpeanuts · Feb 18, 2018

Hey guys! I was accepted into the MDE/DNP acute care track, and was wondering if we will get acceptance packages in the mail? (IE folders and official letters?)

Jsbinnyc · Feb 18, 2018

For our undergrad programs we did...I am not sure about SON.

qbcd08 · Feb 18, 2018

Do you know if the paid residency during the last year for the DNP is working as an RN or working as an NP?

TeachEm, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2018

Do you know if the paid residency during the last year for the DNP is working as an RN or working as an NP?

It is as an NP I believe. That's what makes the last year super valuable.

The_Salty_Cat · Feb 18, 2018

Do you know if the paid residency during the last year for the DNP is working as an RN or working as an NP?

It's NP. There's no residency for RN.