Columbia School of Nursing

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Hi: I was wondering if anyone knew more about the nursing program at Columbia. Yes, I know it is very expensive, but would like to know if it EXtremely difficult to get in? How competitive is it?

Specializes in NICU.
Hi: I was wondering if anyone knew more about the nursing program at Columbia. Yes, I know it is very expensive, but would like to know if it EXtremely difficult to get in? How competitive is it?

The only thing I can speak to is the Entry To Practice program for non-nurse college graduates (72 more days to go!) My best estimate based on what I was told at the visiting day is that they receive around 5000 apps for around 150 spots. Competitiveness also has a lot to do with your specialty. My numbers were around 3.2gpa (I say 'around' because UC Santa Cruz didn't use grades when I went) and 740v/670q/5aw GREs. I got rejected from both UCSF and UPenn. You're right that it is VERY expensive - the pre-licensure phase (1st year) tuition and living expenses come to 85 thousand. They do have a pretty good financial aid situation, but still. You do the first year - sciences, clinical rotations, and then a nine-week "integration" where you shadow one RN, full time, working her schedule. Then if your profs say it's okay you sit for the NCLEX. For the CRNA and NNP tracks you then have to work full-time for one or two years, respectively, the others you go straight into master's level studies. At the end you have a Master's degree and are eligible to sit for NP certification.

ETA: You have to have a Bachelor's degree to do the program, and at the end of the first year you get a BSN.

edit: sorry for any inconvenience--just realized you have to go directly from BSN to NA School--I'm thinking I'll need a year or two of ICU experience. :)

Take care,

Tanya

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