Columbia SON MDE 2019

Nursing Students School Programs

Updated:   Published

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to start this thread for those who are all applying to the Columbia School of Nursing MDE program for 2019 Entry.

I figured we could all share our thoughts/ questions/ concerns here, or just use this to meet some new people ?

My name is Gurdeep, I'm from NY, and I'm a recent Grad from Binghamton University. Looking forward to meeting all of you ?

I looked directly at the camera.

5 hours ago, Barbiegirl1229 said:

I looked directly at the camera.

13 hours ago, ACoolGoose said:

Hi. I’m wondering for the video interview, can we read off from screen or should I look directly at the camera? I tried to memorize all but I always forgot/stuck...

I mean yea they can tell if ur reading off something so that’s up to you but I looked at the camera ...I only did I once because I was so fed up and nervous lol

15 hours ago, ACoolGoose said:

Hi. I’m wondering for the video interview, can we read off from screen or should I look directly at the camera? I tried to memorize all but I always forgot/stuck...

Try to practice answering the questions first and be yourself. There really is no trick here. There is no interview so the video interview replaces that and it's a way for Admissions to get to know you better.

On 10/6/2019 at 12:07 PM, Barbiegirl1229 said:

hey guys. New to this thread. I applied to Columbia coming from University of Miami and I'm just wondering how competitive it is? I've read that it has an acceptance rate of around 30%. Anyone know if this is true? My GPA is around a 3.4 so I'm not sure if that's good enough.

Columbia does try to take a holistic look at your application. One of the great things about the program is they want the cohort to have a variety of experiences and backgrounds. If your GPA is low, then try to emphasize the other things on your resume, such as a volunteer experience etc.

I can't believe we have to wait until Feb!

On 10/7/2019 at 5:43 PM, The_Salty_Cat said:

Try to practice answering the questions first and be yourself. There really is no trick here. There is no interview so the video interview replaces that and it's a way for Admissions to get to know you better.

Columbia does try to take a holistic look at your application. One of the great things about the program is they want the cohort to have a variety of experiences and backgrounds. If your GPA is low, then try to emphasize the other things on your resume, such as a volunteer experience etc.

Do you happen to know about how many Columbia graduates does NYP hire each year since it's part of the Columbia Medical center? thx

On 10/24/2019 at 1:41 PM, magicpandora said:

Do you happen to know about how many Columbia graduates does NYP hire each year since it's part of the Columbia Medical center? thx

Hi ? I don't want to confuse you so hopefully this makes sense. The school and NYP are separate entities. Columbia Nursing graduates do not automatically get hired or get preference to be hired at NYP. You are treated the same as any regular applicant.

On 10/25/2019 at 6:47 PM, The_Salty_Cat said:

Hi ? I don't want to confuse you so hopefully this makes sense. The school and NYP are separate entities. Columbia Nursing graduates do not automatically get hired or get preference to be hired at NYP. You are treated the same as any regular applicant.

Thank you for answering. In JHU, there's a new grad program for its own students something like a few hospitals (incl. JHH) can basically hire you even before you graduate and have final practicum if you meet GPA criteria and have good rec. letters. So i wonder if Columbia has something like that.

4 minutes ago, magicpandora said:

Thank you for answering. In JHU, there's a new grad program for its own students something like a few hospitals (incl. JHH) can basically hire you even before you graduate and have final practicum if you meet GPA criteria and have good rec. letters. So i wonder if Columbia has something like that.

Nope! Again, NYP doesn't give CU nursing students any preference.

hey guys. 2 questions, maybe a current student can answer:

1. Does Columbia make you sign a contract that you're promising not to work during the MDE? I know one school does, but I don't remember if it was Columbia

2. The website said that the MDE program, you don't specialize. I'm a bit confused, can anyone explain? With the MDE, it says you graduate with a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MS), but does that mean you're just an RN? or a general family practitioner? Can anyone explain? I'm confused what the differences between this program is and an Accelerated BSN if you can't specialize. Like what would the MS give you? Sorry if this a dumb question, Just want to learn what I can!

17 minutes ago, Barbiegirl1229 said:

hey guys. 2 questions, maybe a current student can answer:

1. Does Columbia make you sign a contract that you're promising not to work during the MDE? I know one school does, but I don't remember if it was Columbia

2. The website said that the MDE program, you don't specialize. I'm a bit confused, can anyone explain? With the MDE, it says you graduate with a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MS), but does that mean you're just an RN? or a general family practitioner? Can anyone explain? I'm confused what the differences between this program is and an Accelerated BSN if you can't specialize. Like what would the MS give you? Sorry if this a dumb question, Just want to learn what I can!

For Question 2, MDE stands for "Masters of Direct Entry". So the program prepares you to become an RN only. It is an accelerated MSN program, so the difference from a BSN is that you become a graduate-level RN, which is a bit higher than just a bachelor level. And you carry that MSN in your title.

Thank you. Sorry but another dumb question, but why would someone pick the MDE over an ABSN? If the result of both is an RN? (Assuming the MDE is longer and more expensive). What edge would having the Masters give?

I guess I'm confused because I know other schools, for example, Vanderbilt has an MSN program and with a Masters from their program, I believe you become a practitioner or specialized whatever.

6 minutes ago, Barbiegirl1229 said:

Thank you. Sorry but another dumb question, but why would someone pick the MDE over an ABSN? If the result of both is an RN? (Assuming the MDE is longer and more expensive). What edge would having the Masters give?

I guess I'm confused because I know other schools, for example, Vanderbilt has an MSN program and with a Masters from their program, I believe you become a practitioner or specialized whatever.

Well, for master's prepared nurses, they basically did more academic work than BSN nurses. That can be an edge to employers. Also, a lot of MSN grads go on to DNP programs, which will take them less time compared to BSN grads.

For NP programs, there's a national policy saying that all MSN prepared NP needs to now become a Doctor's prepared NP by 2020 or starting 2020. So MSN level NP is not up to the new standard anymore. So if you want to become an NP, DNP programs are highly recommended for pursuing your long term career as an NP. Otherwise, you will have to go back to school to transition to a DNP at a later time which is more work.

+ Add a Comment