Columbia University-ETP

freyalisa · Feb 9, 2009

It was mostly from that one poster, who was just saying it was "STUPID" to get a NURSING degree at Columbia, because as an NP or RN you can always get a job no matter what school you went to, and it wasn't worth having the $1000 or more a month loan payment for it. That getting into Columbia NURSING school wasn't hard, or special, and etc., etc. Then alternately there were others saying how hard it was to find a job, and etc.

I have to remember there is only a very small portion of actual ETP graduates or attendees who post here, so what i'm hearing hopefully isn't the "TYPICAL" Response, but for someone who is very nervous already about the financial commitment, it just freaked me out! Yikes!

freyalisa · Feb 9, 2009

I just want to see MORE positive feedback!!!! Where are all those people!?!?

mribera1 · Feb 9, 2009

I don't think it's that hard for nurses to find jobs - whether they graduate from an expensive school like columbia or from any other school. I am willing to pay the money for Columbia because I feel that it is totally worth it - I think cheaper schools are a little more competitive because they are cheaper and those who attend will get a job regardless - but many things about Columbia lead me to believe that the education will be better. That aside - I attended a lot of open houses for different nursing school and Columbia was BY FAR the most welcoming in every way - the faculty was nice, the environment felt right - it was great! I really feel like it's worth it - also two of my clients know graduates of the nursing program who loved it and got great jobs at the end of it all. Let's not let those posts get us down - as long as we all stick together once we're there I am sure we will have a great class and really enjoy our time there.

freyalisa · Feb 9, 2009

You are so right! Thank you for being so optimistic. It is good to hear what you thought of the open houses. I think my interactions with staff have been positive as well.

On a funny side - there was a "mixup" with the acceptance letters last year too apparently, where acceptance letters with the wrong names on them got sent to the "right" people. Hmmm...i thought that was amusing.

bibzz · Feb 9, 2009

I am also got accepted into ANP program in Columbia for Summer 2009. I know exactly what you are talking about in terms of the financial commitment for going to Columbia. But, if you guys thinks about it, we will be taking our NCLEX exam in May and if we can start working right away full time, we could make 65k-75k per year. We also get a small amount of scholarship 22k the first year and 10k the second year in your MS phase(only for full student though).

freyalisa · Feb 9, 2009

I just need some rest and a fresh perspective in the morning. It is just a lot to think about, and I feel like I don't have a lot of time to plan. Aaaah!! :coollook:

Hey Bibzz - i'm ANP too! Yay! I feel like i don't see a lot of ANP on this thread.

Tanguera, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 9, 2009

Yeah I posted a whiles back to the forum from previous ETPers and they had a mixed bag. I went to a lot of open houses also and talked to a lot of people (and continue to do so in the hospital where I do research) but it's true, you'll always find people saying different things about the same program. I do think it's important to listen to all of it, the good and the bad, and make a decision from there.

In my mind I think I'm already set on Columbia for a variety of reasons, but I also want to make sure it is the right fit for me in the end. Perhaps those people that have a lot of negative things to say just didn't find the right fit for them.

That said, if you are keeping your ears and eyes open, if there are many people who have similar complaints about a certain program, that should raise a red flag. I was hanging out with a lot of NYU Accelerated BSN students last year who each told me not to go to NYU. It was disheartening, but after a while you also realize that if everyone has similar concerns, it's probably not just the individual.

So, although there are negative posts, there are also positive posts about ETP and I am trying to read both viewpoints with an open mind.

freyalisa · Feb 9, 2009

Tanguera - I am going to try to do the same. It can just be hard to hear the negative, because I want to do this so badly, but I also want to make sure I'm making a good choice. I think i'll feel better once I've attended Visitors Day and spend the weekend around campus! All is not yet lost :)

Midwife2012 · Feb 9, 2009

You can take Micro with Univ of Phoenix, Environmental Micro, they have one starting at the end of the month I believe. Thats the one I plan to take. Send me a message if you want the contact number for the advisor. Otherwise, Univ of Rochester might have an online one.

Midwife2012 · Feb 9, 2009

Question for my ETP peeps-- is anyone retaking a prereq?? i have to retake or test out of a Microbiology class before May 27. They wouldn't take my food microbiology (@##@%#!!!)... and i haven't opened a science book in over a decade!!!! any advice on how the best way to tackle this microbio course?

You can take Micro with Univ of Phoenix, Environmental Micro, they have one starting at the end of the month I believe. Thats the one I plan to take. Send me a message if you want the contact number for the advisor. Otherwise, Univ of Rochester might have an online one.

Midwife2012 · Feb 9, 2009

Hi Midwife2012 - The financial part is really a sad thing to think about. I don't mind to take loan either, but worrying that I might not find a good job after it. By any chance, do you know anything about the certificated nurse midwife's employment rate? is it competitive to find a job in that area?

As far as I know, Midwives are much more prominent in rural areas. I live in Charlotte currently and I see a Midwife and I know others that do as well. Jose told me that NY is not a great market bc people prefer OB/GYN. Overall, they have peaks and valleys historically. Thats why I like the dual aspect of the program with women's health, many more options in terms of where you want to settle down. I think its on the rise though, because people are discovering a birthing center is more cost effective than a hospital and Midwives don't come with the hefty price tags that docs do for a hospital. I am interested in anyone else's take on it...

stiejunky · Feb 9, 2009

Hi midwife 2012,

I checked out the Microbiology at U of Phoenix, it's outrageously expensive!! do you know how long it is? will it be done in time for matriculation? I'd much rather test out of it for like 5X less money at Excelsior- which is what jose recommended. Gosh- dunno what to do!!!!???