Direct Entry MSN 2020 at Columbia University

Amanda G · Jul 18, 2020

It’s actually not that expensive! It’s 350$ per credit I think. The website has the information for tuition.

57 minutes ago, ME_Future NP said:
I took AP I, II and micro, those 3 classes were fine, no real complaints. There are module (chapter) tests as well as lab test. For the labs, you have to watch a video, take notes and take a test based on the video. The good thing is that you can use your notes for lab tests. I am currently taking Chemistry, not a Columbia requirement, but other nursing programs require it and this class has been a nightmare. Portage now requires you to download a program called lockdown browser and they require you to turn on your camera during exams. It’s an annoying process because there are glitches with the program and overall, I just think it’s annoying to be recorded while you’re taking a test.

Hi thank you so much for this information!! Are you allowed to complete the class at any time of the day for the OPEN program or is it a specific meeting time? And I have used lockdown browser before at my undergrad school and I feel your pain with that!

Nurse luckynp · Jul 18, 2020

And to chime in we are also

recorded while taking exams so welcome to the club @Amanda G.

millie2827 · Jul 19, 2020

Hi guys!

I'm applying to the MDE program for Summer 2021. I have heard a lot of great things about this program but also a lot of not so great things. I've also had a hard time getting answers back from admissions so I'm a little stressed about that side of things.

I know it's just the first semester and you're all taking classes online, but how have you enjoyed your experience in the classroom so far? And have you had a lot of issues admin-wise?

Thanks so much!

momo90, MSN · Jul 19, 2020

@millie2827 I am a current MDE student in the cohort that just began in June. For me, I would say it has been a really mixed bag. It's hard to differentiate which aspects are being negatively impacted by COVID/confronting pandemic of racism in America, and what aspects are actual shortcomings of the Columbia program. I will say that everything I had heard about the program as far as the first Summer being intense, the disorganization, etc., has all been true. We don't even have our one day a week of clinical and it still feels like more work than we can reasonably keep up with, there's a lot of teaching ourselves (though I have heard this is common in nursing/medical programs). I have all As so far (fingers crossed, still have finals) but I am exhausted by the amount of time I have to spend teaching myself the material and I feel like the pace doesn't allow for deep learning, more "get through the exam and move on" style learning. Having said that, I know we ARE learning a lot and it's all in my brain somewhere, it just doesn't feel like it!

There's a LOT of frustration amongst the cohort about how things are going, but I think a lot of that anger and frustration is related to not knowing what is going to happen for fall and Spring and the stress of adapting to this program which is really intended for in-person instruction to an online format. I think Columbia has fallen far short in their online programming. The school is responsive to feedback but I find myself wishing there weren't so many issues to provide "feedback" on.

The choice of which schools to apply for and attend are really so personal so if you have specific areas you'd like to know about, I'm happy to try to answer questions. I know for me personally, I already lived in NYC and wanted to get through my DNP as quickly as possible so I chose Columbia. But that decision was made pre-pandemic/s, and knowing what I know now, I might have opted to move out of the city and attend a program that was a tiny bit slower but maybe more thorough. However hindsight is 20/20 and I can't compare the education to other programs, they may all be this way for all I know! I definitely wouldn't say don't apply to Columbia, ultimately I hope it gets better and have heard that it does, especially during the DNP portion for those who continue on. It's just been a bit rough going for now. A member of a previous cohort described the MDE program as boot camp for nurses. Just get through it! I hope and expect that things will be more straightforward for the next cohort, and maybe you guys will even get to be in-person by then!

Again, happy to answer any specific questions you may have if I can.

Amanda G · Jul 19, 2020

Also regarding the OPEN program, what do you mean by modules? Do you complete the assignments by certain deadlines or are there Zoom lectures?

ME_Future NP · Jul 20, 2020

5 hours ago, Amanda G said:
Also regarding the OPEN program, what do you mean by modules? Do you complete the assignments by certain deadlines or are there Zoom lectures?

IDK the specifics of the OPEN program besides the info that’s available on the website. I’m familiar when Portage Learning because I have taken 4 classes via Portage. Portage has modules aka chapters. You basically teach yourself. Within the modules, there are videos in which the instructor reviews the material.

icedmatchalatte · Jul 20, 2020

Hey everyone! I am planning on applying this upcoming cycle and was wondering if anyone is comfortable with sharing their stats? I've been a little anxious about that to be honest and would love to know if anyone does not mind sharing!

millie2827 · Jul 22, 2020

On 7/19/2020 at 3:13 PM, momo90 said:
@millie2827 I am a current MDE student in the cohort that just began in June. For me, I would say it has been a really mixed bag. It's hard to differentiate which aspects are being negatively impacted by COVID/confronting pandemic of racism in America, and what aspects are actual shortcomings of the Columbia program. I will say that everything I had heard about the program as far as the first Summer being intense, the disorganization, etc., has all been true. We don't even have our one day a week of clinical and it still feels like more work than we can reasonably keep up with, there's a lot of teaching ourselves (though I have heard this is common in nursing/medical programs). I have all As so far (fingers crossed, still have finals) but I am exhausted by the amount of time I have to spend teaching myself the material and I feel like the pace doesn't allow for deep learning, more "get through the exam and move on" style learning. Having said that, I know we ARE learning a lot and it's all in my brain somewhere, it just doesn't feel like it!
There's a LOT of frustration amongst the cohort about how things are going, but I think a lot of that anger and frustration is related to not knowing what is going to happen for fall and Spring and the stress of adapting to this program which is really intended for in-person instruction to an online format. I think Columbia has fallen far short in their online programming. The school is responsive to feedback but I find myself wishing there weren't so many issues to provide "feedback" on.
The choice of which schools to apply for and attend are really so personal so if you have specific areas you'd like to know about, I'm happy to try to answer questions. I know for me personally, I already lived in NYC and wanted to get through my DNP as quickly as possible so I chose Columbia. But that decision was made pre-pandemic/s, and knowing what I know now, I might have opted to move out of the city and attend a program that was a tiny bit slower but maybe more thorough. However hindsight is 20/20 and I can't compare the education to other programs, they may all be this way for all I know! I definitely wouldn't say don't apply to Columbia, ultimately I hope it gets better and have heard that it does, especially during the DNP portion for those who continue on. It's just been a bit rough going for now. A member of a previous cohort described the MDE program as boot camp for nurses. Just get through it! I hope and expect that things will be more straightforward for the next cohort, and maybe you guys will even get to be in-person by then!
Again, happy to answer any specific questions you may have if I can.

@momo90 This was incredibly helpful, thank you so much! I'm in a similar situation - I already live in New York and want to get through school at a fairly fast pace. You've given me a lot to think about, thanks for the honest take!

momo90, MSN · Jul 22, 2020

Hi @millie2827 glad I can help. I was exactly where you are a year ago. Everything is changing so fast right now, especially given that you're in NYC, definitely still check out Columbia because who knows what it will be like next year. One thing I didn't mention above is that everyone keeps telling me that the Columbia/Ivy League name and school ranking will open doors down the road for jobs and other opportunities. I can't say first-hand because I'm obviously not at that point yet, but people definitely seem impressed when they find out, so that's something to consider!

I also wish I had looked into NYUs program a bit more. I had heard good things about it from other nurses but could never find an info-session to attend so I scrapped it.

Good luck to you and definitely let us know if you have more questions!

momo90, MSN · Jul 22, 2020

On 7/20/2020 at 1:08 AM, matchaicedlatte said:
Hey everyone! I am planning on applying this upcoming cycle and was wondering if anyone is comfortable with sharing their stats? I've been a little anxious about that to be honest and would love to know if anyone does not mind sharing!

I had a 4.0 pre-req GPA, a 3.96 undergrad GPA but from a non-traditional program (I finished my degree part-time while working), 4 years of ER volunteering, and working full time throughout.

It's probably not going to help your anxiety to hear this, but as long as you meet the minimum requirements that Columbia has for GPA, pre-reqs, etc., I don't think stats matter very much to admissions. The cohort is extremely diverse as far as backgrounds go. There's definitely people who came in with the minimum GPA who are doing very well, people who had zero or close to zero medical experience, people who have been out of school for a long time, and new grads. The biggest thing is being yourself in the application essay and video. They really want to know who you are as an individual and what brought you to this inflection point.

I totally get the anxiousness and I felt it too! But rest assured that once you're here, you will be great. The amount of work we have is overwhelming, but the "difficulty" is similar to pre-requisite classes, and they definitely know this is an "entry to practice" program so they don't expect us all to be biochemical experts!

micho · Jul 27, 2020

Hi!

I was wondering if any current MDE/DNP students would be willing to read over my personal statement, as well as my essay on social justice.

TP0917 · Jul 28, 2020

Hi guys,

I am applying to the MDE/DNP program for family medicine and Columbia is honestly my dream school. However, after reading all these posts in literally every single MDE Columbia forum LOL, I am starting to have a few concerns and I would really appreciate it if someone could address them...

1. First, the MDE/DNP program seems super super expensive. For those of you who are currently in the program, do you think the price is worth it? And does Columbia give a lot of scholarships or any full scholarships? Also, did Columbia reduce tuition since you guys are now online?

2. I am a new grad from a good research university, and I was just wondering how Columbia’s rigor and coursework compare to undergraduate programs? Do you guys have time for yourself, and time to participate in Columbia's extracurriculars?

3. Do you know if we have to pay extra for the global initiative's program and if that is worth it?

I apologize for the number of questions I asked LOL I know it is a lot. I am just really anxious because Columbia is definitely my top school, and it is pretty much the only one I am even focusing on atm (I am applying to 5 other programs). I just want to make sure that I am making a smart decision by applying here and possibly dedicating 4 years of my life and 200k+ in loans for this degree/school.