Is Columbia the right CRNA Program

[IfLifeGivesYouLemons]

I am having a difficult time choosing a CRNA program in part due to the cost and in part due to having a partner that does not have a flexible profession and I am reaching out to the forum to see if anyone has some insight that I have not considered.

I have been accepted at Columbia as well as other more affordable but less well known programs and I am trying to decide if it is worth it due to the cost of a Columbia degree plus the cost of living in the city. Does having a Columbia Degree as a CRNA really elevate one professionally? I have heard about people getting contracts with hospitals that pay for their schooling at other programs, but does this happen at Columbia as well? I am really trying to think of a way that I can reduce my debt and still make it work. Am I better off having $40-50,000 less in debt at another program? Does anyone know of any scholarships available to CRNAs? I have looked into NURSE CORPS loan repayment as well as the scholarship as viable options, but maybe there is an untapped resource I am unaware of? I look forward to hearing some thoughts - sorry if this is a little rambling. Working nights plus overthinking this big decision has been a little scatterbrained and I am hoping to gain some focus here. Thanks so much.

[IfLifeGivesYouLemons, CRNA]

This was very helpful. Thanks so much!

[Polaccrn]

Thanks for your help. Very helpful. I apologize to everyone for deviating from the discussion. Good luck with your school and afterwards!

[Fashionandrive]

First, congrats IfLifeGivesYouLemons, I certainly agree getting into any CRNA program is already a BIG achievement. For someone who has a luxury to choose from - even more so.

Not to discourage others who are going to Columbia, but I've heard very bad things about their CRNA program from a recent graduate.

That person does not recommend this school and shared some troubling information with me cause I was interested myself. I wish there were more input from other CRNA graduates on this site, but I guess people are not likely to share any negative details about the program they invested in.

From what I was told, teaching quality of this program was poor, ppl leaving in the middle of the class to study on their own, very subjective grading, no sound policy about how they grade your clinicals, and no support from the faculty, - so much for ivy league school.

Also, despite the competitive selection process, there were incompetent students in the class with little to no knowledge about basic ICU stuff. The most daunting thing I've learned - students being pushed out or leaving on their own after completing several semesters there - total waste of money and time!

To tell the truth, I would still apply there, although with less expectations I guess. This sounds scary, but it is the only school in the city, and I don't want to relocate. Rutgers is the only better alternative in the area, but even less chance to get there.

On the money side, NY is certainly too expensive for a full-time student. If you willing to relocate here, I believe the cost will be higher than anywhere else you pick. Me and my spouse are thinking to move from NY to NJ in the next 5 years because the cost of living in the city is crazy and continues to rise.

Btw, when choosing from CRNA schools, you may find their program rankings to be helpful at allcrnaschools.com; I believe they are coming from the real graduates. Hope this helps.

[IfLifeGivesYouLemons, CRNA]

Thanks for the feedback I have heard a mix of good and bad. But I don't think it's on my short list anymore. Good luck!

[IfLifeGivesYouLemons, CRNA]

Update to everyone who was nice enough to give me their feedback: I declined at Columbia today - a really tough choice to come to. I will be most likely attending Westminster College's program in SLC! Very excited about being a part of a small and personalized program. I'm sure there's someone out there that was wait listed and will be very happy to have my spot in Columbia's program! Best of luck to all.